1973 Audi Asso di Picche Concept

The Asso di Picche represented a fusion of German engineering and Italian design, drawing inspiration from the wedge-shaped aesthetics that were popular in the 1970s. The name 'Asso di Picche' means 'Ace of Spaces' in Italian, and it was one of a series of concept cars with a similar naming scheme. The BMW-based 'Asso di Quadri' (Ace of Diamonds) arrived in 1976, and followed by the Isuzu-based 'Asso di Fiori' (Ace of Clubs) in 1979.

The Asso di Picche was commissioned by Karmann Coachworks of Osnabruck, Germany, based on the B1 Audi 80, and designed by Italdesign of Italy. Although it remained a concept, its styling would influence future models including the Lancia Delta concept.

ItalDesign and Giorgetto Giugiaro
Studi Italiani Realizzazione Prototipi S.p.A. was founded in 1968 by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Aldo Mantovani, eventually becoming Italdesign. Many of the creations penned by Giugiaro wore angular (wedge) shapes, birthing the 'folded paper' era of the 1970s. He was instrumental in creating designs for numerous manufacturers throughout his career, including the DMC DeLorean, BMW M1, Lotus Esprit S1, Maserati Bora, AMC AMX/3, DeTomaso Mangusta, and Iso Rivolta IR 300.

Italdesign enjoyed a close relationship with Volkswagen, creating designs for several notable vehicles including the Passat, the first-generation Golf, the Scirocco, and the Audi 80 - all during the early 1970s.

The Audi 80 B1
The Audi 80 B1 was a very popular model with over a million examples produced between 1972 and 1978. It was the second (modern-era) Audi product to be developed entirely under Volkswagen ownership. Power was sourced from new 1.3- and 1.5-liter SOHC (EA827) inline-four-cylinder engines (a 1.6-liter version was available near the end of production), with varied output depending on configuration and market. The front suspension relied on a MacPherson strut setup with the rear used a C-section beam axle located by trailing arms and a Panhard rod, along with telescopic dampers and coil springs.

The front-engine, front-wheel drive Audi 80 B1 had a wheelbase of 97.2 inches, a length of 164.4 inches, a width of 63 inches, and a height of 53.6 inches. Body styles included a two-door or a four-door saloon. A five-door 'Avant' was offered in certain markets.

The Audi Asso di Picche Italdesign Coupe
Measuring just over four meters in length, the Asso di Picche retained the mechanical setup of the Audi 80 GT, including the 1.5-liter, 85-horsepower engine. The rear overhangs were shortened and the frontal area was lengthened; the twin headlights and the four rings were the same as the 80 B1. The suspension, brakes, and four-speed manual gearbox were the same as the Audi 80. The interior was unique with cylinder-shaped structures, neatly grouped dials and switches, and a mono-spoke steering wheel. Leather was used throughout the cabin including the seats, and there were removable door pockets that could double as handbags.

The Asso di Picche featured a robust wedge shape characterized by a long, pointed nose and a sloping fastback rear section accentuated by angular lines. The body was free from any interruptions caused by door handles, trim, or decorative elements, with the exception of the offset scoop on the hood. While it was destined to remain a concept, it left a significant impact on subsequent models, including the Volkswagen Scirocco.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024