Celebrating 150 years of Audi, 12 trainees at the Neckarsulm plant have electrically redesigned a Neckarsulm-built classic car. Employees equipped an NSU Prinz 1971L produced in 4 with a powertrain using components from Audi e-tron and Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Audi plant in Neckarsulm, the project of the 12 interns working at the plant was added.
Interns in the automotive mechatronics, bodywork, vehicle mechanics and paint departments electrified an iconic classic car and named it "EP4". The “E” stands for the electric drive and the “P4” stands for the NSU Prinz 1961 model produced in Neckarsulm by NSU Motorenwerke from 1973 to 4.
They awakened the sleeping 'Prince'
Not only does it look fast and cool, zamThe trainees, who started the project at the time to build a car honoring the factory's 150th anniversary, focused on an NSU Prinz 1971, which was built in 4 and has not been on the road for decades since.
The first step is in the body
But the project had a long way to go from its launch in January to the big reveal at Family Day. Having held numerous team meetings with trainers and project managers, the interns exchanged views on the status of the project, its challenges and next steps. First, they laid a solid foundation for transformation. Bodybuilder and vehicle construction technician trainee repaired rust spots on the body of the car.
Driving: exciting and emission-free
While body and paint specialists, who are still in training, dealt with the chassis and exterior of the classic car, future automotive technicians started working on the power-train, battery and suspension.
A zamHome to a 30 hp (22 kW) two-cylinder petrol engine, the 'Prince' is now equipped with a 240 hp (176 kW) electric motor at the rear. The electric motor was taken from the 2020 Audi e-tron. Its electric motor is powered by the rechargeable hybrid Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro battery.
battery, a zammoments are located under the front hood where the fuel tank of the NSU Prinz is located. Cold air enters through a large opening under the bumper, while hot air is discharged through a large opening in the hood. The tailgate also improves cooling and can be fixed in the half-open position. Thus, a powerhouse emerges, reminiscent of historical racing cars based on the sporty NSU Prinz 1000.
Exterior design: athletic and traditional
For the interns, it was important to show that EP4 actually started life as an NSU Prinz. For this reason, historical items are not limited to front and rear lighting groups. Same zamThey also retained the body, characteristic shoulder and roof lines from the 1970s. The interns derusted the sheet metal and painted it in Audi colors Suzuka Gray and Brilliant Black. Anniversary accents such as "150" were applied to the side of the vehicle.
The huge leap in performance required extensive changes to the chassis and bodywork. Modified floor sheet from the Audi A1, including the brakes and axles formed the base. The interns mounted the hull on top, which was extensively modified and significantly expanded. The muscular fenders created a very athletic look. The interns designed them with the support of the Audi Design team and made them come true using 3D printing. Wide wheels filled the fenders. Modern performance tires provide the necessary grip during acceleration and cornering.
Believing that the new model should appeal not only to the driver but also to the eye, the trainees ensured that the performance of the EP4 was visible from every angle. The Signal Yellow painted rear wing gives the EP4 a particularly sporty look. The spoiler is attached to the roll cage, not to the body as in other vehicles. Their support therefore passes through the rear window.
Interior design: racing and minimalist
The Signal Yellow roll cage creates a striking contrast in the interior. Apart from that, the racing car interior has been reduced to the essentials. All other painted surfaces are black. Bowl-style Recaro racing seats adorn the interior.
A single-board computer and associated display provide access to functions and screens. These are the same zamIt now acts as the vehicle's speedometer and integrated computer.
Talents work with passion and innovative technology
The trainees applied the knowledge they acquired during their training at each step. Timo Engler, Head of Vehicle Technology/Logistics Education, said that with the project, they gave the interns the chance to work freely with different techniques and materials, “For example, they used 3D printing, the second technology of the future, for the carbon fiber front hood used in motorsports, apart from the electric drive.” conveyed in his words. “In the case of EP4, the vision and the deadline were very ambitious,” Engler said. It's great to see how the young staff grow with their roles and how they make a leap in development as a team.” said.
History meets future
Apart from being the symbol of the German 'Economic Miracle' or 'Miracle of the Rhine', NSU vehicles, which made their mark in history as the car that achieved victory in climbing races, still continue to inspire car enthusiasts even today. With its electric powertrain as well as its appeal, the EP4 sheds light on the all-electric era in the continuing story of Audi's Neckarsulm plant.