Audi Realizes Long-Lost Dream by Constructing 1930s 16-Cylinder Super Sedan

The Auto Union Type 52: A Lost Legend Brought to Life

In the 1930s, Auto Union, the predecessor to modern-day Audi, conceived an ambitious 16-cylinder sports sedan known as the Auto Union Type 52. Despite its revolutionary design, this vehicle was never built. Fast forward ninety years, and Audi has resurrected this engineering marvel, showcasing it at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Birth of a Legend

In 1932, Auto Union emerged from the merger of four brands: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, each symbolized by the four rings of the Audi logo. The company aimed to create a high-performance road car, the Type 52, or Schnellsportwagen, featuring a mid-mounted supercharged V-16 engine, derived from the Auto Union Type A race car. The engine displaced 4.3 liters and was engineered to run on regular gasoline with reduced boost, promising exceptional performance for its time, with a projected top speed of 124 mph.

Design and Engineering Prowess

Ferdinand Porsche, who would later establish his car brand, collaborated with Auto Union in designing the Type 52. The car featured a 5-speed transmission also used in Auto Union’s race cars. However, the original racing car’s transverse leaf springs and friction dampers were replaced with more advanced longitudinal torsion spring suspension and hydraulic dampers, enhancing ride comfort and handling.

Though incredibly innovative, the project was halted in 1935, leaving the automotive world bereft of what could have been a game-changing vehicle.

Revival in the Modern Era

Audi partnered with Crosthwaite & Gardner, a UK-based firm specializing in historic car restoration, to bring the Type 52 to life. The modern version swaps the original engine for a 6.0-liter supercharged V-16 reminiscent of the 1936 Auto Union Type C race car. This engine uses a fuel mix of 50% methanol, 40% super unleaded gasoline, and 10% toluene, significantly boosting the power output from the intended 197 hp to a staggering 512 hp.

Enhanced Dimensions and Practicality

The reimagined Type 52 features a longer wheelbase, necessary to accommodate the advanced drivetrain and suspension systems. This vehicle, stretching over 16 feet in length, is spacious enough to seat three people, including the centrally positioned driver—akin to the McLaren F1—and accommodate luggage and two spare tires.

Debut at Goodwood

The Auto Union Type 52 will be showcased at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car will be driven by renowned racers Tom Kristensen, a nine-time Le Mans winner, and Hans-Joachim Stuck, whose father, Hans Stuck, famously drove Auto Union grand prix cars in the 1930s.

Conclusion

The Auto Union Type 52 is a testament to visionary automotive engineering. Originally stymied by the constraints of its era, Audi’s revival of this extraordinary vehicle provides a tangible link to an innovative past, while showcasing modern engineering expertise. The Type 52’s debut at Goodwood will not only celebrate its historical significance but also highlight the enduring legacy of Auto Union’s ambitious designs. Stay tuned for more updates and insights at automotive.fyi.