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. […]
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 […]
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC) L is here, and even though it is presented in the full-size SUV segment (with three rows of seats for the first time ever), magnesium and aluminum in the car’s construction help keep it’s curb weight lower than most traditional SUVs. A multitude of improvements have been made to […]
Today, Alliance Magnesium officially broke ground on the construction of its high value-added magnesium ingot production plant. Construction of the environmentally responsible magnesium plant in Asbestos, Quebec, is expected to create more than 100 jobs in the region. The casting center will become operational first, ready to recycle magnesium as of the first quarter of […]
Last week Nissan released its new Rogue, their best-selling vehicle. The 2021 model features more aluminum throughout the body than previous iterations. Its hood, fenders, and doors are all made of aluminum. According to Nissan, some aluminum exists on the current-generation Rogue. “The new model just has an increase,” said Jeff Wandell, electric vehicle and […]
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Cover COVER: The 2020 Corvette C8 utilizes a new mid-engine design with an aluminum-intensive uni-frame in order to push the performance envelope. Engineers from the company discussed their decision making during the Lightweighting World Expo 2019. Learn more on page 22. (Photo: Chevrolet.) Articles A Simple Measurement System for Optimization of Auto Aluminum Body Sheet […]
Arconic signed a two-year joint development agreement (JDA) with Lockheed Martin with the aim of realizing next-generation advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Together, the companies will develop customized lightweight material systems and advanced manufacturing processes, such as metal 3D printing, to advance current and next-generation aerospace and defense solutions — including new structures and systems not currently in […]
Tata Technologies is partnering with NIO China in the development process of NIO’s range of electric vehicles. The partnership began with collaborative engineering for NIO’s first electric all-aluminum vehicle, the recently launched ES8, which NIO intends to be their first product positioned in the Chinese electric vehicles mass market. Tata has engaged with NIO to […]
The 2018 Altair Enlighten Award, presented jointly by Altair and the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), is now open for submissions. Fostering innovation for lightweighting initiatives, the award recognizes achievements in weight reduction across the automotive industry and will be presented at the 53rd CAR Management Briefing Seminars held in Traverse City, Michigan, on July […]
