audio is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Neckarsulm plant in Germany with an improved electrified concept car.
NSU is a German manufacturer of cars, motorcycles and bicycles that merged with Auto Union in 1969, resulting in Audi becoming its own brand for the first time after the war.
It was once the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world and was also one of the first car manufacturers to run on a Wankel engine.
NSU owns and is headquartered at the Neckarsulm plant, which currently produces models such as the Audi A4, A5 Cabriolet, A6, A7, A8 and R8.
The NSU brand died out in 1973 and one of the last models produced was the NSU Prinz 4, a small two-door sedan powered by a rear-mounted 600cc air-cooled two-cylinder petrol engine.
12 Audi apprentices started in January this year to take a 1971 NSU Prinz 4L and reinvent it for the modern era of electrification.
known as NSU EP4The car’s original two-cylinder air-cooled engine was replaced with a 176kW . electric motor from one 2020 Audi etron.
This electric motor is powered by a battery pack from Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is mounted under the front bonnet.
There’s a wide air intake at the bottom of the front bumper, plus the tailgate can be fixed in a half-open position allowing for extra cooling and flaunting the electric motor.
Not many details remain of the original NSU Prinz 4L as Audi apprentices used the Audi A1 floor pans, axles and brakes that were modified during the power restoration.
There are also inflated fenders, manufactured using a 3D printer, that cover the wide wheels wrapped in modern performance tyres. There is also a 3D printed carbon fiber front bonnet.
Inside, there’s a single tablet and corresponding screen that serves as the instrument cluster, as well as a Recaro Podium bucket seat.
The NSU EP4 is finished in Suzuka Gray and Brilliant Black, with Signal Yellow on prominent details such as the rear spoiler, anti-roll cage, tires, side mirrors and circular front air intakes.
