In 1980, a car that was set to change the automobile engineering world forever went on public display for the first time.

Precisely 25 years later, at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show, Audi will present its ultimate modern-day quattro vehicle, the new Audi Q7 SUV.

On March 3, 1980 the first Audi quattro was shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Before long, the many competition successes achieved by this model established a heritage of success that has remained undimmed by time.

The birth of the first quattro is a tale of initial driving tests in the snow and of a brilliant piece of technical thinking – the use of a hollow shaft in the gearbox to transmit the drive to the front and rear axles. With the concept refined by the addition of a centre differential between the axles, later to use the "Torsen" (or torque-sensing) principle, the first quattro went on sale in late 1980.

This coupe model with its sharp-edged styling became an immediate best seller. Thanks to its permanent all-wheel drive and 200-bhp, five-cylinder turbocharged engine, it was able to offer sporty high performance in a fascinating, revolutionary form.

Between 1982 and 1984, the quattro won four world rally championship titles, and the exploits of its now legendary drivers have remained unforgotten to this day. Following these successes on loose-surfaced sand and gravel tracks, the manufacturer's competition department concentrated on circuit racing – on racetracks - and here too the supremacy of the quattro permanent all-wheel-drive principle was patently obvious. The Audi quattro drivers collected all the most prestigious trophies in Australia, the USA and in Europe.

As the years wore on, the 'original quattro' grew into an entire family of roadgoing all-wheel-drive models, and today this technology represents one of the brand's most substantial foundations.

In the 25 years up to the end of 2004, Audi built 1,815,396 quattro vehicles, and the current model program includes 74 versions with all-wheel drive.

Thanks to thorough technical updating, the reputation of the quattro all-wheel driveline is today stronger and more active then ever before. 'quattro' stands not just for traction, but also for emotive appeal, safe driving and dynamism. The quattro models in the Audi range are both a driving force for the brand and an integral element of its innovative technology.

Audi's new Q7 SUV – the very latest quattro model - is the company's first large, upright SUV, combining sportiness and versatility with sophisticated technology and effortless luxury. It is expected to significantly boost sales for the company in Australia following its September 2006 introduction.

The unveiling of the new Q7 in Sydney in October will be the first time the vehicle is seen in the metal outside Europe. It will be flown to Australia immediately following its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

When the Q7 is launched locally, two engines will be available including the company's exceptional V6 3.0 TDI powerplant and a high-performance V8 4.2 FSI petrol engine.

On the road the Q7 excels with the performance and driving dynamics of a sports car and its off-road capabilities are excellent in its category. Outwardly, the Q7 makes no secret of its dynamic qualities, whilst under the bonnet it has the technology to match – on any road and in all conditions.

From a design standpoint, the Audi Q7 sets new trends. Characteristic Audi dynamism is reflected in the broad curve of the roof line and the distinctive high body surface in relation to the flat window area. The dynamic sweep of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-posts fashion a coupé-like silhouette.

Equally typical of the current Audi formal idiom are the shoulder line and dynamic line, which define the side section. The paintwork option of two contrasting body colours creates a particularly striking look.

With a length of 5,086 millimetres and a wheelbase of exactly 3,002 millimetres (width: 1,983 mm / height 1,737 mm), the Q7 takes the lead in the SUV contest.

Occupants will benefit from the comfort of incomparable spaciousness and a new dimension in versatility with no less than 28 seating and loading configurations possible in the Q7.

Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in three rows of forward-facing seats. The Audi Q7 will be on display at the Audi stand in Hall 5 from 13 – 23 October 2005 at the Australian International Motor Show.