[kach22i]

Sounds like a bad idea, I mean they don't put aluminum bumpers on cars do they?


Oh wait, my 35 year old Porsche 911 has aluminum bumpers both front and back.

I think the topic is worth a little more research before dismissing.

Aluminum Roll Bars
http://www.********fm.com/vehicle-details/7747f71fa8924fa38c9e1776ea7e0b7b/2005+audi+tt+3.2+quattro+250hp+convertible+2-door+convertible.html



2001 Audi TT Roadster
http://www.audiworld.com/news/00/01roadster/roadster.shtml

The TT Roadster was designed concurrently with the Coupe version. This is an important fact because it means that the open-top version was not just an afterthought or a butchered up version of the Coupe. It also means that the car has been engineered with safety and functionality in mind. The rollbars, for instance, were never designed to be hidden or minimized as in some open-top cars. As with the rest of the aluminum-accented interior, the rollbars are a distinct design element. A thick aluminum crossbeam runs the width of the car and the rollbars to attach to this structural member. To increase rigidity, the door sills are approximately 30% thicker than in the average car; even without the top the TT Roadster feels solid during high speed maneuvers. Audi also used steel A-pillar inserts to ensure the integrity of the windshield area in the event of impact or rollover. As a matter of fact, the TT Roadster has the same level of rollover intrusion protection as the Coupe -- an amazing fact when you stop and think about it.

Next thing you know they will be building most of the car out of aluminum.

2015 Audi TT | car review @ Top Speed

The TT and TTS are built with ASF® construction, a high-strength aluminum frame structure into which the panels are integrated so that they also perform a load-bearing function. The aluminum body is characterized by exceptional stiffness and substantially lower weight for better performance, efficiency and handling.

I do think the grade of aluminum will be even more important than the grade of steel used, just more work ahead to find out what will be best.