photo Audi 90 Quattro IMSAGTO (1989) from photo-voiture.motorlegend.com
The Birth of the Audi 90 IMSA GTO
In the late 1980s, Audi decided to enter the IMSA GTO (International Motor Sports Association Grand Touring Prototype) racing series in the United States. The company had already enjoyed success in European touring car racing, but the IMSA GTO series was a new challenge. Audi's engineers set to work on developing a car that would be competitive in the series, and the result was the Audi 90 IMSA GTO.
The Design of the Audi 90 IMSA GTO
The Audi 90 IMSA GTO was based on the production Audi 90 Quattro sedan, but it was heavily modified for racing. The car had a shortened wheelbase and a wider track, and the body was made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber and Kevlar. The front and rear fenders were flared to accommodate wider tires, and the car had a large rear wing for downforce.
The Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Audi 90 IMSA GTO was powered by a turbocharged 2.2-liter inline-five engine. The engine was capable of producing over 700 horsepower, which was sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The car was capable of reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over 3 seconds.
The Audi 90 IMSA GTO in Racing
The Audi 90 IMSA GTO made its racing debut in the 1989 IMSA GTO series. The car was immediately competitive, winning its first race at Sears Point Raceway in California. Over the course of the season, the Audi 90 IMSA GTO won six of the 13 races and secured the IMSA GTO Manufacturer's Championship for Audi.
The Legacy of the Audi 90 IMSA GTO
The Audi 90 IMSA GTO was a dominant force in the IMSA GTO series in 1989, and it helped establish Audi as a serious contender in American motorsports. The car's success also helped pave the way for Audi's later success in sports car racing, including multiple victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The End of the Audi 90 IMSA GTO
Despite its success in the 1989 IMSA GTO series, the Audi 90 IMSA GTO was only used for one season. IMSA changed the rules for the series in 1990, and the Audi 90 IMSA GTO was no longer eligible to race. However, the car's legacy lives on, and it is still considered one of the most iconic race cars of its time.
Collecting the Audi 90 IMSA GTO
Today, the Audi 90 IMSA GTO is a highly sought-after collector's item. Only four of the cars were ever built, and they rarely come up for sale. When they do, they can fetch prices in the millions of dollars. The Audi 90 IMSA GTO is a true icon of motorsports history, and its rarity and success in racing make it a prized possession for any collector.
Conclusion
The Audi 90 IMSA GTO was a true legend of its time. The car's dominance in the 1989 IMSA GTO series helped establish Audi as a major player in American motorsports, and its success paved the way for future triumphs at the highest levels of sports car racing. Today, the Audi 90 IMSA GTO is a highly sought-after collector's item and a testament to the engineering prowess and racing heritage of Audi.
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