The trend of small companies creating modern interpretations of iconic European cars from the past shows no signs of slowing down. Another firm has now joined this movement.
You may never have heard of Homologation Specials Reimagined (HSR Manufaktur), but its first project is capable of capturing the attention of even the most discerning fans of classic Audis.
The newcomer is called the Type 859 and is a contemporary reimagining of the legendary Audi Sport Quattro SWB. The most interesting part is that HSR did not have to modify any original Sport Quattro models.
The company used the B2-generation Audi Coupe as its base — following the same approach that HWA employs for its Evo project.
The design of the Type 859 immediately evokes the original Sport Quattro, while incorporating a number of modern updates. Among the most striking features are yellow rally-style headlights, an aggressive front bumper with large air intakes, widened angular wheel arches, and a large fixed rear wing.
All exterior body panels are made of carbon fiber, and the company emphasizes that every air intake and vent is fully functional.
The front splitter, rear wing, and hood vents are part of an active aerodynamics system and can change position while driving to increase downforce. The claimed vehicle weight is under 2,645 pounds, although whether this target has been met has not yet been confirmed.
Although the project is based on the Audi Coupe B2, the wheelbase has been shortened by 12.6 inches, and the body has been further reinforced with an integrated roll cage.
Under the hood sits a modern 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Audi RS3. In its most extreme mode, it produces 600 horsepower. Unlike in the RS3, the engine is mounted longitudinally here, which improves weight distribution between the axles.
The engine is paired with a modified six-speed manual transmission from the Audi S4, a Torsen center differential, and a mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear. The car is also equipped with an active suspension with adjustable ride height, carbon-ceramic brakes, an automatic rev-matching system, and launch control.
Production of the HSR Type 859 will be limited to just 84 examples. The base price will start at $545,000.
