To celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Neckarsulm manufacturing plant, Audi revives the 1961 NSU Prinz 4 as a wild EV.
· Audi celebrates the 150th anniversary of its Neckarsulm site
· The NSU Prinz 4 revives as an EV for the occasion
· The car showcases Audi’s EV capabilities and future
The Audi manufacturing site in Neckarsulm is commemorating its 150th anniversary in an electrifying fashion, thanks to the innovative work of twelve apprentices. These young talents have breathed new life into the NSU Prinz 4, a classic model produced at the site between 1961 and 1973, by creating an electrified version, dubbed the “EP4”. Striving to honor the anniversary while crafting a vehicle that is both stylish and fast, the apprentices have embarked on a remarkable project that began in January 2023.
The apprentices faced a series of challenges in transforming the 1971 NSU Prinz 4, which had been dormant for decades. The project involved rust removal and body work, but the most significant change was the replacement of the original two-cylinder gasoline engine with a 240 hp electric motor from a 2020 Audi e-tron. This motor draws its power from a battery that originates from a plug-in hybrid Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro.
The EP4 retains key design elements of the NSU Prinz to honor its history. However, it flaunts its new identity with a body painted in Audi’s Suzuka Grey and Brilliant Black, highlighted with the anniversary lettering “150”. The vehicle’s chassis and bodywork underwent extensive modifications to accommodate the substantial power increase. Aided by Audi Design, the apprentices used 3D printing to create muscular fenders that hint at the EP4’s athletic prowess.
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Inside, the minimalist racing car aesthetics are evident, with a Signal Yellow roll cage contrasting against the largely black interior. The trainees utilized various future-oriented technologies, including 3D printing and carbon fiber components, throughout the project, effectively applying the skills acquired during their training.
The EP4 serves as an engaging symbol of the site’s history while sparking excitement for Audi’s future all-electric endeavors at the Neckarsulm site. The project not only showcases the impressive capabilities of Audi’s apprentices but also underlines the company’s commitment to innovative, sustainable technologies.
