Audi EP4 Is A Retrolicious Restomod Built By Audi Trainees

Classic Cars /3 Comments

Based on a humble sedan from the 1970s, the modernized EP4 is powered by an e-tron's electric motor.

A group of 12 young apprentices from Audi has electrified the classic NSU Prinz 4 in honor of the milestone 150th Anniversary of the Audi site in Neckarsulm, Germany. Known as the EP4, this restomod combines the bones of the original 1971 model with the electric motor of a 2020Audi e-tronand the battery from an Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid.

The original NSU Prinz 4 was built by NSU Motorenwerke between 1961 and 1973, and it was this German automaker that was ultimately acquired by the Volkswagen Group before being merged with Auto Union to form Audi.

The team of trainees partakes in various courses, from mechatronics to vehicle construction mechanics, bodywork, and painting, and they've come up with a cool tribute to the original. It's not the first time Audi has allowed its apprentices to create something special following theRS6 GTO Concepta few years back.

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Whereas the car originally had a tiny two-cylinder engine producing just short of 30 horsepower, the electric motor that replaces it makes 236 hp. The gas tank used to reside beneath the hood, but that area is now occupied by the battery, while a wide air intake at the bottom of the front bumper and an opening in the hood meet the cooling needs of the electric components.

The tailgate can be fixed in a half-open position to assist with cooling the rear-mounted e-motor. The electric motor is now proudly on display in place of the row of open carburetor funnels. But while some electrified restomods arebarely distinguishable from the original carsthey're based on, the EP4 has received a thorough revision of its interior and exterior.

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The original 1970s body retains its shoulder and roof lines, and the reshaped lights were also designed to recall the older design. However, the dramatically improved performance required the bodywork and chassis to be completely redesigned, and a third modern Audi - the A1 hatchback sold in other markets - contributed to the EP4 by donating its floor pan, brakes, and axles. The widened body was then mounted on top, and modern performance tires provided the expected grip levels.

该小组还必须去除铁锈从1971国防部el, and it was all finished off in gleaming Suzuka Grey and Brilliant Black. Yellow exterior highlights, including Signal Yellow for the rear wing, gave the EP4 an even sportier appearance. The trio of taillight clusters on each side is reminiscent of theNSU Uruguay station wagonthat Audi also recently celebrated.

"The eye travels with you! We wanted the EP4's performance to be visible from every angle," said Cynthia Huster, apprentice automotive painter.

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Parked alongside the original, the EP4 sits lower to the ground but is clearly much wider, thanks to those muscular fenders that were created with the help of 3D printing.

Heading inside, a minimalist approach was followed. Recaro Podium bucket seats, black-painted surfaces, and a single-board computer with a corresponding screen were implemented, with the one dramatic touch being the Signal Yellow roll cage.

"We wanted to build a car that was not only fast and looked cool but also honored the 150th anniversary of the site," said Dean Scheuffler, an apprentice automotive mechanic.

"With admirable commitment and considerable creativity, our apprentices have built a tremendous car," said Audi Board Member for Human Resources, Xavier Ros. "They can be really proud of the result. Projects like this show that our company has a strong future thanks to our young talent."

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