NSU/Wankel Spider: World's First Production Car with Single-Rotor Wankel Engine

Neckarsulm – Audi Tradition is highlighting the NSU/Wankel Spider, a sports car introduced at the 1963 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). This vehicle marked a significant technological advancement as the first production car globally to be equipped with a single-rotor Wankel engine.

The compact, open-top, two-seater sports car was designed by Bertone. A total of 2,375 units were manufactured at the Neckarsulm plant. The NSU/Wankel Spider is featured as the seventh episode in a series celebrating the 150-year history of the NSU brand, showcasing its classic and unique models.

NSU had been developing the Wankel engine concept with engineer Felix Wankel since the early 1950s. The initial Wankel rotary piston engine, designated DKM 54, first ran on a test bench in 1957. Development continued, focusing on simplifying and refining the engine. In 1959, the KKM 250 circular piston engine was developed and subsequently installed in an NSU Prinz test vehicle, followed by the NSU Sport Prinz.

The company secured worldwide licensing agreements for the Wankel engine technology, enabling its adoption in various applications and establishing it as a notable automotive innovation.