By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Regardless of whether a vehicle features an electric or internal combustion engine (ICE), there are many factors that affect the fuel efficiency and range in its design. Efficiency losses can come in many forms, but are generally affected by factors such as aerodynamics, rolling resistance, friction losses, and weight. […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Alumobility is a new non-profit organization recently launched by Novelis and Constellium in January 2021. Acting as a global ecosystem, the organization fosters collaboration between leading aluminum manufacturers and downstream technology partners, with input from vehicle OEMs, in order to advance the adoption of aluminum body sheet in the automotive […]
Novelis will be supplying Nissan with sustainable, lightweight aluminum body sheet for the new Qashqai SUV. A best-selling SUV in the C-segment, the Qashqai will incorporate aluminum in the hood, doors, and front fenders to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. The aluminum in the new SUV has helped it achieve a total of 60 […]
The new Mercedes AMG SL roadster architecture consists of the combination of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. The designers were asked to develop the AMG-SL’s bodyshell without relying on preceding SL model designs or components. The requirements for the bodyshell architecture of the new luxury roadster were considerable and demanded a more comprehensive […]
Ford Motor Company and the ExOne Company have jointly developed a patent-pending process for rapid and reliable binder jet 3D printing and sintering of aluminum that delivers properties comparable to die casting. “This is a breakthrough in making 3D printed and sintered parts for the auto industry,” said Harold Sears, Ford technical leader for additive manufacturing. “While the […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. With a growing worldwide focus on sustainability, the automotive industry has been shifting its designs towards more environmentally friendly models. The initial focus was on lightweighting using aluminum, magnesium, higher strength steels, and other materials in order to improve fuel economy. Much of the current attention is now focused on […]
The McLaren Artura is the brand’s first series-production high-performance hybrid vehicle. Inaugurating the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that incorporates aluminum, it’s designed specifically to accommodate hybrid powertrains. With its super-formed aluminum and carbon fiber, McLaren was able to keep the Artura’s weight to a minimum despite having shapely proportions. The luxury sport car company […]
Anchor Harvey, based in Freeport, Illinois, launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Workgroup. The in-house group will draw from the company’s century-long experience in forging components for the automobile and motorsports industries in order to set new standards for sustainable transportation. “We believe delivering high-strength, lightweight electric vehicle components are core to growing our business and creating […]
