Audi Resurrects 1930s Auto Union Type 52 Supercar with 512bhp V16 Engine

At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Audi surprised everyone with a car straight out of its history books. The Auto Union Type 52, nicknamed the Schnellsportswagen (German for 'fast sports car'), was a collaboration between Auto Union (Audi's predecessor) and legendary designer Ferdinand Porsche. Conceived as a road-legal counterpart to Auto Union's dominant Grand Prix racers, the Type 52 featured a three-seat layout and a mid-engine design, anticipating the revolutionary McLaren F1, which wouldn't appear for another 60 years. In 2024, Audi's team brought the Type 52 to life, staying true to the original design. While it does have a few changes, such as a slightly longer wheelbase for a bigger engine, the essence of the 1930s concept remains intact.

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Auto Union Type 52: Design

To revive the Type 52, Audi collaborated with Crosthwaite & Gardner, a renowned British company known for restoring classic cars. This reborn vehicle incorporates parts from the iconic Silver Arrows and features a mid-mounted engine within a ladder frame chassis.

The aerodynamic design includes smooth fenders, a teardrop silhouette, and a bold grille. Unlike its racing counterparts, the Type 52 comes equipped with a roof, headlights, and even cargo space, with room for two spare tyres for unexpected situations on the road.

Auto Union Type 52: Interior

The Type 52 defies expectations with its unique three-seat configuration. The driver sits centrally, flanked by two slightly recessed passenger seats. Despite the presence of rear doors, the massive V16 engine dominates the rear, highlighting the car’s driver-focused design.

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Auto Union Type 52: Engine

Initial design specifications for the Type 52 called for a 4.4-litre V16 engine, similar to the unit found in the 1934 Type A race cars. Detuned for road use, this engine was projected to deliver a respectable 197bhp with the aid of a supercharger.

However, Crosthwaite & Gardner, given their in-depth knowledge of Auto Union's historical engineering marvels, took a more ambitious approach. They meticulously recreated the 6.0-litre V16 engine from the 1936 Type C race car. This supercharged powerhouse boasts a remarkable 512bhp, ensuring an exhilarating performance that remains competitive even by contemporary standards.

While the Type 52 remains a one-off creation, it stands as an inspiration for future generations of car enthusiasts and a testament to the incredible ingenuity that defined the pre-war era of motorsport.