NSU Prinz 4 1971

NSU, known for its pioneering work with the Wankel engine, had a rich history and various accomplishments beyond this innovation. Here's a comprehensive overview of NSU's history:

Early Years and Foundation:
Origin: NSU (Neckarsulm Strickmaschinen Union) started in 1873 as a knitting machine manufacturer in Germany.
Transition to Bicycles and Motorcycles: In the late 19th century, NSU diversified into bicycles and motorcycles. Their success in this domain propelled them into the automotive industry.
Notable Achievements and Contributions:
Development of Automobiles: NSU began producing cars in the early 20th century, crafting a range of small and mid-sized vehicles. They gained recognition for their innovative designs and engineering advancements.
Wankel Rotary Engine: NSU made history by being the first company to produce a car, the NSU Spider, equipped with a Wankel rotary engine in 1964. This engine design offered high power-to-weight ratio and smooth operation.
Racing Success: NSU had notable achievements in motorcycle racing and broke various speed records. They also competed in motorsport events with their cars, contributing significantly to their brand reputation.
NSU Ro 80: The Ro 80 sedan, introduced in 1967, became an iconic car for its design, featuring the Wankel engine. Despite its technical sophistication, issues with early Wankel engine versions affected its reputation.
Merger with Audi: In 1969, NSU merged with Auto Union GmbH (which owned Audi) to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG. This laid the groundwork for the Audi brand as we know it today.
Legacy and Influence:
Innovative Spirit: NSU's focus on innovation and engineering excellence left a lasting impact on the automotive industry, particularly with the development of the Wankel engine.
Technical Challenges: Despite its pioneering role with the Wankel engine, NSU faced challenges with the engine's reliability and durability, impacting the perception of this groundbreaking technology.
Foundation for Audi: The merger with Audi was pivotal in shaping Audi's direction, leveraging NSU's engineering expertise and Audi's market presence to create a stronger automotive entity.
NSU's legacy extends beyond its pioneering work with the Wankel engine, encompassing significant contributions to automotive engineering, racing triumphs, and the foundation it laid for Audi / VW future success.