Sep
30

Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Posted by AudiMobiles.com

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi Aluminum A5 Coupe Prototype – Click above for a high-res image

Audi is continuing the aluminum architecture tradition employed on the A8, R8 and TT with a new prototype of the A5 that sheds 242 pounds from the standard 2.0-liter model.

The Aluminum A5 Prototype uses the steel-bodied production vehicle as its base, then incorporates the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and a carbon fiber hood and trunk to bring the curb weight down from 3,130 pounds to 2,888 pounds. Compared to the V6 model, the 208 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter model has a power-to-weight ratio of 159-hp per ton, while the V6 variant trumps it by only 11 hp per ton.

While Audi’s aluminum technology is sure to find its way into future models, including the A5, Audi doesn’t plan to produce the current A5 using the ASF concept quite yet. That’s likely to happen with the next generation model due out in a few years, but talk of an Ur-Quattro revival with the S5 (or RS5) could be the opening salvo with the coupe, and this is a good indication that work is well underway. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink