AUTOMOBILES OF THE 1990S - 1. THE FUTURE OF NEW MATERIALS

The article describes an interview with the project manager of Toyota Motor Corporation who discusses possible applications of new materials in improving the efficiency and safety of motor cars. Major weight reductions have been made by the use of plastic materials and high-strength steel. Increasing use is being made of ceramics in sensors and recently in diesel-engine precombustion chambers. However extensive testing must be carried out to ensure that new materials will perform adequately in the diverse operating conditions required of a modern car. Favourable laboratory tests do not always result in a successful application in the field. An example is given to illustrate some 75 uses of new materials in 1984 Toyota cars. A balance between performance and cost has been reached to permit the use of fibre reinforced metal in a friction-resistant ring-grooved piston. It will not be easy to realise an improvement to the reciprocating engine as the power plant, although there will be developments of the fuel cell and and possibly gas turbines. It is difficult to predict whether solar energy will be used or whether other combustible sources such as coal and natural gas will be viable alternatives.

• Corporate Authors:

  Toyota Motor Corporation

  International Public Affairs Dept, 1-4-18, Koraku
  Tokyo 112,   Japan 
• Authors:
  • Funatani, K
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 26-30
• Serial:
  • WHEEL EXTENDED
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 1

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Ceramic materials; Costs; Diesel engines; Fibers; Fuel cells; Gas turbines; High strength steel; Material reinforcement; Materials; Plastics; Sensors; Turbine engines; Vehicle performance; Vehicle safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Vehicular safety
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 4507: Ceramic; 9011: Design (overall design); 5911: Efficiency; 4557: Fibre; 132: Forecast; 9108: Improvement; 8053: Japan; 4543: Metal; 3471: Reinforcement (in mater); 1665: Safety
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00462705
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 31 1987 12:00AM