Re: A8 weight

[ScharfR@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-08-18 07:47:14 EDT, flush@radix.net (Josh Pinkert)
writes:

<< I've seen a number for it.  As far as I can remember, the 'early' versions
 (5 years ago) were weighing in at 35 kg.  The book I have also showed the
 ASF being carried by two women.


Not plausible.  I have personally tried to lift a naked A8 space frame (Los
Angeles Auto Show, 1994?) and it certainly weighs over 100 kg.  I'd wager a
cold beer that the picture you are thinking of shows two Fraulein holding up
(but certainly not carying) an Audi 100 bodyshell made of aluminum sheet
metal -- not a space frame car.  This photo stems from the early development
days (1985 Hannover Trade Fair, I believe) when Audi was looking at a simple
aluminum-for-steel swap in a monocoque construction (aka Honda NSX).  This
approach was rejected as not taking sufficient advantage of all of aluminum's
properties.  Take another look at that photo.  You'll also find that it is
carefully shot to disguise the fact that the body shell has no doors on the
far side, no hood and no trunk lid.  It wasn't as light as it looked. The
ladies had all they could do to keep it off the ground.

However, in a recent Wall Street Journal print ad (certainly also seen
elsewhere), two white-coated males are llifting a space frame.  It surely can
be done easily by two people, with great difficulty by one.  I'll stand by my
100kg estimate.  As for 35 kg, no way.

As to the proprietary nature of the Audi Space Frame, I don't believe I made
any such point.  However, Audi holds a number of related patents, so does
Alcoa.  I believe that Audi would welcome other manufacturers participation
in aluminum space frame cars -- it validates their concept in the market
place.  Take a look at a Plymouth Prowler.  More like an aluminum ladder
frame, but with plenty of Alcoa parts.  Alcoa has facilities in the U.S. and
Germany to produce the critical castings and post-form the extrusions.  Of
course they are looking for more customers.  Its aall about amortization and
profit.