A2 [Rumors] New Audi A2

[Centurion]

The first A2 was a real technological masterpiece when it appeared in 1999/2000, the aluminium body shell was complex and expensive to produce but it was super light with a mass of less than 900kg in some models, about 150kg lighter than the equivalent A class and Golf 4 at the time and also in diesel form set new records for fuel efficiency been the firs...

Did the A2 suffer from bent aluminium like the Z8?

 

[Rolf]

Did the A2 suffer from bent aluminium like the Z8?

I'm not sure but looking at some earlier press reports the A2 suffered from quality problems during production from the laser welding of the aluminium castings and plates due to their thin wall thickness.

 

[dalab]

I just realize that it is the inevitable Audi version of the VW I.D

 

[dalab]

 

[dalab]

 

[Rolf]

The first A2 was a real technological masterpiece when it appeared in 1999/2000, the aluminium body shell was complex and expensive to produce but it was super light with a mass of less than 900kg in some models, about 150kg lighter than the equivalent A class and Golf 4 at the time and also in diesel form set new records for fuel efficiency been the first car to achieve 3 ltr/100km combined and had a CD factor of only 0.25 which was the lowest of any car at that time.

If Audi can bring out a new A2 in spirit of the original model with light weight body and sandwich panels to accommodate the batteries it will be a perfect car for the masses.

Audi has shown a retromod electric version of the A2 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. They should bring this to production.

Audi A2 E-tron revealed as EV reworking of hypermiling hatchback
Seminal 1990s supermini celebrates its 25th anniversary with a one-off electromod conversion

Audi has reinvented the cult-classic A2 hatchback with electric power and a futuristic new look to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The one-off Audi A2 E-tron is the latest creation to emerge from Audi’s apprenticeship programme, which in recent years has given us the outlandish RS6 GTO concept and a 240bhp, race-inspired reworking of the NSU Prinz.

Technical details of the electric A2 are scarce, but the innovative MPV-cum-supermini has been subtly redesigned with influence from Audi’s current EVs.

The headlights, for example, have been swapped for more modern, slimline LED strips, and the badges at each end are now illuminated – like on the new Audi Q6 E-tron.

The conventional door handles have been removed, too, and the original alloy wheels have made way for a more contemporary closed-off design – measures made, no doubt, in pursuit of enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

With a coefficient between 0.25 and 0.29, the efficiency-focused A2 was already one of the slipperiest production cars of its era, but Audi has not confirmed a figure for this electric reworking.

Nor has the firm given any indication of how closely the A2 E-tron is related, technically, to any of Audi’s production cars.

At less than four metres long and just 1700mm wide, the A2 is substantially smaller than Audi’s current entry-level EV, the Q4 E-tron, but it is possible that the MEB architecture which underpins that crossover could have been adapted for the compact one-off.

Audi sparked speculation of an electric A2 revival in 2019 when it revealed the AI:ME concept as a futuristic vision of an MEB-based hatchback to succeed the A3, but has not since alluded to any plans for a production version.

A car bearing the A2 E-tron badge could, however, be in showrooms as soon as 2027: Audi is developing a “wonderful and unique” entry-level EV to sit underneath the A4 and Q4 E-tron models, and according to the firm’s new naming strategy for EVs, it will have an even-numbered name.

The original Audi A2 has come to be regarded as a defining car of its era, with its lightweight aluminium construction, wind-cheating bodywork and ultra-frugal petrol and diesel powertrains helping to cement its legacy as a flagbearer for truly efficient family transport.

It was expensive, however, and less practical than the more conventional alternatives that were on sale at the same time, so it sold in low numbers and was not replaced after its retirement in 2005.

The Audi A2 E-tron has been reinvented with electric power | Autocar

Seminal 1990s supermini celebrates its 25th anniversary with a one-off electromod conversion

www.autocar.co.uk

 

[klier]

Aaah a one off.
Shame, it would sell better than 3/4 of their current lineup

 

[Centurion]

It's comical to read about the A2 today. I saw one last month it was yellow and had A2 in the registration plate. It must have been owned by one of very few A2 diehard fanboys.

I vividly remember its launch in the 90s with regards to the heavy use of aluminium. It's not obvious at a glance but it weigh less than 900kg. That's Lotus Elise level weight for a hatch.


Not my photo

 

[klier]

They should make this one as a production car with normal headlights, it looks just fantastic: