Audi’s iconic five-cylinder engine is reaching a milestone: 50 years since its debut in the 1976 Audi 100. To mark the occasion, a team of 14 Audi apprentices in Neckarsulm, Germany, have unveiled a striking concept car: the GT50. This project underscores Audi’s commitment to nurturing talent and its deep-rooted engineering heritage.
A Radical Transformation of the RS3
The GT50 is not a ground-up build, but a complete reimagining of an existing RS3 sedan. The apprentices gutted the car, stripping away every body panel to create a clean slate. They then fitted it with a custom, angular exterior crafted from lightweight glass fiber–reinforced plastic. The result is a design that appears entirely new, though it builds on the familiar RS3 chassis.
The exterior is purposefully aggressive, featuring a prominent rear diffuser and spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics. Notably, the roof panel is sourced from a classic Audi 80, adding a touch of retro flair to the futuristic design.
Racing Heritage Meets Modern Engineering
The GT50’s design language draws heavily from Audi’s storied racing past. The vehicle’s lines and overall aesthetic bear a striking resemblance to the legendary Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, a race car that dominated the late 1980s. According to Audi, the GT50 could easily be the modern incarnation of the 90 Quattro.
Inside, the GT50 has been stripped down to its core and equipped with racing-grade equipment. The apprentices even hand-fabricated a roll bar, a labor-intensive process that took two weeks to complete. This level of dedication demonstrates the team’s commitment to creating a genuinely performance-focused machine.
The Heart of the Beast: Audi’s 2.5-Liter TFSI
Under the hood lies Audi’s signature 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine. While official performance figures haven’t been released, the GT50 is expected to produce around 394 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, mirroring the output of a stock RS3. This engine has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its unique sound and potent performance.
A Tradition of Apprentice Innovation
The GT50 is not an isolated project. Audi’s Neckarsulm facility has a history of apprentice-led builds, including the wild RS6 GTO from 2020 and the electric NSU Prinz. These projects highlight the value Audi places on hands-on experience and creative problem-solving.
“With this project, our apprentices are demonstrating a remarkable capacity for innovation, passion, and teamwork—qualities that characterize the new generation,” said Xavier Ros, Audi board member responsible for human resources.
The GT50 serves as a powerful reminder that engineering excellence isn’t limited to boardrooms and design studios; it thrives in the hands of dedicated, forward-thinking individuals. It is a fitting tribute to 50 years of the five-cylinder engine and a testament to Audi’s future.
