A Legend Reborn for the Road
A German company, HSR Manufaktur, has unveiled the Type 859, a stunning restomod that resurrects the legendary Audi Sport Quattro. This isn't a new model from Audi itself, but rather a bespoke project that captures the essence of the 1980s rally monster.
Built using the foundation of a period-correct Audi Coupe B2, the car is thoroughly re-engineered for the modern era. The project aims to deliver the raw, visceral experience of the original Group B icon, but with the performance and reliability of today's technology. It's a love letter to one of the most exciting periods in motorsport history, reimagined for a handful of discerning collectors.
Echoes of the Group B Giants
The original Audi Sport Quattro was a homologation special, a road car built in limited numbers so that a racing version could compete. It was Audi’s weapon for the infamous Group B category of the World Rally Championship, a class known for its brutally powerful cars and minimal regulations. With its shortened wheelbase, revolutionary 'quattro' all-wheel-drive system, and a potent five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Sport Quattro became a motorsport icon, driven by legends like Walter Röhrl and Stig Blomqvist. The HSR Type 859 directly honors this heritage. The very number of units being produced—just 84—is a nod to the 1984 season when Audi dominated the World Rally Championship.
Modern Heart, Ferocious Power
At the core of the Type 859 is a modern Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the same beloved powerplant found in the previous-generation RS3. However, HSR Manufaktur wasn't content with the stock output. The engine has been rebuilt with forged internals, and owners can select a power output ranging from 500 to 600 horsepower. This formidable power is channeled through a reinforced six-speed manual transmission and a Torsen center differential, maintaining the crucial all-wheel-drive setup that made the original Quattro a game-changer. To handle this performance, the restomod features advanced components like an active multi-valve coilover suspension and carbon ceramic brakes.
Engineered for Exclusivity and Performance
The Type 859 is more than just a powerful engine in a classic shell. HSR starts with a donor chassis, which is then shortened to match the original Sport Quattro's agile proportions. The body is wrapped in lightweight carbon fiber panels, bringing the total weight down to a mere 2,645 pounds (around 1,200 kg). This gives the car an incredible power-to-weight ratio, promising blistering acceleration and nimble handling. The wheelbase has even been slightly stretched to improve the high-speed stability that was notoriously tricky in the original rally car. With a price tag starting around $570,000, this is a machine built for the most serious enthusiasts who must apply for the chance to purchase one of the 84 examples.
