Audi has unveiled a one-off concept car, the GT50, to celebrate 50 years of its iconic five-cylinder engine. The concept is the latest creation from Audi’s apprentices in Neckarsulm, who annually create a unique concept that pays tribute to a historic model or hints at a future program. This year’s concept is based on the RS3 hot hatch and is a tribute to Audi’s successful five-cylinder race cars of the 1980s and 1990s, such as the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO and 200 Quattro Trans-Am.
The GT50 concept features a blocky, three-box silhouette and minimalist surfacing, with retro visual cues like an old-style front grille. The concept also features huge turbofan-style wheel designs, paying homage to Audi’s racing heritage. The GT50 uses the same 394bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot engine as the standard RS3, but no specifications have been given.
Audi is the only manufacturer still using the inline five engine format in its cars, and the company is expected to further celebrate the five-cylinder next year with a new track-honed special edition of the RS3. This potential new edition could be based on the Performance Edition and may pack more power than the Mercedes-AMG A45, making it the world’s most powerful internal combustion engine (ICE) hot hatch.
The five-cylinder engine has a rich history, dating back to 1976 when it was first used in the second-generation Audi 100. Today, Audi only uses the straight-five engine in the RS3, but the company’s commitment to this unique engine format is a testament to its heritage and racing success. The GT50 concept is a celebration of this heritage and a nod to the company’s rich motorsport history.
The concept’s design is a tribute to Audi’s racing past, with a focus on aerodynamics and performance. The huge turbofan-style wheels and retro visual cues are a nod to the company’s successful racing cars of the 1980s and 1990s. The GT50 concept is a unique and exciting celebration of Audi’s five-cylinder engine, and it will be interesting to see if the company’s potential new special edition RS3 will live up to the hype.
Overall, the Audi GT50 concept is a thrilling tribute to the company’s iconic five-cylinder engine and its rich racing heritage. With its unique design and nods to Audi’s successful racing cars, the GT50 is a must-see for any car enthusiast. Whether or not the concept will make it to production remains to be seen, but it is an exciting celebration of Audi’s commitment to performance and innovation.