Steel Vs Aluminum in the FT86

[IRobot]

I think the TT and FT86 will both be chasing the same buyers (in the UK at least). They're both 4 seat coupes and about the same size. FT86 might be a little bit cheaper though.


I forgot about the quattro though, that adds another 100kg and brings the weight of the TT up to 1360kg (2.0 TFSI).

[Ryephile]

In the USA, I can't imagine cross-shopping a TT to an FT-86. It'd be like comparing a MB S-Class to a Porsche Cayman.

[IRobot]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

In the USA, I can't imagine cross-shopping a TT to an FT-86. It'd be like comparing a MB S-Class to a Porsche Cayman.

Well, I had my eye on this little TT at my local Audi dealer, but I might just forget it and wait for the FT86:-

[Ryephile]

Ughk. TT = not serious about handling. They're also way too big and heavy for my money. Go pick up a copy of the latest EVO and read "The Knowledge" and they'll point you in the right direction for a coupe', if that's what you want. For TTS money you can get an Evora or 370Z, something that actually handles good.

[IRobot]

I think the FT86 will struggle to better the 1260kg weight of the TT because of its 69% aluminium body.

The main "problem" is, the TT is FWD.

[Ryephile]

The TT does not weigh that little here in the USA. The base TT coupe starts at 1470kg. Like I said, German cars are inherently overweight.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by IRobot

I think the FT86 will struggle to better the 1260kg weight of the TT because of its 69% aluminium body.

The main "problem" is, the TT is FWD.

correction. TT can be FWD. They do make Quatro

[chulooz]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

The TT does not weigh that little here in the USA. The base TT coupe starts at 1470kg. Like I said, German cars are inherently overweight.

hah. Tell that to the Cayman R

[IRobot]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

The TT does not weigh that little here in the USA. The base TT coupe starts at 1470kg. Like I said, German cars are inherently overweight.

Is that the 3.2 V6 ?

Here's the weights for all current variants:-

[Ryephile]

No, it's right there on AudiUSA's website; 2.0T 211HP quattro coupe = 1470kg

The Cayman R is overweight. 2855 lbs is light for a Cayman, but that makes it 0.44 Tons heavier than my Exige, and I still have A/C, a stereo, and actual interior door handles. There, I told it.

The Cayman is also longer and slightly taller than the FT-86 will be, all while having a shorter wheelbase. Not to mention the price and luxury level are slightly different, making it a perfect sports car for well-heeled people not crazy enough to be fun but still want to prove they're worth being part of society. It's a great all-a-rounder, in other words.

[chulooz]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

No, it's right there on AudiUSA's website; 2.0T 211HP quattro coupe = 1470kg

The Cayman R is overweight. 2855 lbs is light for a Cayman, but that makes it 0.44 Tons heavier than my Exige, and I still have A/C, a stereo, and actual interior door handles. There, I told it.

The Cayman is also longer and slightly taller than the FT-86 will be, all while having a shorter wheelbase. Not to mention the price and luxury level are slightly different, making it a perfect sports car for well-heeled people not crazy enough to be fun but still want to prove they're worth being part of society. It's a great all-a-rounder, in other words.

what are you talking about man? Its one of porches most capable platforms.

[Ryephile]

You're right. That means it's still slightly more boring than it needs to be. It handles great, has great steering feel, and is almost fun.

When I get old and decrepit, I'll likely want one.

[blur]

Originally Posted by Aki

Advanced High-tensile strength steel (AHSS) keeps evolving, but it's something like 10-15% heavier than aluminum I think? But you're also able to keep things more compact with AHSS compared to aluminum, which is why it's used a lot in areas like the A, B and C-pillars in cars. Aluminum is also about 50% more expensive than high-tensile strength steel.

What kind of weight figure would you figure the FT86 could have then, if they used AHSS? Would it be lower or higher if they use aluminum, accounting for all the additional thickness needed for torsional rigidity?

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by blur

What kind of weight figure would you figure the FT86 could have then, if they used AHSS? Would it be lower or higher if they use aluminum, accounting for all the additional thickness needed for torsional rigidity?

I think it's hard to say, there are many many different alloys.

Common aerospace usage aluminum is 7075 or 7068, which have yield strengths around 80-90 kpsi. Some steel alloys can be up 350kpsi yield strength. Thus it appears steel can have a higher yield strength/density than the strongest commercially produced aluminum. Of course yield strength isn't the only thing that matters, but you can see that it could really go either way, depending on other properties or specific alloy.