1970 AG. Ro 80 (BIANCA)
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The NSU-Auto Union AG Ro 80, also known as the BIANCA, is a remarkable example of German engineering from the 1970s. This model was produced and sold by NSU-Motorenwerke AG, an automaker that later merged with Auto Union to create the Audi brand we know today.
One of the most impressive technical features of the Ro 80 is its rotary engine, which was designed and produced in-house by NSU. The Wankel engine has a unique shape and operates in a different way than traditional piston engines, using a rotor instead of pistons to create combustion. This not only made the engine extremely smooth and quiet but also allowed the Ro 80 to achieve high speeds with remarkable ease.
The Ro 80's chassis is also noteworthy. The four-wheel independent suspension system served as a basis for Audi's later designs and allowed the car to handle well, with sharper steering and better traction. The car's design measured 4900mm x 1730mm in dimensions, with a wheelbase of 2760mm which allowed it to have decent cabin space ensuring a comfortable ride.
Another technical highlight of the Ro 80 was its aerodynamic build, which contributed to its efficiency and performance. The shape of the car was carefully designed so that air flowed smoothly over the front, reducing drag and improving fuel consumption. This helped the Ro 80 achieve a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph), quite impressive for a car produced in the 1970s.
Overall, the NSU-Auto Union AG Ro 80 is a testament to NSU's technical prowess and automotive innovation. Its rotary engine, advanced chassis, and aerodynamic design all contributed to its place in automotive history. Despite its production being only between 1967-1977 it paved the way for many other German automakers and served as a model for future automotive designs.
Milestones
- 1957: NSU launches the Prinz, its first new car since World War II. - 1958: NSU introduces its first sports car, the Sport Prinz. - 1960: NSU releases the Wankel rotary engine, becoming the first automaker to do so. - 1964: Auto Union merges with NSU to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG. - 1967: NSU releases the Ro 80, a flagship luxury sedan featuring a rotary engine and aerodynamic design. - 1970: NSU discontinues production of the Prinz and Sport Prinz models. - 1970: NSU introduces the BIANCA trim level for the Ro 80, featuring additional luxury features such as air conditioning, power windows, and leather upholstery. - 1972: Audi NSU Auto Union AG becomes Audi AG. - 1977: NSU ceases to exist as a brand and its models are absorbed into Audi's lineup.Technical
- The NSU-Auto Union AG Ro 80 (Bianca) was a mid-size luxury sedan produced from 1967 to 1977. - It was the first car equipped with a production rotary engine, the Wankel engine, which had a displacement of 995cc and produced 113 horsepower. - The car had a front-wheel drive layout and a 4-speed manual transmission, although an optional 3-speed automatic transmission was available as well. - The body of the Ro 80 was aerodynamically designed to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. The car had a sleek, angular shape with a low hood and a sloping rear end. - The interior of the Ro 80 was luxurious and featured a range of innovative features for its time, including a fuel-injected engine, power steering, power windows, and a retractable steering wheel. - The car had four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs, and disc brakes on all four wheels, which provided excellent handling and stopping power. - Despite its advanced technology and design, the Ro 80 had some reliability issues with its rotary engine, which led to costly repairs and ultimately contributed to the demise of NSU-Auto Union AG. - In total, approximately 37,000 Ro 80s were produced during its lifespan, with the majority sold in Europe. The car is still considered a cult classic and is highly sought after by automotive collectors.
