Audi's Stunning Goodwood Reveal: Rebirth of a 16-Cylinder Auto Union Marvel
The automotive world often treats us to remarkable unveilings, but Audi has outdone itself at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The crowd’s collective gasp wasn’t for a brand-new model or a futuristic concept, but for a rebirth—a car that history nearly forgot: the Auto Union Type 52. Of course, we need to tip our hats to Crosthwaite & Gardner, the British firm tasked with reviving this legendary speedster that never saw the light of day in its original form.
The Legend of Type 52
The Type 52 was designed as a road-legal sibling to Auto Union’s formidable 1930s grand prix racers. Picture a street-going version of a 1930s McLaren F1, complete with a mid-engine configuration and a staggering 16-cylinder heart. Initially envisioned in collaboration with Ferdinand Porsche, this supercar was supposed to transform track performance into Autobahn supremacy. But alas, the German 'Schnellsportswagen' as it was known, was stymied by more than just paper constraints and was scrapped before production ever began.
Hands Behind the Revival
Crosthwaite & Gardner isn’t a stranger to resurrecting automotive legends. Known for their meticulous recreations of various Auto Union racers, they were the natural choice for this ambitious project. Commissioned by Audi and propelled by meticulous research and historical documents, they set out to complete what was initially just a concept in the 1930s.
Engineering Excellence
The Type 52 was meant to feature a 4.4-liter V16 engine, coaxed into delivering around 197 horsepower with the help of a supercharger. While that may not sound intimidating today, in the 1930s it was enough to target a top speed of 124 mph, putting it in the same league as some of the fastest cars of its time. However, Crosthwaite & Gardner didn't just replicate; they upgraded. Their final version houses a 6.0-liter, supercharged V16, drawn from the design of the 1936 Type C racers.
In a remarkable twist, this mighty engine now unleashes 513 hp, a figure even modern high-performance cars would envy. The upgraded powertrain also utilizes a special methanol fuel blend to maximize performance. Given its specifications, we can only imagine the sheer thrill of racing it against today's speed monsters.
Design Evolutions
In recreating the Type 52, Audi and the builders had to diverge from the original plans to accommodate the more modern, powerful engine and improved suspension. This necessitated extending the wheelbase, moving from 3,000 mm (118.1 inches) to 3,315 mm (130.5 inches). Such adjustments are proof that even when reliving the past, innovation can't be held back.
Interior Luxury
Step inside, and you’ll notice immediately that the Type 52 departs from its race-car roots in favor of luxury. Its cockpit is a stark contrast to the straightforward interiors of Auto Union’s grand prix legends. Although the rear doors might create an illusion of rows of seating, the layout is more driver-focused, with the central seat slightly staggered ahead of the two passenger seats to its sides, mimicking an original three-seat layout inspired by modern supercars.
A One-Off Dream
Although Audi claims that the Type 52 is a one-off masterpiece, the allure of this historical and mechanical marvel might be too tempting for a few select billionaires frequenting Goodwood this year. Their wallets could turn this unique project into an ultra-limited series, further enriching the lineage of Auto Union and Audi heritage.
This resurrection from Audi isn’t just a celebration of automotive history; it’s a masterpiece of modern engineering meeting historical ambition. If you find yourself at Goodwood, don’t miss this glimpse into what could have been and what now wonderfully is.