► New paint tech unveiled on Audi R8
► Lettering/graphics for your sideblades
► Patented process etches paint accurately
As if the Audi R8 supercar didn’t make enough of a statement, you can now personalise your Teutonic supercar with any message on the sideblades.
What? Turn my R8 into a mobile billboard?
Well, that’s not quite what Ingolstadt has in mind for its new Exclusive tailoring programme, but yes.
Its new patented paint process lets owners engrave messaging on the painted sideblade, the cowling around the mid-engined air intake.
Normally it’s painted a contrasting colour and has been a signature design cue since launch of the Mk1 in 2007.
How does it work?
Audi has come up with a process that allows ‘virtually any lettering or graphics to be precisely blasted into the painted surface of the car’s distinctive sideblades.’
In essence, paintshop robots can now achieve a partial matting on any surface, by using a special powder to roughen the clear lacquer to a depth of a few thousandths of a millimetre – allowing markings below to be visible.
‘With this process, we modify the brilliance of the paintwork and the intensity of its sheen,’ said project manager Erhard Brandl. ‘Light hitting the surface is then reflected diffusely by the individualised surface areas. This makes it appear matt.’
It is understood that virtually any message can be applied, although local markets will be able to ban unsuitable, illegal or derogatory messages.
Sounds great! How do I cover my Audi in hand-drawn messages of love?
Buy an R8 coupe or Spider, for now. Audi says it will roll out the process across other models in the coming years.
Logos and message up to 1sq m can be applied. The mind boggles…
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