NSU Ro80

The NSU Ro80 is a four-door, front-engine, front-wheel drive luxury car manufactured by the German automaker NSU from 1967 to 1977. It is considered a milestone in automotive design and engineering, as it was one of the first cars to feature a rotary engine, an aerodynamic design, and front-wheel drive.

The Ro80’s body was designed by Claus Luthe, who was inspired by the work of Italian automobile designer Franco Scaglione. The body features a unique and distinctive aerodynamic design, with smooth lines and a low profile, which helped to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Under the hood, the Ro80 was powered by a rotary engine developed by NSU and later by Mazda. This engine was known for its smooth and quiet operation, as well as its high power-to-weight ratio. The Ro80 was also equipped with advanced suspension and braking systems, which helped to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as precise handling.

Despite its innovative design and engineering, the Ro80 was plagued by reliability problems, particularly with its rotary engine, which was prone to wear and tear. This, combined with the car’s high cost, led to disappointing sales, and NSU ultimately ceased production of the Ro80 in 1977.

Today, the NSU Ro80 is considered a classic car, and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its innovative design and engineering have influenced many modern cars, and it remains a testament to NSU’s engineering prowess and forward-thinking approach to automotive design.