Designed under Peter Schreyer's supervision, the rounded volumes of the Rosemeyer are animated with precise geometric details expressing quality, rationalism an honesty, the foundations of Audi Design. From side view, horizontal lines connect the prominent wheel arches while visually elongating the already generous wheelbase. The headlamps seems to have been taken straight from a TT, but these can be protected behind flush-fitting metal panels that slide upwards when the headlights are switched on. When shut, they only leave a thin slot of light visible. The wing mirrors have been replaced by little cameras bulging out from the roof and transmit their images to monitor screens in the cockpit.
Compared to all its rectangular surroundings, the bold radiator grill appears somehow out of place. It recalls the original Auto Union Type C "Silver Arrow" from the 1930s which was successfully driven from victory to victory by Bernd Rosemeyer and Tazio Nuvolari. Just like the Type C, the gently sloping engine cover is punctuated by a series of vertical air inlets suggesting the use of a similar type of engine. Together with the engineered aesthetics, the combination of a brushed aluminium finish with exposed bolts provide a very solid and industrial look.
The clarity and elegance defining the exterior can be found again when you sit inside. Far from being a stripped out race machine, the interior is actually a rather cosy place to be for two. Brushed aluminium, carbon fibre, leather and fire-resistant quilted Nomex give the interior its character without compromising the overall purity. The four spoke aluminium steering wheel is a particularly exquisite detail taken from the Type C again. For the petrolheads, a window at the back of the cockpit offers unique views on the heart of the beast: a W16 8.0L developing 630bhp mounted in front of the rear axle.
Designed solely for the show, the bold yet pragmatic approach became an instant classic, as was its older sister the TT in 1995. From the Quattro transmission to the all aluminium body and the timeless engineering precision, the Rosemeyer was an inspiring vision and and excellent interpretation of the quintessential Audi.
No comments:
Post a Comment