2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52

2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52: A Historic Reveal

The 2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52, a street-legal sports car version of the legendary 1930s Grand Prix race cars, makes its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This long-awaited reveal showcases Audi's dedication to honoring its motorsport heritage.

• The 2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52, a street-legal sports car version of the 1930s Grand Prix race cars, debuts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
• Auto Union AG, formed from the merger of Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, aimed to create a formidable motorsports contender under the 750 kg formula in the early 1930s.
• The Auto Union Type 52 was designed for long-distance races like the Mille Miglia and endurance competitions at Spa-Francorchamps or Le Mans.
• The Type 52 features a ladder frame with a mid-mounted 16-cylinder engine, running on regular gasoline and producing around 200 PS and 436 Nm of torque.
• Audi commissioned Crosthwaite & Gardner to build the Type 52 using surviving documents and sketches, resulting in a model over five meters long.
• The car includes features such as an overhead roof, headlights, and luggage space, designed for both sporty dynamics and everyday usability.
• The suspension system uses longitudinal torsion spring suspension combined with hydraulic dampers, and drum brakes are used on all four wire wheels.
• Stefan Trauf, Head of Audi Tradition, expressed excitement about presenting the Auto Union Type 52 at Goodwood, highlighting its design and technological innovation.
• Hans-Joachim Stuck, who will drive the Type 52 at Goodwood, praised the car's sound and design, continuing the legacy of his father, Hans Stuck.
• The 2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52 is the closest approximation to the original Schnellsportwagen concept, bringing to life a dream imagined 90 years ago.

Historical Context and Development

The Auto Union Type 52 was envisioned by Auto Union AG, formed from the merger of Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. The company aimed to create a formidable motorsports contender under the new 750 kg formula, resulting in the development of the Auto Union Type A. By 1933, work on the Type 22 began, and in 1934, Hans Stuck set a world record with it. This era marked the birth of the Silver Arrows legend.

Innovative Design and Engineering

Auto Union's decision to place the engine behind the driver was a revolutionary step that remains a standard in Formula One today. The Type 52, intended for long-distance races like the Mille Miglia and endurance competitions at Spa-Francorchamps or Le Mans, was designed for both sporty dynamics and everyday usability.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The Type 52 featured a ladder frame with a mid-mounted 16-cylinder engine. Engineers reduced the compression to allow the car to run on regular gasoline, resulting in around 200 PS and a maximum torque of 436 Nm. The calculated top speed was approximately 200 km/h, making it one of the most powerful street-legal vehicles of its time.

Building the Auto Union Type 52

Audi commissioned Crosthwaite & Gardner to build the Type 52 using surviving documents and sketches. The finished model, over five meters long, reflects optimal aerodynamics and maximum performance. Designed with everyday usability in mind, it includes features such as an overhead roof, headlights, and luggage space.

Interior and Technical Solutions

The driver sits centrally with rear passenger seats slightly offset. The car's total weight is 1,750 kilograms, with an unladen weight of 1,300 kilograms. The suspension features longitudinal torsion spring suspension combined with hydraulic dampers, and the fuel tank was relocated under the seats. Drum brakes are used on all four wire wheels.

Challenges in Building the Type 52

The absence of a finished model meant that Audi Tradition and Crosthwaite & Gardiner had to make informed decisions based on available documents. The wheelbase was lengthened, and modern interpretations of colors and fabrics were used. The car is finished in Cellulose Silver, inspired by the race cars of the era. The engine, a 16-cylinder from the Auto Union Type C, runs on a special methanol mixture, ensuring compatibility with the Grand Prix race cars.

Conclusion

The 2023 Audi Auto Union Type 52 is the closest approximation to the original Schnellsportwagen concept, bringing to life a dream that was imagined 90 years ago. This model is a testament to Audi's commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich motorsport history.

Source

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