Audi A5 lightweight prototype...is this the right path for Audi's future success?

We all know Audi has become a household name when it comes to design (both exterior and interior), performance, all-wheel drive systems, and many other car design areas in the luxury market. However, Audi has always created heavier cars than its competition partly due to the added weight of its Quattro All-Wheel Drive system and massive amounts of luxury.

Audi has now embarked on a weight-reducing strategy propelled by extensive use of aluminum panels, smaller engines, smaller brakes and increased fuel efficiency.

Autocar got their hands on a prototype lightweight A5 and thought the car had a very large improvement in terms of handling, and even had a bit of a nimble hot-hatch feel to it whereas the regular A5 V6 model had the usual GT feel and slight ponderousness to it.

So, will this reduced-weight strategy be the right path forward for Audi, or does Audi risk alienating its customers who prefer the larger engines, luxury solidity, and appreciate the GT nature of Audi's mainstream models.
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993Turbo - 9/9/2009 9:45:16 AM

+7 Boost

Less weight can't hurt.

MSP6 - 9/9/2009 10:11:29 AM

+6 Boost

Weight reduction is the right path, and not only for Audi

1dott8 - 9/9/2009 3:26:42 PM

+4 Boost

not everyone want's a RWD car.

AlleVier - 9/9/2009 11:04:22 AM

+3 Boost

This is a good direction as long as they don't compromise safety and comfort and as long as it's applicable to all their vehicles, not just some "clubsport" edition of their regular models. I'm glad to read they're contemplating plastic clutch pedals and not brake pedals. I know there are some strong, durable plastics out there but leave them out of my brakes, please.

Yonder7 - 9/9/2009 12:20:58 PM

+1 Boost

AlleVier: I agree with you cause all benz are heavy but all of them are in better positions in terms of security. If you see the test of the last years, you'll see commnents about the side impact capability of BMW coupes or even 5 series, as marignal compared to MB with good or outstanding qualifications. Less weight means fuel savings and also higher price if they spread carbon fiber on the cars.

freshseth83 - 9/9/2009 6:14:01 PM

+1 Boost

the only thing that stops the automakers from using materials that are lighter and stronger is the price. You think if we made cars from titanium or aluminum they would be much lighter frames, but those metals are much higher in price than 'cheap steel'. Of course if they were used more then the price would go higher right? Well the same could be said with steel. It's just so abundant. But then again, Aluminum is the most abundant metal on earth. But manufacturing costs and all that drive automakers to use steel. If they wanted to make cars more efficient and lighter they could use Titanium and Aluminum more often, and use more carbon parts, but they don't. Why? Cost.