This is the beginning of a multi-material space frame in the A6 and A7 Sportback. Body and superstructure are still made of (galvanized) steel, only the heavily loaded suspensions of the spring struts consist of a complex aluminum cast part and are combined by a fiber-reinforced plastic.

It has begun with the A8 in 1994. Here was probably enough financial scope for the introduction of a space frame construction. According to Audi, the preparation took 12 years. The body, which had been completely made of aluminum, was soon transferred to the three-liter version of the A2, but this proved to be too expensive.

After all, the principle of the space frame was applied over half a million times by 2010. The body of the A8 weighed amazing 231 kg. Further it benefits from so-called secondary effects, so that a lighter vehicle also needs a smaller engine and lighter brakes. Let's take the smaller tank as more probably.

It was a bit more difficult with the TT because even the first was based on a group platform. Perhaps it is because of this, the outer skin is made of aluminum, at least 45 percent sheet metal.

All new technologies also have disadvantages. Thus the repair of this damage could have been more expensive than with a car made of steel sheet, even if relatively few new components would have been needed. The equipment of an aluminum workplace was then assumed at DM 25,000.

It was really exciting with the R8. Here the financial scops are again bigger and the platform it divides only with the Lamborghini Gallardo. The R8 has a high proportion of manual work and is more based on extruded profiles, which account for 35 percent of the weight.

Provided by the manufacturer the R8 Spyder V10 has an empty weight without driver of only 1,720 kg. In this case, the multi-material construction has its breakthrough, will probably be also successful with other manufacturers the future. Cast aluminum makes the structure, aluminum sheet the outer skin and middle tunnel, rear wall, B-pillars and cover of the soft top box are made of CFK.

You just have to increase the strength of the body even with a Spyder and especially, if you use new materials. There is a 50% improvement in torsional stiffness and greater crash safety. They have also recently discovered the advantages of a stiffer body for the suspension. 05/17

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