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101 Cars: NSU Ro80
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
08/25/2008
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The Ro80 was not only an exceptionally attractive sedan, but it was technologically advanced for the day. (Photo: Audi.com) ยป More Photos

Mazda is the only company to successfully, and in volume, produce Wankel-rotary-powered automobiles. But Mazda wasn't the only one to give it a try. German carmaker NSU, which stands for Neckarsulmer Fahrradwerke Aktiengesellschaft, even though the initials don't quite match up, gave it a good shot for a decade.

The Ro80 was not only an exceptionally attractive sedan, but it was technologically advanced for the day; components like rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent suspension were often reserved for pricier cars. The ideas behind the rotary engine were the same as they are today: lots of power from a small-displacement engine, and smooth running. The Ro80 was indeed a smooth runner... when it ran. There were all kinds of problems with the engine - blown rotor seals, backfiring, overheating. It just wasn't well enough developed. NSU merged with Audi in 1969, thus becoming part of the VW group. They launched a piston-engined version of the Ro in 1971, called the K70. The Ro80 is worth a drive, if only because it represented a bold, if not wholly successful, engineering effort.

Specifications
Engine: 1.0-liter Wankel rotary
Horsepower: 128
0–60 mph: 14.0 seconds
Top Speed: 112 miles per hour
Price New: $6,000
Value Now: Good drivers $15,000-$20,000 with top notch or fully restored examples costing up to $30,000.




Claim to Fame

CLAIM TO FAME: The world's first production Wankel-rotary-engined sedan


Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK: "Rotary Ten" by R.E.M.


Perfect Passenger

PERFECT PASSENGER: Someone who doesn't mind pushing now and again


Behind the Wheel

BEHIND THE WHEEL: The Ro80 was never officially imported to the United States although you'll find a few here. Best to contact the international club at www.ro80.nl.


Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW: NSU's original business, in the late 1800s, was producing sewing machines.


The Perfect Drive

THE PERFECT DRIVE: Somehow, cruising from beer garden to beer garden in the Black Forest in Germany seems like the right thing to do.



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