Project Rosemeyer Was Audi's 8.0-liter 700BHP Supercar

Project Rosemeyer

At a time that we now recall as somewhat of a turning point for the Audi brand, the manufacturer showed off an extraordinary concept car. Introduced to the world in the year 2000, the Audi Project Rosemeyer was the design exercise that provided a look into the future. 

Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future

The concept car, a jaw-dropping wonder in its time, features a distinct art deco style that pays homage to the classic Auto Union racers of pre-WWII. The Project Rosemeyer, displays a front grille that closely resembles those of the old race cars. Amazingly, it is powered by an 8.0-liter W16 engine, with a claimed 700 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque.  

>>Join the conversation about the Rosemeyer Project right here in the Audi World Forum!

Audi's Sporty Roots

In the past couple of decades, Audi has re-established itself as a luxury brand with sporty roots. The marque's RS models are some of the most capable high-performance vehicles on the road today. And at the top of the heap, we've had the Audi R8 carrying the flag as the company's pinnacle of performance.

>>Join the conversation about the Rosemeyer Project right here in the Audi World Forum!

Ties to the Bugatti Veyron

Also fascinating is the fact that the Audi concept shares visual cues with the Bugatti Veyron that would go into production a few years later in 2005. Heck, the Veyron even carries the W16 power plant design, albeit with much more performance capability. 

>>Join the conversation about the Rosemeyer Project right here in the Audi World Forum!

Simplicity Wins

Inside the cabin, Project Rosemeyer's interior styling very much follows an ideology of simplicity. The design echoes the art deco vibe of the exterior. But a close inspection of the details and features of the cockpit will reveal design themes that are still very much current in the automotive industry, especially with high-end and high-performance automobiles.

>>Join the conversation about the Rosemeyer Project right here in the Audi World Forum!

Ahead of its Time

Named after legendary driver Bernd Rosemeyer, the Audi Project Rosemeyer was ahead of its time. And while most concepts of the era haven't aged well, this Audi still holds up. The outside-the-box philosophy of the concept also served as a guiding light for the future of the Audi brand, as well as the VW Group as a whole. 

>>Join the conversation about the Rosemeyer Project right here in the Audi World Forum!

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