HSR's Type 859 Reimagines Audi Sport Quattro SWB

The chassis is shortened by an identical 320mm, but that's where the familiarities end. Completely new, modernised front and rear subframes go in, while HSR have made the call to push the axles further apart to better accommodate the chosen powertrain, a shift that also happens to address the Sport Quattro's well-documented issues with high-speed stability.

Up front is the venerable EA855-family DAZA 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder, of RS3 and TT RS fame, converted from its usual transverse mounting to sit longitudinally. It's been rebuilt with forged internals and a motorsport-spec dry-sump lubrication system, and will offer selectable outputs ranging from 500 to 600bhp, depending on driving mode. Mated to it is a reinforced six-speed manual lifted from the B8.5 S4, complete with a gated shifter.

Other decisions include a Torsen T-3 centre differential with a 40:60 rear-biased split, and a mechanical rear limited-slip differential, meaning the Haldex has been banished.

As you'd expect, the suspension wouldn't look out of place in a WRC paddock. Multi-valve coilovers with independent reservoirs feature, as does electronic ride height control across four modes: Street, Sport, Track, Rally. The Type 859 will also be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes and magnesium calipers.

Further deviations from the SWB blueprint include a massive 65mm increase in track width a side over the already-bulging road-going Sport Quattro. The Type 859 also keeps the shallower rake of the B2's windscreen, as opposed to adopting the steeper screen from the Audi 80 the Group B car ran at the behest of drivers, who complained about glare. All body panels are carbon fibre, part of HSR's push to hit a target weight of sub-1,200kg.

The dramatic bodywork isn't purely for show either. HSR has fitted an active aerodynamics package that adjusts the front splitter and rear spoiler on the move, working alongside passive elements to manage downforce and drag as speed and driving mode dictate.

Inside, the Type 859 is all about choice. A hidden roll cage is already bolted into the chassis to improve rigidity, but those willing to forgo rear seats can opt for a visible rear half-cage, or even a full FIA-approved item. The latter also frees up space for a bespoke carbon fibre mount designed to hold two helmets and a fire extinguisher, a nod to the car's rally heritage.

Despite the Ur-Quattro's famous digital instrument cluster, the dashboard leans analogue too: CNC-machined aluminium gauges form the primary cluster, with a small secondary screen reserved for warnings and vehicle info. The steering wheel does most of the heavy lifting, with physical buttons and rotary knobs on a custom CAN bus system controlling driving modes, ride height, ignition, exhaust valves and even audio, all without the driver's hands leaving the rim. Air conditioning and a CarPlay/Android Auto head unit are standard, though HSR says both can be deleted for buyers chasing a purer setup.

Seating comes in two forms: foldable carbon buckets for road use, or fixed buckets with harnesses for track and rally applications. Trim runs to leather or Alcantara, with HSR offering full customisation of colour and finish.

This won't be the first time a dedicated Sport Quattro restomod has appeared. Renowned Audi tuner ABT's own 25-run project sold out within three hours, which bodes well for HSR's more aggressive take.

Before we get too carried away, it should be noted that all the featured images are rendered. HSR is currently in the process of raising funds to continue developing its first prototype. Nevertheless, the Munich-based outfit claims to have strong interest thus far from the US, Germany and Switzerland. HSR is projecting a base price of €500,000, excluding customisation and taxes. Just 84 units will be built, in deference to 1984, with deliveries planned for 2027.

Should the Type 859 prove a success, HSR Manufaktur is already plotting its next moves, all inspired by the golden eras of DTM, WTCC and GT1. As founder Iván García puts it, 'HSR isn't about status. It's about purpose: building machines that move people emotionally, and a company that lasts.' We suggest they avoid the obvious and opt for a vintage 1996 DTM Opel Calibra, complete with four-wheel drive and tuned by Cosworth.