Filed under: Audi, Lightweight
Audi Aluminum A5 Coupe Prototype - Click above for high-res image
As much as we like the Audi A5 with it's lovely lines and proportions and good driving dynamics, we have to admit that it's a bit porky. The lightest version currently available in the U.S. market is the 3.2-liter V6 quattro at 3,737 pounds. To date, the A5 has not been the beneficiary of Audi's extensive experience in working with aluminum structures in cars like the A8, R8 and TT. At a recent tech day event in Germany, Audi showed off a prototype A5 with a body fabricated from an aluminum space frame and the work clearly paid off.
Starting with a European spec 2.0-liter TFSI front wheel drive A5 that weighed in at 3,130 pounds, the new body structure allowed the engineers to carve off 220 lbs. In addition to the aluminum space frame, the lightweight A5 also has a carbon fiber hood and rear deck.
Cutting mass will be a significant factor in helping automakers reach future efficiency and emissions standards. However, it's not a trivial problem. Aluminum structures are more expensive than steel and carbon fiber takes significantly more energy to produce then either metal. Carbon fiber components are also difficult to recycle, unlike steel and aluminum. Full details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Audi]
Continue reading Audi shows off lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber A5 prototype
Audi shows off lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber A5 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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