The small ones

A2


Models Racing Special
New start Small Medium: B Large: C Extra large: D Concept_cars
50   A3   TT   A2

A2 in Silber
(1)

For the model year 2000 the next addition to Audi's aluminium family is presented: The A2, closely resembling the Al2 concept car. With the most modern technic it is the most fuel efficient four(five)-door car available. It needs more than the 2,999 litres per 100km of the Lupo 3L, but offers more car. As with the Lupo, the threecylinder TDI has a big piece of responsibility for this efficiency. The Lupo sells well, despite its high price. This could be equally possible for the A2. Even more so as some palstic two passenger cars crawl around consuming almost as much fuel as the A2.


(1)

Sadly, the selling success of the A2 lets much to be desired. Nevertheless, Audi could celebrate a small jubilee: 150'000 aluminium Audis: 93'000 A8 and 57'000 A2. The A2 is based, despite its unique ASF (Audi Space Frame) of the second generation on the Polo platform. Of course, much could not be carried over to the A2, but the term "platform" also refers to things like engine, electrics, electronics and suspension. The A2 is currently the only Audi that is not available with quattro. This is especially noteworthy as since 1980 avery newy introduced Audi was available with quattro, except for the Convertible. The reason is clear: The A2 is devoted to absolute light weight. Its ASF is more modern than that of the A8: It can be assembled nearly totally by robots. In contrast to this the first A8 required much handwork.


(2)

Besides weight, engine (namely the threecylinder TDI engine) and rolling resistance, air resistance is decisive in gaining goof fuel efficiency. Audi has a goof reputation in this sector since the introduction of the Audi 100 (US: 5000) Type44. Numerous experiments were done using different front-/rear-/spoiler-/sub-floor-combinations were done, both in computers and the windtunnel- The resut is a 5-door passenger car that is about as large as the Mercedes A-Class. The rear gets thinner towards the end, the so called Kamm- or K-end. It results in a smaller area disturbed by air turbulences. To maintain a large rear window, it extends far into the roof. A rear spoiler devides it into two parts. The spoiler creates a defined aerodynamic end to the car and helps to keep the rear window clean.

More info about the A2:
  www.Audi-A2.co.uk


Models Racing Special
New start Small Medium: B Large: C Extra large: D Concept_cars
50   A3   TT   A2

(1) My picture
(2) to my knowledge official Audi photos

Copyright 1998-2001 Jens
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