Audi revives 1930s speed demon: the auto union lucca

Audi has unveiled its latest project, a painstaking recreation of the historic Auto Union Lucca, a radical speed machine from the 1930s that still seems impossibly advanced today.

Reviving a legend

Over 90 years after the original Lucca set speed records in Italy, Audi's Tradition division has brought it back to life from scratch, using historical photos and documentation.

Developed by British specialists Crosthwaite & Gardiner over three years, every part of the car has been handcrafted, from the aerodynamically optimized body to the mechanical components.

The challenge was recreating the complex, flowing lines and surfaces that were cutting-edge for the time, while ensuring the reliability needed for future dynamic exhibitions.

A modern twist

Audi has introduced some modifications to make the car safe and reliable, while still maintaining its historical authenticity.

The engine is a 6.0-liter, 16-cylinder supercharged unit from an Auto Union Type C of 1936, now producing 520 horsepower at 4,500 rpm.

The fuel mix is a 50/40/10 blend of methanol, premium gasoline, and toluene, which still delivers spectacular performance, with a drag coefficient of just 0.43.

The Auto Union Lucca will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2026, where it will demonstrate its remarkable capabilities on the famous hill climb.