NSU Ro 80 1967

[20B_4ME]

The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced large sedan-type automobile produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977. Most notable was the powertrain; a 113 bhp (84 kW; 115 PS), 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving thefront wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an innovative vacuum system. It was voted Car of the Year for 1968 by European motoring writers.

Can you believe the car on the photos below were designed and made in 1967? They would still have looked modern much later in the 80's!!

It was even featured on Top Gear (old format) back in 1994:

 

[StigBelcherStyl]

NSU RO80, 1967

SPECIFICATIONS

PRODUCTION
• Country of Origin : Germany
• Production: 37,398 cars

ENGINE
• Engine : 995cc 2-Rotor
• Power: 85 kw (115 hp)
• Torque: 158 N.m (116 lb.ft)
• Engine location: Front

PERFORMANCE
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Time = 13.4 secs
• Top Speed = 177.1 km/h (110 mph)

DRIVETRAIN
• Layout Front engine, Front-wheel drive system
• 3 Speed manual transmission with automatic clutch

DIMENSIONS
• Weight: 1251 kg (2759 lbs)
• Length: 4780 mm (188.2 inches)
• Width: 1760 mm (69.3 inches)
• Height: 1410 mm (55.5 inches)
• Wheelbase: 2860 mm (112.6 inches)

OTHER GREAT ROTARY COMPETITORS
Citroen GS Birotor, 1973 (France)
Mazda [FB] RX-7 Series 1, 1979 (Japan)

 

[Sick Cylinder]

I remember my Dad being very keen on this car when it was launched, but it was much too expensive for him. Soon the dream car turned into a nightmare for owners with engines needing changing annually. A lot were out of warranty when they failed (sometimes for the umpteenth time) and because the engine bay was designed for a compact motor pretty much the only replacement engine which could be fitted was the Ford V4, which was not noted for its smoothness. Most R080's were crushed so I can't imagine there are many left today.