Audi Wants Lighter Cars

The luxury automaker plans to increase the average fuel efficiency of its fleet through a combination of green initiatives – like hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

However, the additional components necessary in hybrid and electric vehicles add extra weight, so Audi has made it a priority to also reduce the overall weight of its vehicles.

The automaker has initiated a project that focuses on lightweight construction techniques. Audi says it will draw upon insight from the project when designing its next-generation modular car platform. The weight savings would also have a huge benefit in terms of gas mileage for Audi’s regular gasoline engines, and would improve handling and performance, Audi officials say.

The first lighter Audi to come out of the project is a prototype S5 that’s about 880 pounds lighter than the current two-ton coupe. The prototype uses a 230-hp four-cylinder instead of the current S5’s V-8 powertrain. Even with 100 fewer horsepower, the prototype is 8 seconds faster around the famed Nürburgring track than the current S5.

Audi reduced the S5’s weight by using more aluminum. The automaker calls it a “hybrid steel-aluminum body,” which balances weight reduction with safety and costs.

There’s no word on when Audi will bring lighter vehicles to market, but Hyundai and Honda have both publicly stated intent to make lighter cars as well. Additionally, the new EPA fuel economy standards for 2016 of an average 35.5 mpg may persuade even more automakers to make lighter vehicles in the near future.

Audi vows to shed weight (Autocar)