Source: Audi Media Center
Convertible reminiscent of Auto Union Type 52
Back to the time when the Auto Union Type 52 was conceived: Auto Union AG, which was formed in 1932 from the merger of the Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer companies, became involved in motorsport at an early stage in order to make its new company logo, the four rings, internationally known. Also in 1932, the regulations for the new 750 kg formula were published, which were to apply to the Grand Prix competitions from 1934 to 1936. In 1933, Auto Union AG commissioned Ferdinand Porsche’s design office in Stuttgart to develop a racing car based on this 750 kg formula.
Source: Audi Media Center
Sporty dynamics and suitability for everyday use
As early as the end of 1933, the Porsche design office produced the first design sketches, which took on more concrete form in the course of 1934. Those responsible for the project also decided to build a test car – although as far as we know today, this never actually took place. The project was discontinued in the course of 1935, and all traces of it are lost in the Audi and Porsche archives.
Auto Union Type 52
A real high-speed sports car
Until then, however, the developers put a lot of groundbreaking work on paper based on the technology of the Grand Prix racer developed at the same time: the chassis of the Auto Union Type 52 was designed as a ladder frame with a mid-engine. The drive unit from the Auto Union Type 22 was used, but the compression of the powerful 16-cylinder engine was reduced so that the car could run on normal gasoline. At the same time, the technicians reduced the ratio of the Roots compressor. The engine in the Auto Union Type 52 is said to produce around 200 hp from a displacement of 4.4 liters at 3,650 rpm. Its maximum torque of 4,450 cmkg (436 Nm) is available at a moderate 2,250 rpm. Although this is less powerful than the Grand Prix cars, the performance of around 200 km/h calculated by the engineers shows that the high-speed sports car would have lived up to its name. In its day, it would have been one of the most powerful road-legal vehicles and also one of the most powerful in possible sports car competitions: a true high-speed sports car.
Technical data: Auto Union Type 52 (assembled)
520 hp (382 kW) at 4,500 rpm
16-cylinder mid-engine with compressor
50% Methanol, 40% Super Unleaded, 10% Toluene
Cellulose Silver
2023
Unique
Source: Audi Media Center
Aerodynamics in automotive engineering
Audi Tradition is once again offering a lecture evening on the current aerodynamics special exhibition and invites you to the Audi museum mobile on Wednesday, November 20: Under the title “Aerodynamics in Automotive Engineering”, Moni Islam, who heads the “Aerodynamics/Aeroacoustics Development” department at Audi, will provide insights into the development of aerodynamics and an outlook for the future. The event starts at 6 pm. Admission is free, registration is required.
Source: Audi Media Center
Lecture at the Audi Museum mobile
In his presentation “Aerodynamics in automotive engineering – development and outlook”, Moni Islam explains how social and technological trends have shaped aerodynamics over the decades. He also discusses how these trends have influenced the development of aerodynamics at Audi and which factors have played a role in this context. Moni Islam will also discuss the influence of the transition to electromobility on aerodynamics. After the lecture, guests will have the opportunity to talk to the speaker in the special exhibition.
Until the beginning of March 2025, Audi Tradition will be presenting an overview of aerodynamic concepts from 1945 to the present day in the “Form completed” exhibition at the Audi Museum Mobile.
Cabriolife
Event calendar
Audi Museum Mobile – a fascinating place that brings the history and innovation of the Audi brand to life. Cabriolife visits and recommends many other automotive events worth seeing.