Home » Audi Shocks Goodwood with a Stunning 16-Cylinder Supercar Resurrection from the 1930s

Audi 16-Cylinder Supercar At Goodwood

Audi has revived the Auto Union Type 52, a 16-cylinder supercar based on a 1930s design, for the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car features a 6.0-liter engine producing 512 horsepower, a unique three-seat cabin, and an aerodynamic body. Built using original documents, this one-off creation pays homage to Auto Union’s racing heritage.

Audi has unveiled the Auto Union Type 52 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, reviving a long-lost racer from the 1930s. Using original documents from its development, Audi built the Type 52 in 2023, bringing to life a car that never reached production. This unique creation features a 16-cylinder engine, reminiscent of Auto Union’s dominant Silver Arrow race cars, and boasts a three-seat cabin.

Audi 16-Cylinder Supercar Exterior Design

The Audi’s 16-cylinder Supercar, known as the Auto Union Type 52, showcases an aerodynamic body with rounded fenders and a teardrop shape. Measuring 212 inches in length, the car features a large grille, a roof, headlights, and cargo space, distinguishing it from its racing counterparts. The sleek design and historical accuracy make it a standout at the festival.

Interior Features

Inside, the Type 52 offers a unique three-seat configuration, with the driver seated in the middle and two passengers slightly offset behind. This design is similar to the layout of the McLaren F1. The interior, inspired by Auto Union race cars, combines vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, although original interior specifications were scarce.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the Audi 16-cylinder Supercar is a 6.0-liter 16-cylinder engine borrowed from the Auto Union Type C. Unlike the original concept, this engine produces an unrestricted 512 horsepower and runs on a special methanol mixture. This powerplant delivers an estimated top speed of 124 mph, embodying the high-performance legacy of the Silver Arrow race cars.

Audi 16-Cylinder Supercar
Audi 16-Cylinder Supercar

Competition

While most automakers at the Goodwood Festival of Speed display their latest high-tech innovations, Audi chose to showcase a piece of automotive history. The Type 52’s 16-cylinder engine and unique design set it apart from contemporary supercars, offering a nostalgic nod to the engineering prowess of the 1930s.

Building the Type 52

Using archived documents, Audi collaborated with historic race car specialists Crosthwaite and Gardiner to build the Type 52. Every piece of the car was custom-made and handcrafted. Adjustments were necessary, such as lengthening the wheelbase to fit the front suspension, engine, and transmission. The final product, painted in Cellulose Silver like the Grand Prix racers, remains true to the original vision with modern enhancements.

Driving Experience

This one-off creation will participate in the hill climb at Goodwood, driven by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and two-time Le Mans victor Hans-Joachim Stuck. Their expertise will bring the Audi 16-cylinder Supercar to life, showcasing its performance and historical significance.

User Intent and Market Positioning

For enthusiasts and potential buyers, the Audi 16-cylinder Supercar represents a rare blend of historical authenticity and modern engineering. While the Type 52 is a unique project with no planned production, it highlights Audi’s commitment to celebrating its heritage. The car’s performance and design elements offer a glimpse into the past while delivering thrilling modern capabilities.

By reviving the Auto Union Type 52, Audi has not only honored its history but also demonstrated the timeless appeal of its engineering excellence. The Audi 16-cylinder Supercar stands as a testament to the brand’s innovative spirit and dedication to preserving automotive legends.

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