To mark the 150th anniversary at the Audi site in Neckarsulm, twelve brand apprentices have electrified the iconic, classic EP4. The ‘E’ in the name of this futuristic one-off stands for the electric drive, and ‘P4’ refers to the NSU Prinz 4, a model that the former NSU Motorenwerke brand built in Neckarsulm from 1961 to 1973.

In the rear, where a two-cylinder 0,6-liter gasoline engine (originating from a motorbike) with 22 kW or 30 hp (22 kW) resided, there is now an electric motor with 176 kW, which comes from an Audi e-tron from 2020.

A plug-in hybrid Audi Q7 TFSI e-quattro battery powers the drive system. This sits under the front hood, where the NSU Prinz once had its fuel tank and where (a little) luggage could be stowed.

“We wanted to build a car that was not only fast and looked cool but also honored the 150th-anniversary of the site,” says Dean Scheuffler, one of the apprentice automotive mechanics involved at Audi in Neckarsulm.

1000 TT

For the apprentices, it was clear that their EP4 should proudly show that it began life as an NSU Prinz. But, all the visual clues are not referring to the original Prinz 4, but to its much more sporty derivatives, 1000 TT and TTS, with an inline four built-in in the back, developing 55 to 70 hp at the time.

Thanks to two double carburetors displayed almost permanently by a (rear) trunk that stood open. Where a row of open carburetor funnels gave onlookers clues about the sporting intentions of these cars back then, the EP4 now displays its electric motor.

The historic elements, therefore, include not only the front and rear lights. The body from the 1970s also retained its characteristic shoulder and roof lines.

“The eye travels with you! We wanted the EP4’s performance to be visible from every angle,” explains Cynthia Huster, apprentice automotive painter. The rear wing, painted Signal Yellow, gives the EP4 a particularly sporty appearance. The twist: the wing is not attached to the bodywork, as in other vehicles, but to the roll cage. Its supports, therefore, go through the rear window.

Extensively modified

The giant leap in performance required extensive modifications to the chassis and the bodywork. A modified floor pan from an Audi A1, including brakes and axles, forms the base. The apprentices mounted the extensively modified and significantly widened body on top.

The muscular fenders are unmistakably athletic. The apprentices designed these with the support of Audi Design and turned them into reality using 3D printing. Wide wheels are tucked beneath the fenders. Thanks to modern performance tires, they provide the necessary grip during acceleration and sporty cornering.

The yellow roll cage makes for an eye-catching contrast in the interior. Apart from that, the interior is typical of racing cars and reduced to the essentials; all other painted surfaces are black. The occupants sit on ‘Recaro Podium’ bucket seats.

A single-board computer and corresponding screen serve instruments and displays. They are also the vehicle’s speedometer and onboard computer and perform diagnostic tasks.

A racing icon reinvented

NSU vehicles have made history and continue to inspire car enthusiasts. As racing cars, they were involved in many rallies and street races at the time, and even now, they still score wins at historic hill climbs.

“With its charm and electric drivetrain, the EP4 stirs anticipation for the coming all-electric chapters in the continuing story of Audi’s Neckarsulm site,” says the official press release.