Developed in partnership with Alcoa (Aluminum Company of America) starting in 1982, the ASF used extruded aluminium sections joined by die-cast nodes to create a rigid, high-strength skeleton.
The aluminium body was approximately 40% lighter than a comparable steel structure, weighing only about 180–250 kg.
The concept featured a then-revolutionary 3.4-litre V8 TDI diesel engine, a bold choice for a luxury sedan at the time.
It utilized Audi’s signature Quattro system, which the lightweight chassis helped offset in terms of added mass.
There was a second prototype associated with this project that utilized an early W12 gasoline engine.
This early version of the W12 produced 354 horsepower.
Unlike the polished aluminum Frankfurt show car, this W12 version was painted a dark “Tenno” red in honor of the Emperor of Japan, where it was reportedly first shown.
It featured a ZF Tiptronic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Miss you A8….
