Audi drops the weight on the S5 and ends up with a car that's actually compelling...
06-11-2009, 08:54 AM
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Audi drops the weight on the S5 and ends up with a car that's actually compelling...
This is from a couple days ago, but I was pretty shocked when I saw the actual numbers on it.
Taken from:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/t...e-less-weight/
Now, if they can make a car that performs and doesn't feel like it's way overpriced, they'll have something. BMW is expected to follow suit with the 1 series and 3 series in the F20 and F30 platforms, so the race to get lighter may finally be here.
If we can get all the damn pickups off the road in texas, they might be safe to drive, too!
Taken from:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/t...e-less-weight/
Originally Posted by autoblog
Audi is developing the groundwork for an entirely new way of building its cars. The future for the four rings is light weight, giving it the proper base to support the best hybrid and electric cars, as well as extract the most from its traditional offerings.
As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.
The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.
As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.
The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.
If we can get all the damn pickups off the road in texas, they might be safe to drive, too!
06-11-2009, 09:29 AM
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In the world of Horsepower Wars, it's refreshing to see automakers go the diff route.
I see nothing but pros in weight reducing.
Quicker acceleration, better fuel mileage, and with the right material, should be able to lighten the car without sacrificing crash ratings.
I see nothing but pros in weight reducing.
Quicker acceleration, better fuel mileage, and with the right material, should be able to lighten the car without sacrificing crash ratings.
06-11-2009, 10:20 AM
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I saw this story yesterday, very interesting. I still think the S5 is one of the best looking cars on sale today - hard to see all of the beauty in pics. Even if I could afford one, the stock weight would kill the deal for me but the light version would be nice.
06-11-2009, 10:31 AM
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880lbs puts it just below 3000lbs tho. 3858 - 880 =2978 = fun to drive!
Now imagine if they did the same w/the S4 or the TTs. The TT is 3,125lbs. just imagine if they cut that by the same percent reduction. That'd make the TT 712lbs lighter or around 2400lbs. I doubt they could pull that off, but even half of that would be major.
06-11-2009, 10:34 AM
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06-11-2009, 12:49 PM
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Yep.
880lbs puts it just below 3000lbs tho. 3858 - 880 =2978 = fun to drive!
Now imagine if they did the same w/the S4 or the TTs. The TT is 3,125lbs. just imagine if they cut that by the same percent reduction. That'd make the TT 712lbs lighter or around 2400lbs. I doubt they could pull that off, but even half of that would be major.
880lbs puts it just below 3000lbs tho. 3858 - 880 =2978 = fun to drive!
Now imagine if they did the same w/the S4 or the TTs. The TT is 3,125lbs. just imagine if they cut that by the same percent reduction. That'd make the TT 712lbs lighter or around 2400lbs. I doubt they could pull that off, but even half of that would be major.
06-11-2009, 01:18 PM
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But yes, that would be AMAZING!
Has anyone on this forum lightened their 8 that far?
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