Skip to content
THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Audi Karmann Asso Di Picche

1973

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1973
Body style
Coupé
Type
Prototype
Seats
4

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Audi Karmann Asso Di Picche, a striking creation by Italdesign and part of the Aces series, stands as a testament to innovative automotive design. Drawing inspiration from the dominant geometries of the Maserati Boomerang, the car artfully reproduces trapeziums to establish a graphic shape that leaves a lasting optical impact. It’s a visual masterpiece, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the Aces series. What sets the Asso di Picche apart is its clever manipulation of proportions in comparison to the Audi 80, sharing the same chassis and mechanics. The rear overhang is notably shortened, while the front overhang is extended, injecting a sense of dynamism and flair into the vehicle’s profile. This subtle adjustment contributes to the car’s overall sense of speed and agility, a departure from the more conventional Audi 80. The innovation extends to the interior, where the instrument panel takes center stage as a cylindrical marvel. This distinctive design not only adds a futuristic touch but also paves the way for novel layouts in the future. It reflects a forward-thinking approach, setting a precedent for interior design in the automotive industry. A groundbreaking aspect of the Asso di Picche is its influence on the design of the Lancia Delta, unveiled in 1979. The surfaces treatment and transversal section of the Asso di Picche serve as a template for the Lancia Delta, highlighting the profound impact this Audi model had on subsequent automotive designs. Particularly noteworthy is the Lancia Delta’s claim to fame as the first car produced in series with an integrated bumper painted in the bodywork’s color, a feature that owes its origins to the Asso di Picche. The Audi Karmann Asso Di Picche emerges as a trailblazer in automotive aesthetics, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of car design, as evidenced by its lasting influence on the iconic Lancia Delta. In 2024, Italdesign unveiled the Asso di Picche in Movimento coupé, a groundbreaking EV concept car that transcended its digital origins, manifesting as a full-scale model and drawing inspiration from the iconic 1973 Audi Asso di Picche.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production type
Prototype
Mechanical platform
Audi 80 chassis and mechanics

Engine & performance

Specification notes
Italdesign primary source: Asso di Picche was commissioned by Karmann as a four-seat sports coupé reproducible in small series, using Audi 80 chassis and mechanics.

Dimensions & accommodation

Seats
4

Design & manufacture

Designer · Candidate
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Manufacturer · Documented
Audi
Design Studio · Documented
Italdesign

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Italdesign official archive — Audi Karmann Asso Di Picche www.italdesign.it Official first-party project archive

THE CONVERSATION

Comments 0

Share a memory, a period photograph or a documented detail about this car.

Join the conversation