Historically, with every new Audi vehicle that was born, a weight increase of about 10% always came along with it. That was, until the Audi A4->ke1087 came into play in 2009. This Audi->ke14, AKA the B8, only carried a little less than 100lbs of a weight gain from the previous model and Audi seems to be the only brand that has managed to drop weight, but increase size. And Audi isn't stopping the weight reduction with the 2009 A4. In an interview with Autoblog, Heinrich Timm, head of Audi's Lightweight Design Center, said that the next generation A4 - set to be revealed in 2015 - will lose around 150 kg (330 pounds) from the current weight. In order to do that, Audi will use more aluminum, innovative structural techniques, and composites.

Of course, the first benefit of a lighter car is a lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but it can also improve every aspect of the vehicle's dynamics – from handling to braking to acceleration. In fact, for every 220lbs lost from a vehicle, that vehicle can get to 60mph in 20 fewer feet. Pretty impressive.

According to Timm, the weight reduction is the only way automakers can simultaneously meet new emission standards while delivering the content and driving experience customers expect. Timm says, "We want to bring it to a higher volume."

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