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Ford Unveils Ultra-Light Concept Car
Ford Motor Co. has applied techniques used in its aluminum-intensive F-15 pickup truck to create a version of its Fusion sedan that is 25% lighter than the 2013 production model.
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Ford Motor Co. has applied techniques used in its aluminum-intensive F-15 pickup truck to create a version of its Fusion sedan that is 25% lighter than the 2013 production model.
The concept car uses aluminum, ultra-high-strength steel, magnesium and carbon fiber in the chassis, body, powertrain and interior to shave roughly 900 lbs from the Fusion, reducing its weight to about that of a subcompact Ford Fiesta.
Among the revamped parts are carbon fiber wheels and oil pan, aluminum brake rotors, lightweight wheels and composite coil suspension springs.
Ford describes the result as its most comprehensive blend of advanced materials in one vehicle to date. It concedes that many of the applications in the test car are too expensive and/or not yet ready for high-volume production.
The concept car was developed through the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program with Magna International Inc.'s Cosma International unit.
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