Noted for innovative, aerodynamic styling by Claus Luthe and a technologically advanced powertrain, the Ro 80 featured a 84 kW (113 bhp), 995 cc (60.7 cu in) twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission with an innovative vacuum-operated clutch system.

Aug 24, 2012 · In 1967, the small German automaker NSU introduced what would be its final and most ambitious product: the remarkable Ro80. It was NSU’s first and last luxury car, a sophisticated, highly aerodynamic sedan powered by a Wankel rotary engine. The Ro80 survived for 10 years, generating critical acclaim and controversy in roughly equal measure.

Apr 19, 2023 · “NSU Ro80: The Complete Story,” by Martin Buckley details the West German wondercar two decades ahead of its time, undone by its rotary engine.

May 31, 2022 · The Ro80’s 995cc, twin-rotor engine was rated at 113 hp (115 PS). Because of the rotary’s tendency to run rough on overrun with a manual transmission, NSU turned to a Saxomat semi-automatic transmission, built by Fichtel and Sachs (and also offered by Porsche as the Sportomatic).

Aug 2, 2023 · This NSU Ro80 is powered by a later-model 995cc two-rotor engine and finished in white over tan vinyl upholstery. Equipment includes dual Solex carburetors, a power sunroof, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, 14″ alloy wheels, tinted windows, three-point seatbelts, and a three-speed transaxle with a vacuum-operated clutch.

Mar 11, 2022 · With a front-mounted twin rotor Wankel engine, a semi-automatic three speed transmission, four wheel independent suspension, four wheel disc brakes, power steering, and excellent aerodynamics, the NSU Ro80 was intended to be a car of the future – but reliability problems with the rotary engine would lead to its demise. Fast Facts – The NSU Ro80

Jan 31, 2019 · NSU Ro80. Sold/number built 1967-’77/37,402; Construction steel monocoque; Engine iron-block, two-rotor 995cc Wankel, with two twin-choke Solex carburettors; Max power 113.5bhp @ 5500rpm; Max torque 117lb ft @ 4500rpm; Transmission three-speed, semi-auto with torque converter, driving front wheels

Feb 2, 2021 · NSU took the bold decision to invest the profits from their successful rear-engined small cars in an advanced medium-sized executive car built around a twin-rotor development of the Wankel engine.

May 20, 2022 · Its aerodynamic design (0.355 Cd) penned by future BMW chief stylist Claus Luthe gave the 191.7-inch-long sedan postmodern looks that remain fresh 55 years on. It used a fully independent coil-spring suspension with MacPherson struts in front and semi-trailing arms in the rear, and 175SR14 radials mounted on 14 x 5-inch wheels.

The Ro 80 was German saloon car manufactured by the West German firm NSU, utilizing a pioneering rotary 2-disc Wankel engine. Marketed as a luxury car, production of the NSU Ro 80 ran from 1967 until 1977. The history of the NSU Ro 80.