Green Energy News | October 14, 1996

October 14, 1996 – Vol.1 No.29

ENERGIES... week of October 14,1996

CAR OF THE FUTURE HERE TODAY. Claimed by “Car” magazine to be “ the best car in the world,” the all aluminum Audi A8 lands on U.S.shores this fall from Audi AG of Germany. While a heavy weight in price (at up to $65,000) the car weighs some 600 pounds less than its two German competitors, the BMW 7 series and Mercedes S-Class.

Its light weight won’t make it into a fuel sipping econo-box, because of its big V-8 under the hood, but the total energy picture of the A8 is worth noting. Working with Alcoa Aluminum, Audi engineers developed a space frame for the car that is constructed like an Erector set. Aluminum extrusions are bonded, fastened or welded to aluminum castings and stampings. Stamped aluminum body panels are then fastened to this frame. Parts for the frame are relatively easy to produce compared with steel, and simple to assemble on the factory floor. Less effort, less energy are the keys here.

Further, aluminum itself fits neatly into this picture. The naturally corrosion-resistant car could have a long life. (Imagine a car lasting decades the way an aluminum airplane does.) The fewer cars produced, the less energy is needed to build them. And when the car finally meets its end it could be easily recycled. Energy needed to recycle aluminum is 5% of that needed to smelt virgin metal.

The high price of the A8 certainly won’t make it a big seller like a Ford Taurus, but automotive industry eyes will certainly be watching to see how it performs on the road and in the marketplace. A smaller engined car built in aluminum would make quite an overall energy efficient package.

AUDI WILL DRIVE FURTHER into the alternative and energy efficient future with the sale next year in Germany of the hybrid Audi Duo. Based on the A4 Avant (station wagon) the Duo will sport a 90hp turbo-diesel working along side a 29hp AC electric motor powered by a lead-acid battery in the cargo bay.

THE A8 AND THE DUO may bring some attention to trend setting Audi, especially from energy conscious folks. Audi has been a popular brand in Europe for some time, but was plagued in the U.S. by early quality problems and bad press due to stories of unintended acceleration.