Trabant with an Audi TT AWD Powertrain

The Trabant was produced in East Germany by VEB Sachsenring from 1957-1990 and continued until 1991. The early models came with either a 500 cc or 600 cc two-stroke engine. This particular Trabant has been completely rebuilt around an Audi AWD powertrain.

Arek Winiarski from Poland originally purchased this Trabant with a 600 cc two-stroke two-cylinder engine 14 years ago. He then began the long journey to the car you see now. The 0.6 L was swapped for a 1.1 L inline-four and then a 1.3 L. That gave way to a 1.6 L inline-four and then a 2.0 L GTI engine.

The Trabant now holds a 1.8 L 20v BAM inline-four taken from a 2001 Audi TT. The factory turbocharged engine produces 222 hp and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque but thanks to Bosch 500 cc injectors, JR forged pistons and a bigger Gregor10 K04 hybrid turbocharger it produces 301 hp and 383 Nm (282 lb-ft) of torque.

Arek did stop at the engine. He swapped over the entire Audi TT drivetrain as well. This includes the six-speed manual transmission and Haldex “Quattro” four-wheel drive system. This helps the little sedan to reach 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and 0-200 kph (124 mph) in 15.5 seconds.

For more photos please view Artur OWsiany’s photo album.

Source: Trabant Turbo Quattro FB page via ESD reader Piotr