Quest for fuel efficiency: Lighter materials or alternative energy sources?
Both options will make cars more expensive, but automakers must choose as they prepare for stricter regulations in 2025.
By Claire_Martin Oct 26, 2012 6:51AM
In the next decade, something's got to give. The Obama administration's fuel-economy standards -- 54.5 mpg by 2025 -- demand it. But will meeting those standards be a matter of pushing the limits of alternative-energy technologies or striving for ever-lighter building materials and techniques?Ford and General Motors seem to be putting their eggs into the weight-shaving basket, having already begun to incorporate lightweight metals and alter their manufacturing processes.
GM is testing out a new magnesium that weighs 75 percent less than steel. The company is also using a new spot-welding technique that bonds aluminum parts, eliminating the need for heavy rivets. This innovation has been shown to save 30 to 50 rivets -- 2 pounds worth -- per part. So far, the hood of the Cadillac CTS-V is a beneficiary of the procedure, as are the liftgates for the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.
Meanwhile, Ford has lightened cars such as the 2013 Fusion by using a technology that creates pillars to serve as a vehicle's reinforcements, running from the windshield to the back of the rear door and between its front and rear doors. The pillars allow Ford to use fewer parts and shed significant weight (18 pounds) from the Fusion.
Other likely gas-saving techniques will be aerodynamic designs and smaller engines.
In the end, however, car buyers might not be thrilled with the results. Experts say many cars will look similar to what we're driving now, but because materials such as aluminum and other exotic metals are costlier than steel, sticker prices will jump. The Obama administration says the sticker shock, spurred by its fuel regulations, will be mitigated by $1.7 trillion in fuel savings through 2025.
3Comments
Oct 26, 2012 9:23AM
You know it's BS......once new materials become mainstream like steel, etc, the prices should be as little as steel costs is now. They come up with these different materials, then claim how much more expensive they are to make, when in reality they would not do it on a large scale unless the materials and/or process cost less in the long run.
Oct 26, 2012 9:07AM
Report
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
EXPLORE NEW CARS
MORE ON MSN AUTOS
advertisement
ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES
Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.
Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.
