NSU Ro 80 - World Of Classic Cars -

NSU Ro 80 1975

The NSU Ro 80 was a technologically advanced saloon produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967 until 1977. Most notable was the powertrain; a 113bhp, 995cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving the front wheels through a semi-automatic transmission employing an innovative vacuum system, and as such was voted Car of the Year, 1968, by European motoring writers. Other technological features of the Ro80, aside from the powertrain, were the four wheel, inboard, disc brakes, which for some time were generally only featured on expensive sports or luxury saloon cars.

NSU Ro 80 1975

It also featured an automatic clutch which was commonly described as a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox: there was no clutch pedal, but instead, on top of the gearknob, an electric switch that operated a vacuum system which disengaged the clutch. The gear lever itself could then be moved through a standard 'H pattern' gate. The shape was also slippery with a drag coefficient of 0.355 allowing for an impressive top speed of 112mph.