REDUCE CAR WEIGHT, SAVE GAS

Both Chrysler and General Motors are engaged in producing a mid-size vehicle that only has the weight of a compact car, thus reducing its fuel consumption. In order to achieve this, GM is utilizing high strength plastics, whereas Chrysler is employing high strength steels and aluminum. The Chrysler ZL is the experimental model that is composed of lightweight metal like aluminum. According to the senior materials development engineer at Chrysler, the use of these lightweight metals will be the basis for weight reduction programs in the future, resulting in a 31 percent improvement in urban fuel economy and 22 per cent for highways. The use of plastics would require changes in manufacturing technology. Although high strength metals are more expensive than conventional steel, the resulting lighter weight underbody renders them ultimately economical. It is concluded that with slight changes in manufacturing methods, high strength steel and aluminum will be feasible in automobile design.

• Corporate Authors:

  Western Society of Engineers

  176 West Adams Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60603
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 8
• Serial:
  • Midwest Engineer
  • Volume: 28 N
  • Issue Number: 7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum; Automobile industry; Compact automobiles; Fuel consumption; Gross vehicle weight; High strength steel; Lightweight materials; Plastics; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Intermediates
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00141150
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 26 1976 12:00AM