As much improved as Audis have become over the past few years one consistent complaint about the German luxury cars is how much they weigh. Audi aims to eliminate that critique by removing the problem - weight.
According to Audi technical development boss Michael Dick the automaker is currently working on its next modular longitudinal platform (MLP) that will underpin future vehicles and it will allow for a considerable reduction in the mass of a vehicle.
The new, lighter chassis is necessary for future Audis which may employ electric or hybrid powertrains, but it will also benefit conventional gasoline-powered cars.
Apparently Audi already has one test vehicle built on new architecture, and it weighs almost 900-lbs less than the current model. It also makes 100hp less, at just 230 ponies from a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but it actually out-performs the V8 model on a track, lapping the Nürburgring eight seconds faster than the current model.
Dick describes the new spaceframe as a variable structure, using both steel and aluminum, which can be used in different quantities for different cars offering either a lighter car at a higher cost, or a heavier car at a lower price-point.
More:
Audi Working to Reduce Weight of Vehicles Considerably on AutoGuide.com
Audi Working to Reduce Weight of Vehicles Considerably
Linear Mode
