Marque: Audi/NSU - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Audi/NSU
August Horch worked as an engineer with Benz in the 1890s, leaving in 1899 to start his own firm; the first Horch car (with a two cylinder engine) was produced in 1900. A multitude of vehicles and engine types followed, including a six-cylinder, eight-litre motor. After differences of opinion between Horch and his partners, he departed in 1909 and started another new car manufacturing concern. Prevented…
Audi/NSU Coupe & Cabriolet
PRICE: Normal trade prices apply
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1989-2000 - Bodywork:
Two-door coupe and convertible - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1984cc 115bhp Overhead camshaft in-line five-cylinder 2309cc 133bhp; Overhead camshaft V6 2598cc 150bhp - 0-60 mph:
2.0/2.3 11-13+ sec; 2.8V6 8.1 sec - Top Speed:
115-130mph - MPG:
28-33 mpg
PAST: Launched at the tail end of the 1986 80 range, this rag top really sprang to prominence when the late Princess Diana drove one and overnight this Audi became a style icon. Initially a five pot 2.3, but anything from a 1.8 to a 2.8 V6 later featured. Production ran into the New Millennium with assorted ugrades along with the Coupe on which it was based but former had the benefit of hardcore S2 spin-offs.
PRESENT: The rag top has style to spare although this image icon rarely drove as well as it looked, missing the rigidity and 180lb added lightness of the Coupe. That said it’s good enough although entry 1.8/2.0s are a bit sluggish; car is best as sweet running V6. S2 is a wannabe Quattro although lacks original charisma.
FUTURE: Both cars are modern classics and have potential, especially hot S2s.
Audi/NSU 80 (1972-1979)
PRICE: £100- £1800
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1972-79 - Bodywork:
Two-door saloon; four-door saloon five-door estate - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four cylinder 1296cc 60bhp; 1470cc 75 or 85bhp; 1588cc 75 85 110bhp - 0-60 mph:
1470cc (75bhp) 13+ sec; 1588cc (85bhp) 12+ sec; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 9.5 sec - Top Speed:
1470cc (75bhp) 95+ mph; 1588cc (85bhp) 100 mph; 1588cc GT (110bhp) 110+ mph - MPG:
Petrol 25-35 mpg
PAST: 80 was the 3 Series of its day based upon the similar VW Passat, which arrived in Britain in the autumn of 1972. August 1974 saw the introduction of a 1.6 litre GT model that was much underrated in its day. Estates made their debut in June 1975 and 1.5s were replaced by 1.6 units later. For ‘76 Golf GTi-engined GTE models replaced the previous GT versions. Luxurious GLS variants for 1977.
PRESENT: These were smart cars in their time; now scarce (corrosion has despatched most to scrapyards during the last quarter century), liked for their zest and quality build. GTs and GTEs hold most appeal as they are a classier take on the Golf GTi concept.
FUTURE: Car Of The Year for 1973, but apart from the excellent GT versions there’s little chance of this mouldbreaking Audi achieving classic status.
