Audi Ultra Chair | Audi
CAR / NEWS
February 26, 2015

Audi Ultra Chair | Audi


R18 Ultra Chair


Audi's technology creates an ultra-lightweight chair



Designed by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram, hailed as pioneers of next-generation digital design, whose works are collected by institutions like the Centre Pompidou in Paris and MoMA in New York. This chair, manufactured in collaboration with Audi Lightweight Construction Center, is now complete. Its name: the "R18 Ultra Chair"!



Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)



The very embodiment of Audi ultra



Vehicle lightweighting contributes to reducing environmental impact in various aspects, from manufacturing to driving. This modern car manufacturing trend involves streamlining, eliminating waste, and intricately combining lightweight materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum.

As you know, Audi excels in this area, from race cars to passenger vehicles. For example,The "Audi R18" that won the 24 Hours of Le MansandAudi A6showcases the aluminum spaceframe, while the multi-material frame in the concept carAudi Ultrain theAudi A8and the concept carCrosslane Coupeillustrate this point.

This time, Audi's lightweight technology has been applied to a chair, aptly named the "R18 Ultra Chair."


R18 Ultra Chair|R18 ウルトラ チェアー


R18 Ultra Chair|R18 ウルトラ チェアー




This chair, designed by Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram, debuted as a prototype at the Milan Furniture Fair in April 2012. This prototype, equipped with a vast array of electronic devices, was tested by over 1,500 individuals. The data collected was analyzed, and the artisans who craft Audi's racing cars then achieved extreme weight reduction. For a detailed look at the development process, please refer to the video above.

To achieve maximum stability and comfort with minimal material, this chair utilizes carbon fiber and high-rigidity seat aluminum, "fine-tuned" by the Audi Lightweight Construction Center. Its weight? A mere 2.2kg!

The R18 Ultra Chair, embodying the philosophy of "Audi ultra," was exhibited at Design Miami/, a renowned global design forum, held from December 5th to 9th.


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