Audi's Ultimate V16 Vision: The Type 52 Super Sedan Unveiled After 90 Years
In a highly anticipated reveal at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Audi has taken a bold leap into its storied past, showcasing the breathtaking Type 52 'Schnellsportwagen'. Originally envisioned as a road-going variant of the revered Auto Union Silver Arrow racers, this V16-powered sedan never saw production—until now.
Resurrecting a Legend
The Auto Union Silver Arrows hold a prestigious place in racing history, famed for their cutting-edge design and powerful 16-cylinder engines. Yet, the lesser-known Type 52 was meant to bring this racetrack ferocity to the road, blending the best of Grand Prix engineering with luxury and endurance capabilities. Conceived in the 1930s alongside Auto Union's race cars, the project aimed to offer affluent customers a vehicle that could not only dominate Le Mans or Spa-Francorchamps but also grace the streets with unprecedented style.
Despite its promising concept, the Type 52 project was shelved in 1935 and largely forgotten. The car never advanced beyond the design stages due to numerous factors, including the tumultuous political and economic landscape of the time.
A Dream Revived
In a remarkable twist of fate, Audi Tradition has resurrected this dream in collaboration with renowned restoration specialists Crosthwaite & Gardner. Using original plans, sketches, and enduring passion, the Type 52 was meticulously built from scratch. This modern recreation faithfully adheres to the initial vision, incorporating the 16-cylinder 4.4-liter engine designed originally for the Type 22 racer.
Although the compression has been reduced to operate on regular gasoline, the power figures remain awe-inspiring: 197 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque. Such outputs, coupled with the Type 52's five-speed manual transmission, hinted at top speeds of 124 mph—mind-boggling for its era.
The Inner Workings
The innovation didn't stop at the engine. Built on a ladder frame chassis with a mid-mounted engine, the Type 52's design principles—though vastly different—can be likened to modern high-performance sedans like the Audi S8. This contemporary sedan, like its spiritual predecessor, marries luxury with blistering pace, embodying a lineage of performance and elegance.
The interior of the Type 52 is an ode to classic luxury, featuring ivory-colored dials set into rich walnut wood trim. Through the large three-spoke steering wheel, drivers can admire the exquisite craftsmanship evident in every detail, from the metal finishes on the pedals and gear lever to the suspended seats that harken back to Auto Union's race cars.
Weighing just 2,866 lbs, the Type 52's lightweight chassis sports drum brakes housed behind pristine wire wheels and a suspension system that utilizes a longitudinal torsion spring with hydraulic dampers—a nod to its racing heritage.
Making Its Dramatic Debut
For its grand premiere, the Type 52 will be driven at Goodwood by Hans-Joachim 'Strietzel' Stuck, son of legendary Auto Union racer Hans Stuck. This homage not only bridges generations but also reignites a passion for Audi's historical engineering prowess.
The meticulous reconstruction involved some necessary adaptations due to the loss of original documents during World War II. Changes include a lengthened wheelbase and an interior reimagined with modern fabrics while retaining vintage aesthetics.
In showcasing the Type 52, Audi offers a profound tribute to an era defined by ambitious automotive innovation. This magnificent machine, once a mere figment of imagination, now stands as a tangible testament to dreamers and engineers who dared to blend luxury with unprecedented speed.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary addition to automotive history as the Auto Union Type 52 makes its stunning debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, reminding us all of the marvels that lie in the intersection of tradition and technology.