The one and only Audi Rosemeyer Concept

THE ONE & ONLY - When you think of cars with W16 engines, names like Bugatti Veyron or Chiron often come to mind. However, before these Bugatti legends, there was another remarkable car with a W16 engine—an Audi concept known as the Audi Rosemeyer. Unveiled to the public at the Autostadt Building in Wolfsburg, Germany, on June 1, 2000, the Audi Rosemeyer was a significant creation.

The Audi Rosemeyer concept car was created to pay tribute to the Auto Union Silver Arrows (German: Silberpfeil), driven by the legendary German racer, Bernd Rosemeyer. (Picture from: Audi)

The Audi Rosemeyer wasn't a prototype ready for production. Audi made it clear that this concept car was not intended for mass production but as a tribute to the Auto Union Silver Arrows, driven by the famous German racer Bernd Rosemeyer. 

Bernd Rosemeyer posed along with the 1938 Auto Union 'Silberpfeil' Typ D V12 GP racer. (Picture from: Car & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden era)

Besides the grille of the Rosemeyer resembles that of the Silver Arrows, a nod to its historical inspiration, the car's name, Rosemeyer, honors the legendary racer Bernd Rosemeyer, showcasing Audi's respect and admiration. 

The 2000 Audi Rosemeyer concept was showcased alongside its ancestor, the Auto Union 'Silberpfeil' racing car. (Picture from: GridOto)

At first glance, the Rosemeyer concept might remind you of the Bugatti Veyron. This is due to its similar grille design, which closely mirrors the iconic Bugatti grille.

The 2000 Audi Rosemeyer is powered by a large displacement, mid-mounted W16 engine, which develops 700 hp and featuring Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The design lines of the Audi Rosemeyer also bear some resemblance to the Veyron. However, the Rosemeyer stands out with its unique rims and five rounded headlights. Observers might notice that the front of the Audi Rosemeyer appears to have an anxious and sad expression, despite its powerful nature.

The Audi Rosemeyer Concept was presented exclusively in a typical aluminum color, without any other colors on the body, to pay tribute to its ancestor, the Auto Union 'Silberpfeil' racing car. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Under the hood, the Audi Rosemeyer boasts an 8-liter naturally aspirated W16 engine, producing a staggering 710 horsepower and 760 Nm of torque. This engine, which later found its way into the Bugatti Chiron after several modifications, channels its immense power to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The interior of the Audi Rosemeyer harmoniously blends retro and modern design elements, featuring materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum, which are hallmarks of the 1930s racing car style. (Picture from: Supercars)

The Audi Rosemeyer concept car could reach a top speed of 350 kph. Despite its impressive performance, the Rosemeyer was never meant for production. Audi built this concept car to commemorate the legendary Silver Arrows rather than to create a new supercar.

There is something unique about the Audi Rosemeyer: it has no rearview mirrors. Instead, it features two cameras located on the roof, which provide a view of the surroundings through a monitor screen inside the cabin. (Picture from: Carthrottle)

The Audi Rosemeyer concept car, with its design and incredible performance, serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and bravery of an era that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. This remarkable tribute car continues to inspire car enthusiasts and engineers, reminding us of a time when the pursuit of speed knew no bounds.

Design similarities between the Audi Rosemeyer concept (above) and the Bugatti Veyron (below). (Picture from: GridOto)

For those curious about its appearance, a video showcasing the Audi Rosemeyer offers a closer look.

The car's design and engineering continue to captivate automotive enthusiasts, reflecting a blend of historical homage and futuristic vision. The Audi Rosemeyer remains a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive innovation, celebrated for its unique blend of design and power.. *** [EKA [100122] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI | IDMOTOR1 | THEGOLDENERA | CARTHROTTLE | SUPERCARS.NET | WIKIPEDIA ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone