The Audi Typ 85 has long been a familiar name in the German tuning scene, but its latest transformation pushes the legendary platform into completely new territory. Originally known for early RD48 IceKing Battle testing with a twin-turbo V8 and manual gearbox, the car has now undergone a total rebuild by owner Arne Grau. @arne_grau

New engine, new drivetrain, revised bodywork, and a completely reengineered performance concept have turned this classic Audi into a modern all-wheel-drive drag racing weapon producing an astonishing 1417 horsepower.

What makes this build so fascinating is not only the power figure itself, but the engineering philosophy behind it. Instead of continuing development of Audi’s traditional five-cylinder setup, the owner chose a platform proven at extreme power levels. The result is a machine built for reliability under brutal boost pressure while maintaining full AWD traction and repeatable performance on the strip.

Engine: 2JZ Power Meets German Engineering

At the heart of the Audi Typ 85 sits a fully built 3.0-liter Toyota 2JZ engine, replacing the former V8 Biturbo setup. The decision was purely technical: reaching four-digit horsepower with long-term durability has already been mastered within the 2JZ ecosystem.

Key engine highlights:

• Dart reinforced engine block
• Completely new cylinder head
• Forged crankshaft and strengthened internals
• Large single turbocharger setup
• Operating boost pressure around 2.4 bar
• Rev limit just under 8,000 RPM

The Dart block alone adds significantly more material strength compared to the factory Toyota block, using four-bolt main caps to prevent crankshaft movement under extreme cylinder pressure. According to the builder, the engine itself is capable of up to 1600 horsepower, meaning the current 1417HP setup still leaves performance headroom.

Gearbox: From Manual Chaos to 8HP Precision

One of the most radical changes is the switch from a traditional manual gearbox to the legendary ZF 8HP automatic transmission.

The original manual setup struggled to cope with the immense torque output. To solve this, the entire drivetrain layout had to be redesigned:

• Engine and gearbox repositioned further back
• Custom transmission tunnel modifications
• Completely custom driveshafts and mounts
• Fully adapted electronics and control systems

The 8HP gearbox allows lightning-fast automated shifts while keeping both hands on the wheel, dramatically improving consistency during drag runs. However, even this transmission is approaching its limits, with slight clutch slip already appearing at current power levels.

AWD System: Custom All-Wheel-Drive Engineering

Maintaining Audi’s AWD heritage was essential to the build. Rather than using a factory plug-and-play solution, the drivetrain was custom-engineered around available high-strength components.

Drivetrain setup includes:

• Custom front and rear driveshafts
• RS6 / SQ5 rear differential solution
• Fully custom AWD integration
• Reinforced drivetrain components throughout

Nothing in this car is factory-standard. Every element was fabricated or adapted to survive repeated high-boost launches.

Performance Figures

The results are nothing short of extreme:

• Power Output: 1417 HP
• 0–100 km/h: 2.74 seconds
• Quarter Mile Best Time: 8.71 seconds
• 200–250 km/h: 2.08 seconds

These numbers place the Audi Typ 85 far beyond most modern supercars and even challenge hypercar acceleration territory.

Design & Bodywork

Alongside the mechanical transformation, the car received a complete visual overhaul inspired by the legendary Sport Quattro styling.

Upgrades include:

• Full widebody GFK kit
• Closed rear door conversion for structural simplicity
• Fresh paintwork
• Aerodynamic rear wing inspired by classic racing solutions

The aggressive stance reflects the car’s true purpose: maximum performance with unmistakable Group B DNA.

A Classic Audi Reinvented

This Audi Typ 85 demonstrates how far modern tuning has evolved. By combining Japanese engine reliability, German AWD engineering, and cutting-edge fabrication, the build represents a new generation of extreme performance cars where brand boundaries no longer exist.

With more boost potential still available and gearbox upgrades planned, the project is far from finished. If future development reaches the projected power ceiling, a 7-second quarter mile could soon become reality!