Ford Unveils Ultra-Lightweight Concept Car - weighs 2600 lbs

[igor@af]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqFgj6zfHso

Lightweight Concept vehicle represents Ford's ongoing research for future light-weighting and advanced materials applications, building on the all-new Ford F-150, which sheds up to 700 pounds through use of high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. Light-weighting is key component of Ford's Blueprint for Sustainability for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Carbon wheels, aluminum replacing steel, hollow springs, hollow crankshaft, and hollow swaybars.

Pretty amazing.

The industry has been making fatter and fatter cars because of the increasing safety regulations combined with cost-efficiencies for the last 25 years.

Consider the weight of even the recent "Supercars" - they mostly weigh well over 3,000 lbs, with some closer to 4,000. McLaren F1 supercar from early 90s weighs 2400 lbs.

[Blue Bowtie]

What did the 1987 Fiero GT weigh?

[igor@af]

1,176 to 1,265 kg (2,593 to 2,789 lb)

[PaulD]

This is what they are hailing as a lightweight car ?

[shorod]

If this car can still meet the current US safety standards, then yeah, I'd say that's a lightweight car. Airbags, ABS, safety glass, side impact beams, etc. all add up.

-Rod

[drunken monkey]

I can hear Colin Chapman chuckling in his grave...


I recall Ferrari's Millechili concept; funny how quickly that faded into the background

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

What did the 1987 Fiero GT weigh?

Fords Ultra-Lightweight = nearing my 3gen Maxima -93

Will they ever get t-here?

[Blue Bowtie]

Originally Posted by igor@af

1,176 to 1,265 kg (2,593 to 2,789 lb)

And this is a longer, taller, larger sedan, meeting current FMVS standards. As long as they've done their homework, it's a good concept. Whether the execution of the concept is any good will be determined.

It would be interesting to see specifications and details on the design changes. I'm most curious how the lighter materials will affect durability in all conditions. Here in the Salt Belt we know that aluminum doesn't always survive the or tolerate the chlorides for any duration. Then there is the -35 to +105 temperature swings, and the "wonderful" trails we have to drive. I fear that carbon fiber wheels might last two (maybe three) potholes before it gets very expensive.

Then there is the "Ford Factor." Some of us who supplied the Romeo plant remember their attempt at plastic internal engine parts - Not just intakes and water pump housings, but con rods, blocks, and piston bottoms.

Again, as long as the research is complete, it might be viable.

[ukrkoz]

Well, if you want really light and really good mpg....

http://www.eliomotors.com/?gclid=CLG...FUhufgodGToA-Q

[cinqster]

That's the weight of my S1 Elise & Porsche Spyder replica combined...LOL!

[EdKenleyFordUT]

Not too bad, but there have obviously been lighter cars made.