Lighter Audis on the way.

[footie]

Audi released details about a new version of the A5 that is roughly 100 kilograms lighter than the standard model. The Audi Aluminum A5 coupe was built substituting the lightweight metal for steel whenever possible. Carbon fiber was also used to help lighten the load.

Working with aluminum is nothing new for the German manufacturer. Since 1994, over 550,000 Audi cars have been produced with an aluminum body in the last 15 years alone. By using the aluminum Audi Space Frame, with "aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics" mounted to the frame, the prototype was able to use the more economical and fuel efficient 2.0-liter TFSI engine and achieve comparable performance compared to the heavier car with the 3.2-liter V6.

The two versions were available for testing by journalists at an Audi-sponsored event recently, alongside two different versions of the Audi TT. Performance numbers for the aluminum version of the A5 show a car that has a power-to-weight ratio of about 160 hp per tonne, compared to the heavier, V6 powered A5's ratio of 170 hp per tonne.

Because of the less powerful engine, Audi was also able to use smaller, lighter brakes, and a lightweight transmission. The company claims the "reduction in unsprung weight" has led to a car capable of changing direction better and faster.

"One of our most enduring aims for the future is to reverse the weight spiral," said Audi board member Michael Dick. The company claims that fuel consumption falls by 0.3 to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers of travel for every 100 kilograms of weight saved.

"Lightweight design is the foundation of our entire approach to improving efficiency," Dick said.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by footie

Audi released details about a new version of the A5 that is roughly 100 kilograms lighter than the standard model. The Audi Aluminum A5 coupe was built substituting the lightweight metal for steel whenever possible. Carbon fiber was also used to help lighten the load.

Working with aluminum is nothing new for the German manufacturer. Since 1994, over 550,000 Audi cars have been produced with an aluminum body in the last 15 years alone. By using the aluminum Audi Space Frame, with "aluminum and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics" mounted to the frame, the prototype was able to use the more economical and fuel efficient 2.0-liter TFSI engine and achieve comparable performance compared to the heavier car with the 3.2-liter V6.

The two versions were available for testing by journalists at an Audi-sponsored event recently, alongside two different versions of the Audi TT. Performance numbers for the aluminum version of the A5 show a car that has a power-to-weight ratio of about 160 hp per tonne, compared to the heavier, V6 powered A5's ratio of 170 hp per tonne.

Because of the less powerful engine, Audi was also able to use smaller, lighter brakes, and a lightweight transmission. The company claims the "reduction in unsprung weight" has led to a car capable of changing direction better and faster.

"One of our most enduring aims for the future is to reverse the weight spiral," said Audi board member Michael Dick. The company claims that fuel consumption falls by 0.3 to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers of travel for every 100 kilograms of weight saved.

"Lightweight design is the foundation of our entire approach to improving efficiency," Dick said.

Coming from Audi, lol.

I've heard of the prototypes, however I don't understand how practical this would be from a financial standpoint. Extensive use of aluminum + CF panels = big $$$. I could see like a CSL equivalent of an RS5 using these materials maybe.

[footie]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

Coming from Audi, lol.

I've heard of the prototypes, however I don't understand how practical this would be from a financial standpoint. Extensive use of aluminum + CF panels = big $$$. I could see like a CSL equivalent of an RS5 using these materials maybe.

The next A6 is following the A8's lead of being all Aluminum so I foresee that in the near future (i.e. 5~6 years) most if not all Audi cars will be made this way. Jaguar is always looking to follow along this line of thinking with the next XF, XE and new sportscar all adopting alloy in their construction.

I don't think any of you fully understand the 130g/km average that Europe has placed on manufacturers from 2015. Maybe the US hasn't adopted this approach for it's manufacturer (if any are left there now) but it will come there too.

Hybrid, lean-burn, smaller engines, stop-start technology and less overall weight are all required to achieve this goal. The cost of not meeting these goals might just be greater than the cost of the construction.

[dmz]

LOL! I don't think Audi knows the meaning of the word "lightweight" Their "lightweight" aluminium A8 is heavier than a steel framed BMW 750i. So, when they say lighweight it's relative. Lightweight compared to what?

[dmz]

Nope, the '09 A5 weights in more like 3800lbs. Definately more than a comparably 3 series.

Originally Posted by GatorBlue371

That A5 weighed 2800lbs.



What is the lightest car BMW makes?

[Rotary Rasp]

3913lbs according to edmunds.... so freaking heavy

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by GatorBlue371

That A5 weighed 2800lbs.



What is the lightest car BMW makes?

I still see it as a one-off special prototype. That much aluminum coupled with some CF would jack the prices up way too much for it to be accessible in the A-model Audis (barring the already expensive A8). I could see a Ur-Quattro RS sporting all-aluminum and CF. And I'd expect a huge price hike.

Any manufacturer could take a model and replace the steel bodies with aluminum and CF and make a one-off lightweight prototype.

And depressingly, the two lightest BMWs are just about ~3250lbs - the 128i 6mt and Z4 Sdrive28i 6mt.

[footie]

A8 3.0TDi Quattro weight 1830Kg+75Kg = 1905Kg or 4191Lbs

BMW 730d rwd 1940Kg = 4268Lbs

It not only still the lighter car but has an extra 100Kgs (220Lbs) of awd system that the BMW doesn't have. To me that says alloy is worth looking into.

P.S.
I am adding the 75Kgs to the Audi figures because it's unknown whether Audi include it in their official figures, if it does then that makes things even more compelling towards the use of alloy.

[graider]

Originally Posted by GatorBlue371

That A5 weighed 2800lbs.



What is the lightest car BMW makes?

you are talking about a concept that is not seeing the production line in atleast 5-10 years assuming they decide to produce it and at a cost most of us can't afford.

[dmz]

And you believe everything you read on the internet? I think they are talking about 200lb in weight savings not 1000lb. Something in this article does not ad up. There is not 3100lb A5 and there will be no 2800lb A5. Maybe they are talking about a TT. Maybe you should use your brain instead of your musle to read next time.

Originally Posted by GatorBlue371

The A5 in this article weighed 2800lbs.


http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/a...er-240-pounds/


Lets flex those reading muscles

[Inspired]

and some people like to talk shit when they dont even own a BMW