Audi apprentices flip classic NSU Prinz into electrical sizzling rod

Whether or not they’re from OEMs or aftermarket outfits, electrifying classic automobiles is the cool new factor. Audi, and extra particularly, a bunch of 12 technical apprentices, revealed their newest classic electrical conversion: a 1971 NSU Prinz 4. The economic system coupe was absolutely restored and closely modified with far more electrical energy each as a celebration of an vital anniversary for a part of Audi, and a means for the apprentices to learn to work on automobiles.

The anniversary in query is the a hundred and fiftieth of NSU, one of many manufacturers that grew to become a part of the Audi that we all know at this time. And Audi nonetheless operates in Neckarsulm, the place the workshops that grew to become NSU had been based within the late 1800s. Earlier than it grew to become a part of Audi, NSU made automobiles and bikes, with probably the most well-known being the rotary-powered Ro 80. The Prinz 4, alternatively, was a reasonably humble compact coupe that adopted within the footsteps of the Beetle with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine and rear-wheel drive. After all it differed in that it used a roughly 600-cc inline-two-cylinder engine. It solely made about 30 horsepower.

The modified NSU EP4 you see above is extraordinarily completely different. It’s technically a 1971 mannequin, with emphasis on the “technically.” Probably the most outstanding change is the electrical motor. It is nonetheless within the again, powering the rear wheels, but it surely makes 236 horsepower. It really comes from a 2020 E-Tron. The battery pack comes from a Q7 plug-in hybrid, and it is mounted within the nostril, which might’ve initially been the cargo space. The chassis was completely overhauled, too, apparently utilizing a modified A1 floorpan, together with brakes and axles from the identical trendy compact Audi.

Clearly the styling has been modified, too. The automotive sits decrease and has monumental fender flares. The entrance options new grilles for battery cooling, and the carbon fiber hood has a heat-extracting vent. On the rear, there are two big wings, with the higher one mounted to the inside roll cage. The motor cowl can be propped open whereas driving for extra cooling, a nod to basic NSU race automobiles that did the identical factor. The inside is just about gutted, however has the aforementioned roll cage, a set of Recaro sport seats and a display screen for devices and different data. And the entire thing is coated in a vivid black, white and electrical lime shade scheme.

Additionally spectacular in regards to the undertaking is that it solely began again in January, that means the crew of kids accomplished it in solely about six months. In response to Audi, the bottom automotive was a bit rusty, and when combining basic restoration and restore with all of the customized fabrication wanted, the outcomes are critically spectacular.

Naturally, that is only a one-off present automotive, so do not count on one thing in the marketplace. That being mentioned, the completed product seems mighty enjoyable. We would not thoughts seeing Audi or another a part of the VW group contemplate the thought of a sporty, rear-drive coupe with clear traces and proportions with a modest quantity of energy and perhaps some affordability. Simply in case anybody there may be studying this.

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