Audi shows its aluminium A5 Coupe Prototype

Audi presented the A5 coupe prototype, a new concept that focuses on efforts to develop lightweight vehicles. The prototype utilizes several weight-reduction technologies, which all aim to improve fuel economy, cut CO2 emissions and enhance handling.

The weight is cut by around 100 kilos as compared to the standard model. Instead of steel construction, it has advanced aluminum and carbon fiber, with the Audi Space Frame (ASF) playing a key role in Audi’s efforts to cut the vehicle’s weight. “Use of the ASF principle reduces the weight of a car body by at least 40 per cent compared with conventional steel construction, and this shows in a kerb weight of 1,310kg for the aluminum A5 prototype, versus a total of 1,420kg for the equivalent steel-bodied series production model,” the company said. The prototype is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 211 hp and achieves a power-to-weight ratio of 161 hp per ton. Audi added that the new A5 Coupe’s lightweight design enables a smaller engine to supplement a larger one with no impact on performance and gains in economy and emissions. It also has a knock-on effect on ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission, which can also be reduced in size and weight.
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Steve - 10/2/2009 9:24:28 AM

+1 Boost

I'm an Audi fan, so please don't take this as a dig: When Audi says they have shaved off 100 kilos (~220 lbs) "compared to the standard model," it would *truly* impressive if their resulting weight was less than the *competition*. AWD add weight and friction, and therefore, all other things being equal, consumes more fuel. So, do Audi weight less than a similar AWD car? Cool. Do they weight significantly less than a similar FWD or RWD drive car? Big kudos!!! Otherwise, it's just marketing.

JustaCar - 10/2/2009 9:42:16 AM

+3 Boost

The Audi A8 quattro weights less than a RWD BMW 7 series. The aluminum space frame technology used in the A8 is now being applied to their smaller vehicles.

SHOWTIME - 10/2/2009 9:48:59 AM

+4 Boost

Steve, you have a point there but this type of car also cannot be compared with certain types like the WRX or Evo, since it is way better built, insulated and with so many details to the design inside and out.

But I'm sure it can easily be compared to a 328xi, 335xi, 300 4-matic, etc...

quizz - 10/3/2009 2:55:59 PM

+3 Boost

Showtime, the audience for the Audi A5 would NEVER consider the WRX or EVO. The WRX/EVO is so clearly a niche product and made for the boy racers at heart. The young up and coming attorney/executive/stock-broker would never think of even test driving the WRX. The comparisons between the two are pointless. Not to say that the Audi is a "better" car, but it's like comparing the merits between a Bentley and a Ferrari, same price but different audience.