The 1970s and 1980s were an era of innovation and experimentation for the automotive industry. Car manufacturers were not only competing in terms of performance but also in their ability to design groundbreaking, visually stunning concepts. One of the most fascinating, yet forgotten, concept cars from this period is the 1973 Audi Karmann Asso di Picche. Created by two of the most prominent names in car design, Karmann and Italdesign, this car was a radical take on the future of sports coupes. Though the Asso di Picche never made it past the concept stage, it laid the groundwork for some of the most iconic car designs to follow, influencing brands like Lancia and Maserati.

The Origins of the Audi Karmann Asso di Picche Concept

The 1973 Audi Karmann Asso di Picche was a product of the collaboration between Karmann, a renowned German coachbuilder, and Italdesign, the famous Italian design studio led by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Karmann and Italdesign had already worked together in the past, having created the 1971 Volkswagen Karmann Cheetah and other noteworthy designs. The Asso di Picche, however, marked a significant leap forward in terms of style and engineering.

The project began as a joint venture with Volkswagen, which owned Audi, and Italdesign. The goal was to create a concept car that combined German engineering and Italian design. This vision resulted in a car that looked like nothing else on the market—a sleek, aerodynamic coupe with a bold design that stood out in an era dominated by conservative sports car aesthetics.

Although the Audi Karmann Asso di Picche was a Volkswagen project, it wasn’t initially meant to flaunt the Audi badge. In fact, Audi’s involvement was somewhat incidental, as most of the car’s components came from an Audi 80. It was only because of the shared parts and the integration of some Audi components that the Asso di Picche was given the Audi branding. This was a rare instance where Volkswagen’s focus on practicality merged with Italdesign’s focus on futuristic aesthetics, resulting in a radical concept car that was ahead of its time.

Video

Watch this video on the Karmann Audi Asso di Picchio by Volkswagen. Discover the fascinating story behind this unique car and its legacy!

Design Philosophy: Blending German Engineering with Italian Art

Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the most influential car designers of the 20th century, is the creative mind behind the Audi Karmann Asso di Picche. Giugiaro’s design philosophy was rooted in sharp, angular lines and dramatic profiles, creating cars that looked like they belonged in a science fiction movie. This influence is evident in the Asso di Picche, which features a wedgy design that was a departure from the curvier, more organic lines seen in many other sports cars of the era.

Giugiaro’s design ethos would go on to shape the future of many iconic cars, with the Asso di Picche being one of his first major works to showcase his love for aerodynamic, angular forms. His collaboration with Karmann also brought to life several other daring designs, cementing the Asso di Picche as a key moment in both companies’ histories.

The Asso di Picche’s wedgy shape, with its sharp angles and pointed nose, was strikingly different from anything that had come before. The long, aggressive front end, paired with the fastback rear and angular roofline, made the car look like it was made for high speeds. The design, though dramatic, was not merely for show; it was crafted with aerodynamics in mind, optimizing airflow to reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds.

 

Performance and Engineering: A Unique Take on the Audi 80

Though the Asso di Picche was a far cry from the Audi 80 in terms of design, its mechanical components were largely sourced from the Audi 80. This included the same 1.3L or 1.5L inline-4 engines and a 4-speed manual transmission, which powered the rear wheels. The suspension and brakes were also borrowed from the Audi 80, although the body of the Asso di Picche was lighter and shorter, making it more agile and responsive on the road.

The lighter body gave the Asso di Picche a significant advantage in handling, as it allowed the car to be more nimble and responsive compared to the standard Audi 80. This combination of lightweight design and powerful engine made the concept car not only visually stunning but also exciting to drive.

One of the most notable features of the Asso di Picche was its compact, lightweight body, which was a huge departure from the bulkier designs of most sports cars at the time. The shorter frame provided improved maneuverability and agility, giving the car a more dynamic and sporty feel on the road. With its lower weight, the Asso di Picche would have been a truly performance-oriented car if it had ever made it to production.

A Radical Interior: Cylindrical Luxury Meets Functionality

The interior of the Asso di Picche was just as radical as its exterior. Giugiaro’s design studio introduced a unique cylindrical layout for the dashboard and center console, giving the cabin a modern, space-age feel. This was a stark contrast to the traditional instrument panels of the era, which were often flat and straightforward. The circular design of the interior elements created a futuristic and functional space that was also visually appealing.

The interior also featured a mono-spoke steering wheel, which further emphasized the car’s avant-garde design. This wheel was not just a functional component but an essential part of the car’s aesthetic appeal, fitting perfectly with the overall radical design language of the vehicle. With luxurious leather upholstery and door pockets designed to resemble handbags, the Asso di Picche’s cabin was the epitome of 1970s luxury and futuristic style.

How the Asso di Picche Influenced Iconic Cars

Though the Asso di Picche never made it to production, it had a lasting impact on the automotive world. One of the most significant contributions was its influence on the Lancia Delta, which is widely regarded as one of the most iconic hatchbacks of all time. Giugiaro himself admitted that the Asso di Picche’s radical design language inspired many elements of the Lancia Delta, including its angular body lines and muscular stance.

The Asso di Picche also influenced several other concept cars that came after it, such as the Maserati Medici and the Lancia Megagamma. The car’s distinctive wedgy design and muscular profile were reflected in these later concepts, demonstrating that the Asso di Picche set a new trend for bold, angular automotive designs in the late 20th century.

The End of the Asso di Picche: A Forgotten Concept That Paved the Way for Future Designs

Despite its stunning design and innovative features, the Asso di Picche never made it to production. Its radical look and unconventional layout might have been too much for the automotive market of the time. Additionally, it was more of a design study meant to showcase the possibilities of combining engineering and art rather than a production-ready vehicle.

Had it been produced, the Asso di Picche could have set new standards in sports car design, offering an alternative to more traditional models. Its lightweight construction, superior aerodynamics, and bold style would have made it a standout in the 1970s automotive market.

Video

Check out this video showcasing eye-catching and forgotten concept cars from the 60s to the 90s. Watch to rediscover some of the most unique designs of the past!

Conclusion

The Audi Karmann Asso di Picche remains a fascinating footnote in the history of automotive design. Though it never reached production, its bold design and influence on later vehicles are undeniable. The collaboration between Italdesign and Karmann resulted in a car that was ahead of its time—a vision of the future that continues to inspireeven today. The Asso di Picche might have been forgotten by many, but its legacy lives on in the cars that followed.