Illustration of the Front 225 on a white-grey background

United to form Auto Union AG

With the onset of the global economic crisis, the automotive market collapsed and many companies from the pioneering days of the motorcar disappeared. In 1932, at the initiative of Saxony’s state bank, the four manufacturers Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer joined forces to form Auto Union AG, in order to ensure their survival as a group. They succeeded in doing so by exploiting synergies in development and production and by cleverly carving up the market segments between the individual brands.

 

Audi Front UW (1933-1934)

Illustration of the Audi Front UW on a grey background

The reverse Wanderer.

The Audi Front UW with front-wheel drive, for reasons of efficiency, was produced at the Horch factory in Zwickau. Its engine, which came from sister company Wanderer, had been developed by Ferdinand Porsche back in 1931. Since the transmission was installed at the front, the car was also known as the “reverse Wanderer.”

More details

Audi Front UW:
  • Engine: Petrol engine, 6 inline cylinders
  • Displacement: 1,963 cm³
  • Power output: 40 PS at 3,500 rpm
  • Top speed: 100 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 4,500/1,650/1,575 mm
  • Unladen weight: 1,300 kg

 
 

Horch 853 (1935-1937)

Illustration of the Horch 853 in grey against a white background

The luxury-class Cabriolet.

This sports cabriolet, with its luxurious interior and a 5-litre engine with vertical shaft, was designed to meet the highest standards and became a great success. It was manufactured at the Horch factory in Zwickau and could be equipped with an optional overdrive gearbox.

More details

Horch 853:
  • Engine: Petrol engine, 8 inline cylinders
  • Displacement: 4,944 cm³
  • Power output: 100 PS at 3,400 rpm
  • Top speed: 135 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 5,350/1,830/1,550 mm
  • Unladen weight: 2650 kg

 

Wanderer W 25 K (1936-1938)

Illustration of the Wanderer W 25 K in black on a grey background

Supercharged.

The W 25 K, the sportiest of the Wanderer models, was designed to rival the competition in this prestigious market segment from 1936. It was available as a roadster or a cabriolet. To boost performance, its engine was supercharged with a Roots compressor, giving it an output of around 85 PS.

More details

Wanderer W 25 K:
  • Engine: Petrol engine, 6 inline cylinders with compressor
  • Displacement: 1,963 cm³
  • Power output: 85 PS at 4,000 rpm
  • Top speed: 145 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 4,360/1,670/1,390 mm (roadster)
  • Unladen weight: 1,175 kg (roadster)

 
 

DKW F 5 (1935-1938)

Illustration of a black DKW F 5 against a white background

A loyal companion for many.

DKW compact cars gave a large number of people – by the standards of the time – access to private transport. The DKW F 5 was available as an entry-level model, called the “Reichsklasse”, and in two higher-spec versions, the “Meisterklasse” and the “Front-Luxus”, as well as in a range of different body styles.

More details

DKW F 5 Meisterklasse:
  • Engine: Two-stroke petrol engine, 2 inline cylinders, transversely mounted
  • Displacement: 690 cm³
  • Power output: 20 PS at 3,500 rpm
  • Top speed: 85 km/h
  • Length/width/height: 4,000/1,450/1,470 mm (limousine)
  • Unladen weight: 800 kg (limousine)

 

Discover the other eras of the Audi product history

Illustration of the Horch 1

The beginnings

Audi and its predecessor brands were among the pioneers of automotive engineering at the beginning of the 20th century. The brands covered all vehicle segments, producing everything from entry-level to luxury models.

Illustration of the car Union SP 1000 Roadster RGB

The era of the economic miracle

After the currency reform in 1948, the need for mobility grows in Germany. Auto Union GmbH and NSU Werke AG focus on two-wheelers and automobiles.

Illustration of the NSU Ro80 RGB

The Four Rings with a new profile

Increasing demands on cars require a reorientation, that is mastered by relaunching the traditional Audi brand.

Illustration of an Audi TT in front of a grey background

Ascent to the premium segment

In the 1980s and 1990s, Audi repositioned itself in the luxury class with innovative technology such as quattro all-wheel drive, lightweight aluminium construction and powerful, highly efficient engines.