Next-generation Audi A4 to shed over 300 pounds

Faced with stricter fuel economy norms, the way to survive for carmakers is not only to come up with hybrids or electric cars, they will also have to come up with means to lower the kerb weight of cars in the volume segment.

And it seems, luxury carmaker Audi is doing just that for as per the latest car news available, Audi has been able to cut off about 300 pounds from the next iteration of its popular sedan A4. The current generation A4s weigh about 3,500-3,700 pounds depending on whether its equipped with all-wheel drive system or not. But the weight is definitely on the higher side for a vehicle in the compact sedan category.

The reduction in weight has not been achieved only by the extensive use of high-strength (high-tensile) steel but by also making use of exotic materials like carbon fiber.