Audi GT50 Concept: Audi Apprentices Transform an RS 3 Into a Five Cylinder Celebration

[Source: stimme.de]

The iconic Audi 5-cylinder engine turns 50 years old in 2026. And according to a report by stimme.de, which was later shared by Audi4Addict, 14 apprentices transformed an Audi RS 3 Sportback into a GT50 concept car to celebrate the occasion.

The 5-cylinder was born in 1976, which is far before any of the GT50 apprentices were. And that is part of what makes the concept car so special. It takes an old concept and reimagines it through the eyes of a new generation. The overall style of the car is a clear nod to Audi race cars of the past. The Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO is the most obvious link. If that car was designed today, it could very well look like the GT50 we see here.

The Team

The apprentices from Neckarsulm worked on the GT50 for six months. They were supervised by their instructors and Timo Engler, Head of Automotive Technology, Logistics, and Business Management Training in Neckarsulm.

The basis of the GT50 is the outstanding RS 3. Not that you could tell by looking at it. The interior was stripped out and the hood, doors, windows, trunk lid and every other body panel was removed. The roof of the concept car is actually from an Audi 80. The overall look is obviously inspired by racing. Out back you will notice a large diffuser and spoiler. Inside is a handmade rollbar which took weeks to build. To keep weight down the outer shell is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The molds were provided to the team, but the apprentices were responsible for all of the finishing work.

The Reaction

Under the hood is of course the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine. The legendary engine not only provides plenty of power, but it makes the distinctive five-cylinder sound that immediately identifies it.

The car was revealed at a company meeting in Neckarsulm, in front of nearly 3,200 employees. It had to be a tense moment for the young apprentices but the enthusiastic applause from the crowd when the cover was taken off surely gave them all a huge sense of pride and relief.

“With this project, our apprentices are demonstrating a remarkable capacity for innovation, passion, and teamwork – qualities that characterize the new generation,” said Xavier Ros, a member of Audi’s board of directors in charge of human resources. The GT50 is a remarkable achievement. And if a car looking like this would ever come to market, we bet Audi would sell every single one they could make.