A Legend Reimagined
This is not an official project from Ingolstadt, but the passionate work of a German firm called HSR Manufaktur. They are creating what is known in the car world as a restomod—a classic car restored and modified with modern parts. Called the Type 859,
the project starts not with a priceless original Sport Quattro, but with a period-correct Audi Coupe B2 chassis. This donor car is then extensively re-engineered. The chassis is shortened to achieve the iconic, aggressive stance of the original rally hero, while the wheelbase is slightly stretched to improve the high-speed stability that the original notoriously lacked. An integrated roll cage adds modern safety and rigidity to the classic frame.
The Heart of the Beast
The headline's promise of "Big Power" is more than fulfilled. HSR installs Audi's modern and celebrated 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine, best known for its work in the RS3. However, it's far from standard. The engine is rebuilt with forged internals and, crucially, a motorsport-grade dry-sump lubrication system. This technology, usually reserved for serious race cars, uses an external oil reservoir to ensure consistent oil pressure during hard cornering and allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis, improving the car's center of gravity. The result is a driver-selectable output of between 500 and 600 horsepower, a monumental figure for a car that weighs around 1,200 kg thanks to full carbon fibre body panels.
An Analog Driving Soul
In an era of lightning-fast automatic transmissions, the Type 859 makes a clear statement by using a six-speed manual gearbox sourced from an Audi S4, which has been reinforced to handle the immense power. This commitment to a three-pedal setup is a deliberate choice, prioritizing driver engagement and a visceral connection to the machine. The power is channelled through a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen center differential, configured with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split to deliver both immense traction and a dynamic, engaging driving feel. Combined with active suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes, the car is a blend of raw 80s spirit and 21st-century performance technology.
Exclusivity Comes at a Price
This reborn legend is not for everyone. HSR Manufaktur plans to build only 84 examples of the Type 859, a number chosen to commemorate the original Sport Quattro's championship-winning year of 1984. This level of bespoke engineering and performance comes with a significant price tag. Pricing starts at approximately $570,000 before taxes, placing it firmly in supercar territory. This positions the Type 859 not as a mass-market vehicle, but as a collector's item for enthusiasts who crave the ultimate expression of a legendary automotive icon, remade for the modern age.
