The Rebirth of a Legend
German specialist HSR Manufaktur has unveiled the Type 859, a stunning tribute to the legendary Audi Sport Quattro. This is no mere restoration; it is a 'restomod'—a complete reimagining that combines the soul and silhouette of the 1980s icon with cutting-edge
modern technology. Starting with the chassis of a period-correct Audi Coupe B2, HSR performs extensive surgery, shortening the body to match the original Sport Quattro's famously compact and aggressive stance. The entire car is then draped in new, lightweight carbon fiber body panels, creating a machine that is both a visual echo of the past and a marvel of modern engineering.
Echoes of Group B Thunder
To understand the Type 859's significance, one must look back to the fearsome Group B rally era of the 1980s. This period is often called the 'golden era of rallying' for its incredible innovation and speed, but it was also its most dangerous. Manufacturers were given immense freedom, resulting in monstrously powerful cars. Into this arena, Audi introduced the Quattro, a revolutionary car that proved the overwhelming advantage of its all-wheel-drive system on the treacherous rally stages. The short-wheelbase Sport Quattro was the ultimate evolution for homologation, a road-legal version of the rally weapon, and it cemented its place in motorsport history.
Modern Heart, Analog Soul
Beneath its retro-styled carbon-fiber skin, the HSR Type 859 is a thoroughly modern beast. The heart of the car is a modern Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, the same type found in the recent RS3, but significantly upgraded with forged internals. This allows the driver to select a power output of up to a staggering 600 horsepower. HSR made the purist's choice by pairing this monster engine with a reinforced six-speed manual transmission, sending power to all four wheels through a Torsen differential that favors the rear axle for more dynamic handling. It’s a package designed to deliver an analog, engaging driving experience that modern supercars often filter out.
More Than Just a Remake
HSR has gone to great lengths to ensure the Type 859 is not just faster, but also better to drive than its ancestor. The original Sport Quattro's short wheelbase made it notoriously twitchy at high speeds. HSR's engineers subtly stretched the new car's wheelbase and fitted an active suspension system to provide both track-day precision and road-trip comfort. The entire structure is reinforced with an integrated roll cage for safety, while the new carbon fiber body helps the car achieve a target weight of around 1,200 kilograms. This gives it a power-to-weight ratio that can embarrass many contemporary supercars.
The Price of a Modern Icon
This level of bespoke engineering and performance comes with a price tag to match its exclusivity. HSR Manufaktur plans to build only 84 examples of the Type 859, a number chosen as a nod to Audi's 1984 World Rally Championship victory. Each car will start at over €500,000 (approximately $570,000), before buyers begin personalizing the interior with their choice of fine leather or race-ready Alcantara. Prospective owners must apply for the chance to purchase one, securing the car’s status as a rare piece of automotive art for serious collectors.
