An Electrified Classic: The 2023 Audi EP4 Concept
On the 150th anniversary of the Audi site in Neckarsulm, the Four Rings celebrated with a unique project - the EP4 concept, an electrified version of the iconic NSU Prinz 4. The result of a labor of love by twelve apprentices, the EP4 embodies a blending of heritage and cutting-edge technology, a tangible reflection of the company's past and its electric future.
From a Rusty Relic to an Electrified Icon
The original car, an NSU Prinz 4 from 1971, was resuscitated after decades of inactivity and equipped with a high-voltage heart, a process that took half a year. Apprentices from the automotive mechatronics, bodywork, and vehicle construction mechanics and painting courses carried out the transformation, preserving the historic charm of the Prinz while also fitting it with a 240hp electric powertrain from a 2020 Audi e-tron. However, as they attest, the journey from a rust-riddled old car to a fully-functioning electric vehicle was far from easy.
Powering the Past with the Future
With the car's body restored, focus shifted to its new powertrain. An electric motor replaced the Prinz's original 30hp two-cylinder gasoline engine, now generating eight times its power. Fed by a battery from the plug-in hybrid Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro, the power unit sits under the front hood, the erstwhile location of the fuel tank. The front hood and tailgate have been designed to allow optimal cooling for this new, high-powered engine. In a nostalgic nod, the half-open tailgate reveals the electric power plant, much like the sporty NSU Prinz 1000 used to flaunt its carburetor funnels.
A Vintage Look with a Modern Touch
While the core of the vehicle has seen a major transformation, its exterior retains the soul of the Prinz. Its characteristically 1970s shoulder and roof lines remain, painted in Audi's Suzuka Grey and Brilliant Black. The side of the car proudly displays the "150" anniversary lettering. However, due to the significant leap in performance, extensive modifications had to be made to the chassis and the bodywork. The heavily modified and widened body now sits on a floor pan borrowed from an Audi A1, giving the vehicle a more muscular and athletic look. This bold statement is further accentuated by the Signal Yellow rear wing, which is attached not to the bodywork, but to the roll cage, a rather unique setup that results in the supports going through the rear window.
A Spartan Interior with a Splash of Color
Inside the EP4, occupants will find a minimalist, racing-inspired setup. The Signal Yellow roll cage is the star of the show, standing out in stark contrast against the black interior. Occupants sit on Recaro Podium bucket seats while a single-board computer screen provides all the necessary vehicle information. The spartan setup underlines the EP4's performance-oriented ethos.
A Learning Experience
The EP4 project was more than just a showcase of what could be achieved with an old car and some modern technology. For the apprentices, it was an invaluable opportunity to apply their skills and learn about the future of the industry. In addition to working with an electric drivetrain, they gained exposure to other forward-looking technologies, such as 3D printing and carbon fiber construction. The successful completion of the project, despite a challenging timeline and ambitious vision, demonstrates their development as a team.
Where History and Future Intersect
The EP4 Concept marks an interesting intersection of history and the future for Audi. It's a tribute to the classic NSU Prinz 4, while also pointing towards Audi's electric ambitions. It's clear that projects like the EP4 are not just about revisiting the past, but also about exploring the future of automotive technology and design.
A Glance into the Road Ahead
The transformation of a classic NSU Prinz 4 into a modern, electric machine reveals Audi's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The project is an embodiment of the challenges and opportunities that come with shifting from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. With the 2023 Audi EP4 Concept, Audi blends its heritage with future-facing technology, offering a glimpse into what we might expect as the company continues on its path toward electrification.
-Ed
2023 Audi EP4 Concept
