Type B

The Audi Type B is one of the very first models in Audi’s history. Introduced after the Audi Type A, it marks an important milestone in the early days of the manufacturer founded by August Horch in Zwickau, Germany.

Mainly marketed between 1911 and 1914, the Audi Type B is also known as the Audi 10/28 PS. It belongs to the first development phase of Audi, long before the birth of Auto Union, the four-ring logo, and modern models like the Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi Q5, or RS versions.

Technically, the Type B embodies the spirit of high-end German automobiles from the early 20th century: simple, robust mechanics, a separate chassis, and an architecture designed for road use, tourism, and long-distance travel of the era.

It features a four-cylinder inline petrol engine of approximately 2.6 litres, producing around 28 horsepower. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Its top speed is generally estimated at around 75 km/h, a respectable figure for a car built before World War I.

Production years: mainly 1911 to 1914, with some sources mentioning an extension until 1917.

Estimated production: around 360 units.

Engine: four-cylinder inline petrol, approximately 2,612 cc.

Power: around 28 hp.

Transmission: rear-wheel drive, four-speed manual gearbox.

Top speed: around 75 km/h.

Known body styles: touring, phaeton, convertible, or specific body styles according to the era’s uses.

The Audi Type B is significant in the brand’s history as it confirms Audi’s technical ambitions from its early years. Following the Type A, it helped the manufacturer strengthen its reputation as a serious, mechanically focused brand committed to quality craftsmanship.

Today, this model remains very rare. Its limited production and age make it a historical automobile, more familiar to car history enthusiasts than the general public. Yet, it represents a crucial piece in understanding Audi’s origins and the evolution of the German manufacturer before the Auto Union era.