Let's check the 1967-1977 NSU Ro 80: A fantastic antique car that won the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1968

The NSU Ro 80 was a luxury sedan produced by the German automaker NSU Motorenwerke AG from 1967 to 1977. It remains a notable and influential car in automotive history, recognized for its groundbreaking design, advanced technology, and contribution to automotive engineering, particularly its Wankel rotary engine

1. Design

Exterior

The Ro 80 featured a distinctive and futuristic design. It had a fastback sedan body style with a long, sloping roofline that smoothly extended to the rear of the car. The rounded contours and lack of sharp edges gave the car a streamlined appearance. The front end was characterized by a low, wide grille and a pair of recessed headlights, giving the car a clean and modern look.

Glasshouse

One of the most prominent design features of the Ro 80 was its large glass area. The car had an expansive windshield that curved into the roofline, providing excellent visibility for the driver and passengers. The side windows were also large, enhancing the feeling of openness and spaciousness in the cabin.

Proportions

The Ro 80 had well-balanced proportions, with a relatively long hood and a short rear deck. The car had a relatively low-slung stance, emphasizing its sporty character. Its overall dimensions were compact, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.

Interior

The interior of the Ro 80 was designed with a focus on comfort and elegance. The cabin featured high-quality materials, including plush upholstery and wood trim. The dashboard had a clean and uncluttered layout, with the main controls and instruments easily accessible to the driver. The large glass area provided a bright and airy feel to the interior.

Wheel Design

The Ro 80 featured distinctive wheel designs that complemented its overall styling. It had alloy wheels with a unique spoke pattern, adding a touch of sophistication to the car's appearance.

Attention to Detail

The NSU Ro 80 was known for its attention to detail in its design. From the flush-fitting door handles to the integrated bumpers, the car displayed a cohesive and harmonious design language. The use of chrome accents was minimal but tastefully applied, enhancing the car's elegance.

2. Engine

The 1967-1977 NSU Ro 80 was powered by a Wankel rotary engine, which was a defining feature of the car. Here are some key details about the engine:

Rotary Engine

The NSU Ro 80 utilized a Wankel rotary engine, which was a revolutionary design developed by Felix Wankel. Unlike traditional piston engines, the rotary engine used a rotor instead of pistons to produce power. The rotor moved in an orbital motion within an epitrochoid-shaped housing, creating three combustion chambers during each rotation.

Displacement

The Ro 80 was equipped with a twin-rotor rotary engine. The total displacement of the engine was 995cc (0.995 liters). Each rotor had a displacement of 497.5cc (0.4975 liters). The relatively small displacement was offset by the high revving nature and compact size of the rotary engine.

Smoothness and Revving Capability

The Wankel rotary engine was known for its smooth operation and ability to rev high. The absence of reciprocating parts, such as pistons and connecting rods, resulted in minimal vibration and a free-revving nature. The engine could reach high RPMs more easily compared to piston engines.

Fuel Consumption

The rotary engine in the Ro 80 was relatively fuel-efficient for its time. However, it was generally less fuel-efficient compared to equivalent piston engines, partly due to the engine's design and the need to maintain high RPMs for optimal performance.

Maintenance

The rotary engine required specific maintenance procedures due to its unique design. Regular maintenance of the apex seals, which sealed the combustion chambers, was crucial to prevent loss of compression and maintain engine performance. Failure to properly maintain the apex seals could lead to engine issues.

3. Performance

The 1967-1977 NSU Ro 80 was known for its impressive performance capabilities, which were largely attributed to its innovative Wankel rotary engine and advanced engineering. Here are some key performance details of the NSU Ro 80:

Top Speed

The Ro 80 had a top speed of approximately 112 mph (180 km/h). This was considered quite high for a luxury sedan of its time.

Acceleration

The Ro 80 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in around 10 seconds. This was considered quick for a car of its size and era.

Power Output

The Ro 80's Wankel rotary engine produced 115 horsepower. This power output, combined with the car's lightweight construction, contributed to its strong performance.

Smooth Power Delivery

The rotary engine in the Ro 80 provided a smooth and linear power delivery. The absence of reciprocating parts, such as pistons, resulted in minimal vibration and a consistent power delivery across the engine's rev range.

High Revving Nature

The Wankel rotary engine was known for its ability to rev high. The Ro 80's engine could reach high RPMs more easily compared to traditional piston engines, which added to its sporty and dynamic character.

Handling and Stability

The Ro 80 featured a well-engineered suspension system and front-wheel drive. It offered precise and responsive handling, ensuring good stability and road-holding capabilities.

Comfortable Ride

Despite its sporty performance, the Ro 80 also provided a comfortable ride. The suspension system, coupled with the car's design and engineering, offered a balance between agility and comfort.

It's worth noting that the Ro 80's performance was influenced by factors such as engine maintenance and the condition of the rotary engine's apex seals. The maintenance of the apex seals was crucial for optimal performance and reliability. Proper care and maintenance were necessary to ensure the engine's longevity and consistent performance.

Overall, the NSU Ro 80 was praised for its strong performance, combining speed, acceleration, and a smooth power delivery. It offered a balance between sportiness and comfort, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with impressive performance capabilities.

4. Cultural Significance

Safety Innovations

The Ro 80 was equipped with several safety features that were ahead of their time. It had a unique dual-circuit brake system, front and rear crumple zones, and an energy-absorbing steering column. These safety features contributed to the Ro 80 receiving a five-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by the German TÜV.

Technological Innovation

The Ro 80 was a pioneer in terms of automotive technology. Its Wankel rotary engine was groundbreaking, showcasing the potential of rotary engines in passenger cars. The car's advanced engineering and innovative features, such as the aerodynamic design and safety innovations, captured the attention of the automotive industry and enthusiasts alike.

European Car of the Year

In 1968, the NSU Ro 80 won the prestigious European Car of the Year award. This recognition solidified its status as a significant and influential vehicle. Winning such a coveted award further boosted the car's reputation and cultural significance.

Automotive Engineering Legacy

The Ro 80's Wankel rotary engine and its associated technologies left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry. Despite the reliability challenges faced by the rotary engine, the Ro 80 demonstrated the potential of rotary engines in passenger cars and paved the way for future developments in rotary engine technology.

Despite its initial success, the Ro 80 faced reliability issues with its Wankel rotary engine. The engine's apex seals were prone to wear and needed regular maintenance. NSU struggled to address these problems, which ultimately contributed to the company's financial difficulties. In 1969, NSU merged with Auto Union to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG, and production of the Ro 80 continued under the Audi brand until 1977.

Impact on NSU and the Automotive Industry

The Ro 80 marked a significant period for NSU as it merged with Auto Union to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG in 1969. The car showcased NSU's engineering expertise and innovation. Its influence extended beyond NSU, contributing to the advancement of automotive engineering and design as a whole.

Cult Classic and Enthusiast Following

The NSU Ro 80 has garnered a cult following among automotive enthusiasts and collectors. The Ro 80's cultural significance can be seen in the passion and appreciation of those who value its historical and technological contributions.