Audi adopts “overspray-free painting” in series production

Until now, two-color paint finishes have inevitably involved two painting processes with masking-off beforehand. Overspray-free painting technology revolutionizes this time-consuming and material-intensive process. A robot-controlled high-precision instrument measures the laser-brazed seam between the car’s roof and side panel frame. An applicator then applies a black paint specially developed for this method onto the body in strips, with millimeter precision but without spray mist. The precision with which the fine strips of paint are applied enables the contrasting paint finish to be created in a single process, saving time and money while also benefiting the environment.

Audi has been testing the new painting process intensively since spring 2018 to get it ready for series production. Since summer 2019, it has been possible to create contrasting paint finishes with a black roof within the series production process. The new technology not only reduces the amount of paint used; it also means masking material is no longer required. That enables Audi to save resources while broadening its customers’ scope for customization. The Audi A4 Sedan “edition one” with brilliant black roof is available in three colors – terra gray, metallic; Daytona gray, pearl effect and quantum gray. The Audi A5 Coupé “edition one” is available in the colors quantum gray; Daytona gray, pearl effect and district green, metallic.


Fuel consumption of the models listed
(Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used and chosen equipment level). 

Audi A4 Sedan
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.8 – 3.8 (34.6 – 61.9 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 164 – 100 (263.9 – 160.9)
Audi A5 Coupé
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.1 – 3.9 (25.8 – 60.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 206 – 102 (331.5 – 164.2)