The RoseMeyer Project: Homage to History

August 17, 2005 The Audi Rosemeyer design study has been developed purely as an exhibition car, and when you lay eyes on it for the first time, it seems scarcely to be of this world. Its flowing, aerodynamic lines are combined with an air of pure functional efficiency. A closer look, however, and more familiar features emerge: the monumental radiator grille, for instance, but also the gentle downward slope of the engine hood with its vertical air inlet slots, recall the historic Auto Union Silver Arrow racers. As on those cars, when the matt, shimmering brushed aluminium body reflects the light a glowing, almost magical aura is created. One can almost feel that this low-slung mid-engined coupe is powered, like the Silver Arrows, by a 16-cylinder engine, as there is ample space for one between the giant wheels in their bold, upwardly flared arches. The wheelbase is long and therefore easily accommodates the two occupants and a large engine in front of the rear axle. Named in honour of Bernd Rosemeyer, the Rosemeyer design study pays homage to the then 28-year old who was killed in a world speed record attempt on 28 January 1938 when his Auto Union Streamliner rolled over several times at some 440 km/h on the Frankfurt to Darmstadt autobahn. The Audi Rosemeyer is a sports car to which only superlatives can do justice.

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