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K 70 (1970–1975)

K 70 (1970–1975)
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The best of both worlds

Factory code: Type 48

In the second half of the 1960s, a camouflaged mid-range saloon with a low waistline haunts the German press. The prototype gradually reveals itself first as the NSU 1700, then as the NSU K 70. Once most of the details are known, the new development is unveiled: a four-door saloon with three side windows and a harmonious design by Claus Luthe, then chief designer at NSU, who also gave the Ro 80 its groundbreaking shape. With the takeover of NSU by Audi in March 1969, the Volkswagen Group acquires NSU's entire vehicle range – including the NSU K 70, which is almost ready for series production. After a targeted finish in Wolfsburg, the Volkswagen K 70, as it is now called, joins its Audi siblings as a pioneer of future vehicle lines with front-engine, front-wheel drive, and water cooling.

For Volkswagen, the decision to build the K 70 involves enormous changes: sales staff and customers need to be convinced of the new system, and the classic large Volkswagen models (Types 3 and 411) must be positioned in parallel. The workshops need a large set of special tools for the new model. And above all, a new plant has to be built in Salzgitter for the VW K 70.

K 70 profile

Vehicle data

K 70 (1970–1975)

Engine versions

K 70 (1970–1975)

K 70 variants & highlights

K 70 model update

1970

A big impression

From the outset, production is planned for 500 vehicles per day – in line with the figures for the Volkswagen 411. The press vehicles provided make an excellent impression right from the start. A spacious interior, huge boot (600 litres), suspension with independent wheel suspension, stabiliser, long spring travel, and excellent handling characteristics: the K 70 cannot deny its ancestry from its bigger brother, the Ro 80.

1970

Powerful

The state-of-the-art 1.6-litre four-cylinder OHC engines (developed on the basis of the engine from the NSU 1200) are powerful, both in the basic version with 55 kW (75 PS) and in the more powerful version with 66 kW (90 PS), twin carburettors, and rev counter. The K 70 also has an optional sliding sunroof (SHD).

1970

One line

The planned estate and hatchback variants are no longer developed in order to avoid unnecessarily increasing the number of similar vehicles within the group.

1971

Adjustments

In order to increase the number of identical parts used, the almost identical bumpers from the Audi 100 (retaining the indicator lights) and the seat backs from the Volkswagen Type 4 are adopted from August onwards. Like all other Volkswagen models, the K 70 is fitted with a diagnostic connector. After considerable bodywork, a right-hand drive version is now available.

1972

Lower fuel consumption, more light

This year, measures are incorporated into production to reduce fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds: The bonnet is flattened to reduce the Cd value and is given a wide central crease and slightly raised mudguards; the 66 kW (90 PS) version also gets a longer gear ratio. On the L model, the twin headlights are equipped with halogen bulbs; all four headlights now light up when the high beam is activated. The manual choke is omitted, and an automatic start system is introduced.

1973

More PS

The engine developed on the basis of the air-cooled NSU engines does not allow for any further increase in displacement. The Volkswagen development department redesigns the engine block so that the bore can be increased to 87 millimetres by modifying the cooling channels. The result: 1,800 cubic centimetres and 74 kW (100 PS) in the K 70 S/LS. It has greater elasticity and replaces the previous 66 kW (90 PS) engine. The 55 kW (75 PS) engine is still available.

1973

Special model

The 74 kW (100 PS) K 70 LS can be ordered as a special model with striking side stripes, a matt black rear panel, and sports steel rims. Only 5,000 of this special model are built.

1975

End of production

Production ceases in January 1975. A total of 211,127 Volkswagen K 70s are manufactured.

K 70 advertisements

K 70 (1970–1975)
K 70 (1970–1975)
K 70 (1970–1975)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.