Evolution and Features of the Volkswagen Kdf Typ 82 Kübelwagen

Dr. Porsche unveiled the initial specifications of the Volkswagen 82 (then referred to as Typ 62) in January 1938. The light military modifications were commissioned to the Trutz bodywork firm in Gotha, resulting in two prototypes presented to Hitler in February of the same year. One variant had an oval body and rounded fenders, while the other had a more angular appearance. However, military experts deemed neither prototype to possess a sufficiently pronounced military aura.

Consequently, a new prototype, nearly identical to the subsequent serial version, emerged. It received approval, and testing commenced. Early field tests revealed that Typ 62 lacked adequate stability on rough terrain, prompting Porsche to reinforce the rear suspension and overhaul the front. Additionally, a new differential and hydraulic steering mechanism were added.

The military vehicle was equipped with a four-speed nonsynchronized transmission and the standard 985-cubic centimeter engine from the Volkswagen Kdf, boasting 23.5 horsepower. The initial Typ 62 series was delivered to military units in December 1939, concurrently rebranded as Typ 82.

In 1940, the vehicles were equipped with a heater, and by the end of the year, over 1000 units were produced. In March 1943, a modification with a slightly more powerful 25 horsepower engine and a displacement of 1131 cubic centimeters was introduced.

Performance and Adaptations of the Volkswagen Typ 82 Kübelwagen during World War II

The air-cooled engine, while criticized for its performance in the Sahara and Eastern Front operations during World War II, was offset by the vehicle’s agility and durability. The Volkswagen Typ 82 Kübelwagen served as a fully versatile frontline vehicle, functioning as a four-passenger car, utility, communications, or cargo vehicle.

The model also had various iterations, including a limited-production amphibious version and several prototypes adapted for rail travel, equipped with tank treads, or featuring armored bodywork.

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Brakes and turn signals from Porsche

The idea to create the fastest 5-door station wagon production seems to have been liked when the project was put on the table in Zuffenhausen. The special Audi receives 17-inch wheels from the Porsche Cup; mirrors, turn signals and fog lamps of 964; 968 brakes; Porsche inscriptions on the cylinder head and on the RS emblem, which is reserved for the most powerful “11s”.

Who actually paid whom? In the RS2 project, both sides of the development are distributed to the maximum. One company needs attention and image improvement, and the other needs finance. The result of all this is the anabolic Audi 80 – that’s what it looks like and feels like when driving.

The three large openings in the front bumper of the RS are far from just for vision. They significantly contribute to the cooling of antifreeze, air to the turbo and oil. Under the hood runs a 2.2-liter 20V-engine with 5 cylinders – with a deadly sound and thanks to the turbocharger K24 with a liter of 140 “horsepower“: or a total of 315. Fortunately, there is a dual drive. Otherwise, we do not think what would happen after the engine “jumped” the turbo hole and “poured” the brutal power only on the front wheels. Thus, after 3500 rpm, the Audi is driven quite obediently and stops beautifully thanks to the technology from Porsche.

The suspension is tight, but not too tight, and the 6 gears are not typical for young timers. Nowadays the S4 needs the time for the 0-100 km / h sprint of 5.8 seconds. Twenty years ago, the doping station wagon cost a brutal 98,900 marks, and today it is more expensive to use than ever before.

Nowadays, this legendary car starts at 54,500 euros. The supply has been extremely reduced, as only 3,000 units have been produced. Many of these pieces are either bumped or “tuned” and damaged. Many of the “tuning” companies apparently did not understand that there is nothing to improve on this Audi-Porsche.

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