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.
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 4 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Italdesign official archive — Audi Karmann Asso Di Picche www.italdesign.it | Official first-party project archive |












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