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Audi ultra - The future of strong, lightweight automotive construction.
Audi ultra is at the spearhead of strong, lightweight automotive construction.
At Audi, we do not view lightweight construction as being the sum of individual components but as a highly-integrated overall concept: from innovative materials and intelligent design principles to resource-efficient production processes. All of these factors already go into making every Audi, but the development is far from completed.
Audi is expanding an additional core competence - ultra lightweight construction. Aluminum is already used according to the ASF (Audi Space Frame) principle in many models today to reduce the weight of the bodies by roughly 40 percent. The material improves the environmental balance: the fuel savings it enables more than offsets the greater amount of energy required for its production. For example, the intensive lightweight construction measures used on the Audi A6 already pay off after a distance of around 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles).
In the future, each new Audi model will continue to be lighter - in some cases much lighter than its predecessor. The development engineers will intelligently combine new materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), in the bodies. At Audi, lightweight construction means the flexible use of various materials, always with the aim of using the least possible amount of the right material in the right place. In the intelligent composite construction, the selection and use of materials and their influence on the overall energy balance plays a crucial role. At Audi, an intelligent mix of different materials always also takes into account the effects on the environment and resources.
At Audi, we do not view lightweight construction as being the sum of individual components but as a highly-integrated overall concept: from innovative materials and intelligent design principles to resource-efficient production processes. All of these factors already go into making every Audi, but the development is far from completed.
Audi is expanding an additional core competence - ultra lightweight construction. Aluminum is already used according to the ASF (Audi Space Frame) principle in many models today to reduce the weight of the bodies by roughly 40 percent. The material improves the environmental balance: the fuel savings it enables more than offsets the greater amount of energy required for its production. For example, the intensive lightweight construction measures used on the Audi A6 already pay off after a distance of around 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles).
In the future, each new Audi model will continue to be lighter - in some cases much lighter than its predecessor. The development engineers will intelligently combine new materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), in the bodies. At Audi, lightweight construction means the flexible use of various materials, always with the aim of using the least possible amount of the right material in the right place. In the intelligent composite construction, the selection and use of materials and their influence on the overall energy balance plays a crucial role. At Audi, an intelligent mix of different materials always also takes into account the effects on the environment and resources.
Audi Space Frame (ASF®)
ASF® utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create a body frame made of aluminum that offers increased stiffness for enhanced handling performance and lower overall weight.
The third generation Audi Space Frame is an all-aluminum frame structure that we passionately believe is lighter, stronger and safer than steel. The combination of new joining processes and precision robotics delivers tolerances those working in steel can only dream about. And consider this: The previous generation ASF® was 75% constructed by hand. By comparison, the A8L's build process now is 75% automated. A remarkable progression paying dividends in both quality and efficiency. The number of ASF® parts has also been significantly reduced resulting in a 60% increase in frame rigidity compared to its predecessor. Ride comfort, all-around road behavior and handling-at-speed all benefit as a result. Demonstrating yet again, that less can sometimes be decidedly more.
ASF® utilizes state-of-the-art technology to create a body frame made of aluminum that offers increased stiffness for enhanced handling performance and lower overall weight.
The third generation Audi Space Frame is an all-aluminum frame structure that we passionately believe is lighter, stronger and safer than steel. The combination of new joining processes and precision robotics delivers tolerances those working in steel can only dream about. And consider this: The previous generation ASF® was 75% constructed by hand. By comparison, the A8L's build process now is 75% automated. A remarkable progression paying dividends in both quality and efficiency. The number of ASF® parts has also been significantly reduced resulting in a 60% increase in frame rigidity compared to its predecessor. Ride comfort, all-around road behavior and handling-at-speed all benefit as a result. Demonstrating yet again, that less can sometimes be decidedly more.