Audi pushes the envelope in car construction

Audi, the Vorsprung durch Technik brand has been busy researching developing new methods to lower CO2 and increase fuel efficiency in its models. Audi has created a new all aluminium version of the Audi A5 in Essex, the German car manufacturer has shed 100kg from the A5 by swapping steel for advanced aluminium and carbon fibre construction.

Audi created the aluminium model by using the standard A5 as a base, the lightweight model uses the aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept with which Audi broke new ground 15 years ago. Audi claim that the ASF construction principle reduces the kerb weight of the car by 40%. The aluminium model weights in at 1,310kg compared to the standard model which weighs 1,420kg.

Due to its lighter weight the aluminium A5 can use a smaller four cylinder engine to produce the same amount of power as a standard V6 model. The aluminium model uses the much acclaimed 2.0 litre 211PS Turbo FSI engine. With this engine the light weight A5 achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 161PS per tonne. In comparison, the 'standard' Audi A5 3.2 FSI V6 Quattro with 265PS, which tips the scales at 1,540kg, does only marginally better at 172PS per tonne.

A knock-on effect on ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission has also been achieved; smaller and lighter ancillaries can be used on the car to save weight and cost. Audi has noted that the weight shedding has meant that the prototype A5 is also able to change direction noticeably more keenly and nimbly.