Audi Type M
| Audi Type M | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Audi-Werke |
| Also called | Audi 18/70 |
| Production | 1924–1928 |
| Assembly | Zwickau, Germany |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Obere Mittelklasse |
| Layout | FR |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,750 mm (148 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Audi Type K |
| Successor | Audi Type R |
The Audi Type M was a large car first presented at the Berlin Motor Show in 1923. It was developed by Erich Horn[1] and produced by Audi between 1924 and 1928.[2][3]
The vehicle had a six-cylinder in-line engine with 4,655 cc of displacement. The engine incorporated several innovative features, including overhead valves. It developed a maximum of 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) at 3,000 rpm. The engine had an eight-bearing crankshaft, with an early form of an intake air cleaning system, an elaborate system in which air passed through an oil-wetted filter in the lower part of the crankcase; the airflow was then pre-heated by the exhaust system, settled to eliminate turbulence, and supplied to the carburetor. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission. The car had two leaf-sprung solid axles and four wheel hydraulic brakes; it one of the first German-made automobiles with hydraulic brakes,[4] and the first Audi with four-wheel brakes.[5]
The Type M's first presentation, at the 1923 Berlin Motor Show, was accompanied by a press release which boasted that "Audi is one of those German automakers that believes doing the job properly is more important than price" („Die Audi-Werke zählen zu jenen deutschen Automobilfabriken, welche die Preisfrage hinter die konstruktive Aufgabe zurückstellen“).[6] This approach may have helped to win the car more admirers, but paying customers were harder to find. The Type M came with a manufacturer's recommended retail price of 22,300 RM for a large six-light "Pullman-Limousine" bodied vehicle.[5][7] The car was expensive and reportedly brought Audi very close to bankruptcy.[8] 228 were produced, plus two prototypes.[citation needed]
Specifications
[edit]| Production | 1924-1928[3] |
| Engine | 6 Cylinder, 4 Stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 90 mm (3.5 in) x 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| Capacity | 4655 cc |
| Power | 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) |
| Top Speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Empty Weight | 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) (Chassis) |
| Electrical | 12 Volt |
| Wheelbase | 3,750 mm (147.6 in) |
| Track Front/Rear | 1,450 mm (57.1 in) / 1,450 mm (57.1 in) |
References
[edit]- ↑ Kirchberg, Erdmann & Plagmann 1997, p. 65.
- ↑ Oswald 1979, pp. 41–43.
- 1 2 Kirchberg, Erdmann & Plagmann 1997, p. 69.
- ↑ Kirchberg, Erdmann & Plagmann 1997, p. 66.
- 1 2 Oswald 1979, p. 45.
- ↑ Oswald 1979, p. 41.
- ↑ Kirchberg, Erdmann & Plagmann 1997, pp. 65–69.
- ↑ Oswald 1979, p. 42.
Works cited
[edit]- Oswald, Werner (1979). Deutsche Autos 1920-1945, Band (vol) 2 (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-87943-519-7.
- Kirchberg, Peter; Erdmann, Thomas; Plagmann, Ralph (1997). A History of Progress – Chronicle of the Audi AG (2nd ed.). Ingolstadt: Audi AG – via Internet Archive.