Audi to cut weight of its vehicles through intelligent use of materials

2012 Audi A6

The Audi quattro concept isn’t just a nice little concept that hints at a future successor to the 1983 Sport quattro – oh no, it’s much more than that. It’s a little concept that weighs just 2,860 pounds and it’s not going to be the only Audi to be on the slimmer side.

According to Stephan Reil, head of technology development at quattro GmbH, Audi is looking to cut weight of its vehicles across the lineup, just like its sister brand Lamborghini (as hinted by the Sesto Elemento Concept). However, unlike Lamborghini, which plans on using a bunch of carbon fiber to cut weight of its vehicles, Audi will be making intelligent use of composites, magnesium and an increase in its use of aluminum.

The first major application of this can be seen in the new 2012 Audi A6. Thanks to its composite steel-aluminum construction, the body weighs approximately 15 percent less than a conventional steel construction, earning the sedan with the four rings a top ranking among the competition. The 2012 A6 2.0 TDI tips the scales at just 3,472 pounds.

Reil says that the new A6 is just a start so we can expect even additional slimmer Audi’s in the future.

2012 Audi A6:

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar