Auto Union Type 52 Prototype

During the early 30s, Ferdinand Porsche came up with the idea for racing engine development. This company was named Hochleistungs Motor, which means High Performance Engines. He had partnership with the former Racing driver Adolf Rosenberger. They then started developing a grand prix car with a supercharged V16 engine, this demonstrated that they knew a thing or two when it came to building racing cars.

And in the year 1932 Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer merged together, and Auto Union was born with a logo consisting of four rings to represent these brands. Grand prix would be ready in the year 1933 being announced by Adolf Hitler, and Auto Union was going to compete against Mercedes-Benz. But at this time, Ferdinand’s new company Porsche was on its way. Auto Union grand prix cars were extremely successful, and won 25 races between 1935 and 1937 with the drivers Tazio Nuvolari, Bernd Rosemeyer and Hans Stuck.

Chief designer Karl Rabe had the idea of implementing race technology in a road going car, and this would result in what would possibly be considered the world’s firsr supercar if it went into production. Ferdinand Porsche and Erwin Komenda responded by designing a road going car that would use the 4.4L V16 from the Auto Union Type A racer that would be de-tuned from 295 horsepower to 200 horsepower at 3650 rpm, this project was named the “Type 52” and would accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 with a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The driver seat was located in the middle, just like in the Mclaren F1 that would first be seen more than half a century later.However this project was cancelled, with some drawings left. This car also had three seats.

SPECS
Engine: Mid-longitudinal 4.4L V16 Supercharged.
Length: 4700 mm
Width: 1800 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Wheelbase: 3000 mm