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We have to admire the chutzpah put on display by a spy photographer when getting these shots of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. A video shows one of them running up to one of the mules when sitting in traffic with a magnet in hand. The goal was to see if the bed was made out of aluminum - something we have been hearing about the next-generation Silverado. What the video reveals is that the Silverado mule is using a steel bed with a 'clang' of the magnet attaching to the bed. Does this mean that the production Silverado and GMC Sierra will stick with steel beds in the next-generation? That is tough to say since we don't know how along GM is in the development cycle or if this particular mule's configuration will stay the same. As we mentioned, there have been rumors of General Motors doing an extensive weight-loss program for their next-generation trucks with aluminum being used for various body panels. The spy photographer also notes that the mule had an auto stop-start system. The next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are expected to arrive sometime next year. Source: Left Lane News, Truck Trend Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears View full article -
Spying: Next-Generation Chevrolet Silverado To Retain Steel Bed?
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
We have to admire the chutzpah put on display by a spy photographer when getting these shots of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado. A video shows one of them running up to one of the mules when sitting in traffic with a magnet in hand. The goal was to see if the bed was made out of aluminum - something we have been hearing about the next-generation Silverado. What the video reveals is that the Silverado mule is using a steel bed with a 'clang' of the magnet attaching to the bed. Does this mean that the production Silverado and GMC Sierra will stick with steel beds in the next-generation? That is tough to say since we don't know how along GM is in the development cycle or if this particular mule's configuration will stay the same. As we mentioned, there have been rumors of General Motors doing an extensive weight-loss program for their next-generation trucks with aluminum being used for various body panels. The spy photographer also notes that the mule had an auto stop-start system. The next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are expected to arrive sometime next year. Source: Left Lane News, Truck Trend Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears -
A new report from Automobile says the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom will be debuting modular architecture made out of aluminum. This new platform will underpin the next-generation of Rolls-Royce vehicles such as the upcoming SUV and next-generation Ghost lineup. No information was provided as to how much weight the move to aluminum would cut. As for the next-generation Phantom, the report says we could be seeing it next year. The Phantom will be offered in a short and long-wheelbase sedan. The coupe and drophead - Rolls speak for roadster - will be dropped due to lack of demand. Looks are said to be more imposing. A V12 engine from BMW will be the sole engine. Source: Automobile View full article
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Rumorpile: Rolls-Royce To Use Aluminum In Next Phantom
William Maley posted an article in Rolls-Royce
A new report from Automobile says the next-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom will be debuting modular architecture made out of aluminum. This new platform will underpin the next-generation of Rolls-Royce vehicles such as the upcoming SUV and next-generation Ghost lineup. No information was provided as to how much weight the move to aluminum would cut. As for the next-generation Phantom, the report says we could be seeing it next year. The Phantom will be offered in a short and long-wheelbase sedan. The coupe and drophead - Rolls speak for roadster - will be dropped due to lack of demand. Looks are said to be more imposing. A V12 engine from BMW will be the sole engine. Source: Automobile -
Revealed! 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty, Now With More Aluminum
William Maley posted an article in Ford
There's a new Ford F-Series Super Duty coming and it's taking some ideas from the smaller F-150. The big news for the Super Duty is that the body is made out of aluminum, helping drop 350 pounds. The frame is a fully-boxed and consists of more than 95-percent high-strength steel which Ford claims 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. This allows for more towing and hauling capacity. In terms of design, think F-150 that went to the gym every single day. The front end boasts large headlights and grille slats. The cab is similar to the smaller F-150. For the interior, Ford uses the same layout from the current model, but there is a new reconfigurable gauge cluster and revised center stack. The list of options will be long as there will be a camera-based towing system with coaching, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring system, and rear inflatable seat belts. Power will come from a 6.2L V8, 6.8L V10, or a 6.7L PowerStroke Diesel V8. Ford is keeping quiet on power figures at this time. “While Super Duty is North America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted. Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. The F-Series Super Duty will go on sale late next year. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 AMERICA'S WORK TRUCK REINVENTED: ALL-NEW FORD SUPER DUTY IS TOUGHEST, SMARTEST, MOST CAPABLE SUPER DUTY EVER Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2015 – Ford, America’s truck leader, today introduces the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever. “Ford Super Duty is the truck America’s hardest-working men and women trust and depend on,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “We are helping these customers build a better world by delivering a new generation of pickups that set new benchmarks in capability, performance and efficiency.” Using advanced materials to reduce weight, 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab feature all-new, segment-exclusive smart technology to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience. “While Super Duty is America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, technology and Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet.” Toughest The backbone is an all-new, fully boxed frame comprised of more than 95 percent high-strength steel that offers up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame – enabling the most towing and hauling capability ever delivered by Super Duty. The new truck line features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware. For the first time, the Super Duty body uses high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel body and not subject to red rust corrosion. Together, high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds while Ford is reinvesting additional weight savings everywhere it counts, to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever before. Super Duty chassis cab features an all-new, high-strength steel frame with an open-C-channel design behind the cab to enable easy aftermarket body upfit and modification. Smartest Towing is core to the Super Duty mission. All-new advanced coaching and camera technology makes conventional and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing easier and more efficient than ever. There are 16 segment-first new features – from LED lighting to adaptive cruise control – that assist Super Duty drivers to make driving and work situations easier and more comfortable. As many as seven cameras help customers see more angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck, and provide better trailering than ever before. A center high-mounted stop lamp camera provides visibility into the cargo box, especially for easier hook-up of gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers. A 360-degree camera system uses four digital, high-definition cameras to give the driver a bird’s-eye view surrounding Super Duty. Trailer reverse guidance provides visual cues and tips to help ease backing up a trailer. A first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility backing up. Customers will benefit from a segment-first, in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system from the comfort of the cab while stopped or on the highway. Adaptive steering provides for increased confidence to help make towing the heaviest of loads easier and brings greater ease to navigating job sites and parking lots – with or without a trailer. The technology reduces the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speed, while reducing sensitivity to steering input at higher speeds. The all-new F-Series Super Duty is available with numerous driver-assist technologies: SYNC® 3 – Ford’s all-new communications and entertainment system features faster performance, conversational voice recognition and an easier-to-understand graphical interface, along with an intuitive smartphone-like 8-inch touch screen Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow is optimized for Super Duty to include the length of the trailer; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver Lane departure warning provides a warning when a driver strays from a lane through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic rumble strips Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use sensors to detect slower vehicles moving in the same direction. If another vehicle is too close, red lights flash on the windshield and a warning sound chimes. If the driver does not hit the brakes, the brake system is pre-charged to stop faster when the brake pedal is pressed Advanced light-emitting diode technology sheds light all around the new Super Duty, including: New LED sideview mirror spotlights enable illumination surrounding the truck to light up a work site or camp site Class-exclusive quad-beam LED headlamps and taillamps New LED cargo box lighting Most capable Light-weighting and improved capability work hand-in-hand in the all-new Ford F-Series Super Duty. “As we remove weight, we’re making Super Duty more productive by giving our customers better towing and payload capability,” said Craig Schmatz, Super Duty chief engineer. “We’re backing up improved capability with a stronger gasoline and diesel Super Duty engine lineup.” The second-generation Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine is available for pickup trucks and chassis cabs providing the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever. The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine comes equipped with the new TorqShift-G transmission for the F-250 pickup – allowing for improved capability. The Super Duty chassis cab lineup offers a choice of 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, 6.8-liter V10 gasoline or 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines. “The bottom line is Super Duty customers will be able to tow and haul more than ever before,” said Schmatz. Interior and cargo box All three cabs – Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab – are longer and feature a new interior design, including dual compartment glove box, overhead console-mounted auxiliary switches to operate aftermarket equipment, and completely flat SuperCab and Crew Cab second-row floors that make loading large items in the cab easy. Vital controls are close at hand, with the integrated trailer brake controller switch located even closer to the driver. Customer accessibility and ease of use extend outside the truck as well, with the cargo box offering customers these class-exclusive features: BoxLink™: Ford-patented combination of metal brackets and custom cleats that can be used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box Remote tailgate lock and release: Tailgate can be locked/unlocked and opened with the key fob, eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate is damped – dropping gently down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened There are five models in the Super Duty lineup – XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The all-new Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant, and goes on sale late next year. -
There's a new Ford F-Series Super Duty coming and it's taking some ideas from the smaller F-150. The big news for the Super Duty is that the body is made out of aluminum, helping drop 350 pounds. The frame is a fully-boxed and consists of more than 95-percent high-strength steel which Ford claims 24 times stiffer than the previous frame. This allows for more towing and hauling capacity. In terms of design, think F-150 that went to the gym every single day. The front end boasts large headlights and grille slats. The cab is similar to the smaller F-150. For the interior, Ford uses the same layout from the current model, but there is a new reconfigurable gauge cluster and revised center stack. The list of options will be long as there will be a camera-based towing system with coaching, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, blind spot monitoring system, and rear inflatable seat belts. Power will come from a 6.2L V8, 6.8L V10, or a 6.7L PowerStroke Diesel V8. Ford is keeping quiet on power figures at this time. “While Super Duty is North America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted. Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. The F-Series Super Duty will go on sale late next year. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 AMERICA'S WORK TRUCK REINVENTED: ALL-NEW FORD SUPER DUTY IS TOUGHEST, SMARTEST, MOST CAPABLE SUPER DUTY EVER Toughest: All-new, high-strength steel frame; segment-first, high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body; stronger axles, springs and suspension create the only Built Ford Tough heavy-duty truck lineup that works as hard as Super Duty customers Smartest: 16 class-exclusive new features and up to seven cameras make Super Duty the ultimate tow vehicle; adaptive steering technology makes maneuvering easier Most capable: Ford-engineered, Ford-built gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions power all-new Super Duty lineup that tows and hauls more than ever DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2015 – Ford, America’s truck leader, today introduces the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty truck lineup ever. “Ford Super Duty is the truck America’s hardest-working men and women trust and depend on,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “We are helping these customers build a better world by delivering a new generation of pickups that set new benchmarks in capability, performance and efficiency.” Using advanced materials to reduce weight, 2017 F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab feature all-new, segment-exclusive smart technology to help increase customer productivity, comfort and convenience. “While Super Duty is America’s best-selling heavy-duty truck, we never take our leadership for granted,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development and chief technical officer. “Our team is using relentless innovation in materials, technology and Built Ford Tough engineering to deliver customers our best Super Duty yet.” Toughest The backbone is an all-new, fully boxed frame comprised of more than 95 percent high-strength steel that offers up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame – enabling the most towing and hauling capability ever delivered by Super Duty. The new truck line features heavier-duty four-wheel-drive components, driveline, axles and towing hardware. For the first time, the Super Duty body uses high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy, which is more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing steel body and not subject to red rust corrosion. Together, high-strength steel and high-strength aluminum alloy help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds while Ford is reinvesting additional weight savings everywhere it counts, to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever before. Super Duty chassis cab features an all-new, high-strength steel frame with an open-C-channel design behind the cab to enable easy aftermarket body upfit and modification. Smartest Towing is core to the Super Duty mission. All-new advanced coaching and camera technology makes conventional and gooseneck/fifth-wheel towing easier and more efficient than ever. There are 16 segment-first new features – from LED lighting to adaptive cruise control – that assist Super Duty drivers to make driving and work situations easier and more comfortable. As many as seven cameras help customers see more angles and monitor conditions surrounding the truck, and provide better trailering than ever before. A center high-mounted stop lamp camera provides visibility into the cargo box, especially for easier hook-up of gooseneck/fifth-wheel trailers. A 360-degree camera system uses four digital, high-definition cameras to give the driver a bird’s-eye view surrounding Super Duty. Trailer reverse guidance provides visual cues and tips to help ease backing up a trailer. A first-ever, factory-available trailer camera can be attached to a trailer to improve visibility backing up. Customers will benefit from a segment-first, in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system from the comfort of the cab while stopped or on the highway. Adaptive steering provides for increased confidence to help make towing the heaviest of loads easier and brings greater ease to navigating job sites and parking lots – with or without a trailer. The technology reduces the amount of steering input needed to change direction at low speed, while reducing sensitivity to steering input at higher speeds. The all-new F-Series Super Duty is available with numerous driver-assist technologies: SYNC® 3 – Ford’s all-new communications and entertainment system features faster performance, conversational voice recognition and an easier-to-understand graphical interface, along with an intuitive smartphone-like 8-inch touch screen Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow is optimized for Super Duty to include the length of the trailer; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver Lane departure warning provides a warning when a driver strays from a lane through a series of steering wheel vibrations that mimic rumble strips Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support use sensors to detect slower vehicles moving in the same direction. If another vehicle is too close, red lights flash on the windshield and a warning sound chimes. If the driver does not hit the brakes, the brake system is pre-charged to stop faster when the brake pedal is pressed Advanced light-emitting diode technology sheds light all around the new Super Duty, including: New LED sideview mirror spotlights enable illumination surrounding the truck to light up a work site or camp site Class-exclusive quad-beam LED headlamps and taillamps New LED cargo box lighting Most capable Light-weighting and improved capability work hand-in-hand in the all-new Ford F-Series Super Duty. “As we remove weight, we’re making Super Duty more productive by giving our customers better towing and payload capability,” said Craig Schmatz, Super Duty chief engineer. “We’re backing up improved capability with a stronger gasoline and diesel Super Duty engine lineup.” The second-generation Ford-designed, Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine is available for pickup trucks and chassis cabs providing the highest combination of horsepower and torque ever. The 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine comes equipped with the new TorqShift-G transmission for the F-250 pickup – allowing for improved capability. The Super Duty chassis cab lineup offers a choice of 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel, 6.8-liter V10 gasoline or 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engines. “The bottom line is Super Duty customers will be able to tow and haul more than ever before,” said Schmatz. Interior and cargo box All three cabs – Regular Cab, SuperCab and Crew Cab – are longer and feature a new interior design, including dual compartment glove box, overhead console-mounted auxiliary switches to operate aftermarket equipment, and completely flat SuperCab and Crew Cab second-row floors that make loading large items in the cab easy. Vital controls are close at hand, with the integrated trailer brake controller switch located even closer to the driver. Customer accessibility and ease of use extend outside the truck as well, with the cargo box offering customers these class-exclusive features: BoxLink™: Ford-patented combination of metal brackets and custom cleats that can be used to secure a variety of accessories in the cargo box Remote tailgate lock and release: Tailgate can be locked/unlocked and opened with the key fob, eliminating manual locking and increasing convenience and security. The tailgate is damped – dropping gently down, hands-free, to a flat position when opened There are five models in the Super Duty lineup – XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum. The all-new Super Duty will be built at Kentucky Truck Plant, and goes on sale late next year. View full article
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The big news about the Ford F-150 is how it's constructed from aluminum which allows for improved fuel economy and massive weight loss. Chevrolet is going to be taking aim at this with a new social media campaign and ad. Automotive News reports that the ad features a focus group asked the question if a grizzly bear lumbers into the room, which cage would you take? The aluminum or steel one? Most of the group goes for the steel one. "Our trucks are built with high-strength steel. We think that's a tactical advantage and an important differentiator. We have a pretty healthy sense of humor about it," said Sandor Piszar, the marketing director for the Silverado. This ad brings the topic of the aluminum construction to the forefront - something Ford hasn't really mentioned in its ads for the F-150. But it also brings risks to both brands. For Ford, it could mean talking about the aluminum construction. This is something the brand has avoided talking about due to reports about higher costs for accident repairs. (Ford has said there isn't a significant difference between the repair costs for aluminum and steel). For Chevrolet, the ad could be hypocritical as they use aluminum for certain body parts of the Silverado - such as the hood. Also, rumors have been flying around the GM is planning to use more aluminum for the next-generation pickup. "If I'm a GM engineer working on the next truck, I'm scratching my head a little bit. They're probably telling the marketing people, 'Hey guys, you realize we're already lining up our aluminum suppliers, right?'" said Jim Sanfilippo, an independent marketing consultant. "Chevy's got a lot of good things to talk about right now. I'd stick to talking about the merits of their own product and not look like they're running from something." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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The big news about the Ford F-150 is how it's constructed from aluminum which allows for improved fuel economy and massive weight loss. Chevrolet is going to be taking aim at this with a new social media campaign and ad. Automotive News reports that the ad features a focus group asked the question if a grizzly bear lumbers into the room, which cage would you take? The aluminum or steel one? Most of the group goes for the steel one. "Our trucks are built with high-strength steel. We think that's a tactical advantage and an important differentiator. We have a pretty healthy sense of humor about it," said Sandor Piszar, the marketing director for the Silverado. This ad brings the topic of the aluminum construction to the forefront - something Ford hasn't really mentioned in its ads for the F-150. But it also brings risks to both brands. For Ford, it could mean talking about the aluminum construction. This is something the brand has avoided talking about due to reports about higher costs for accident repairs. (Ford has said there isn't a significant difference between the repair costs for aluminum and steel). For Chevrolet, the ad could be hypocritical as they use aluminum for certain body parts of the Silverado - such as the hood. Also, rumors have been flying around the GM is planning to use more aluminum for the next-generation pickup. "If I'm a GM engineer working on the next truck, I'm scratching my head a little bit. They're probably telling the marketing people, 'Hey guys, you realize we're already lining up our aluminum suppliers, right?'" said Jim Sanfilippo, an independent marketing consultant. "Chevy's got a lot of good things to talk about right now. I'd stick to talking about the merits of their own product and not look like they're running from something." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Previously, we heard that the next-generation Jeep Wrangler would have an all-aluminum body. But that doesn't appear to be the case anymore. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters yesterday that the Wrangler would shed the aluminum body, but would have certain parts made from aluminum. “There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum. We've run the numbers and we've simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost -- not just of the material but the actual assembly process -- I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close,” said Marchionne. The move to aluminum would help out in fuel economy with a lighter curb weight. But it would also mean a possible move from the Toledo factory where the Wrangler is currently built. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article
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Previously, we heard that the next-generation Jeep Wrangler would have an all-aluminum body. But that doesn't appear to be the case anymore. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters yesterday that the Wrangler would shed the aluminum body, but would have certain parts made from aluminum. “There will be a large portion of that vehicle that will be aluminum. It will not be all aluminum. We've run the numbers and we've simulated mileage and the impact. Because of the difference in cost -- not just of the material but the actual assembly process -- I think we can do almost as well without doing it all-aluminum. I think we can get very close,” said Marchionne. The move to aluminum would help out in fuel economy with a lighter curb weight. But it would also mean a possible move from the Toledo factory where the Wrangler is currently built. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) -
Spying: Chevrolet Adds A Little Aluminum for 2017 Silverado
William Maley posted an article in Chevrolet
With the new Ford F-150 selling and Nissan's next-generation Titan just around the corner, the pickup truck market is once again heating up. To get ready for the next onslaught, General Motors is readying a refresh of the full-size trucks. A spy photographer happen to get some shots of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The shots reveal that Chevrolet is planning some changes for the Silverado's front end with a new grille and headlights with LEDs like on the GMC Sierra. Also changing up front is a new hood design. GM is also looking to changing a few body panels to aluminum - the hood and front fenders being the likely ones. Around back, expect new taillights, along with some change to the bed - a new lighting setup or new storage. The inside appears to be unchanged. Mechanical changes are reported to be a new eight-speed automatic for the 5.3L V8 when the truck is launched later this year. 2017 will see a new ten-speed automatic that has been jointly developed with Ford. Source: PickupTrucks.com -
With the new Ford F-150 selling and Nissan's next-generation Titan just around the corner, the pickup truck market is once again heating up. To get ready for the next onslaught, General Motors is readying a refresh of the full-size trucks. A spy photographer happen to get some shots of the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The shots reveal that Chevrolet is planning some changes for the Silverado's front end with a new grille and headlights with LEDs like on the GMC Sierra. Also changing up front is a new hood design. GM is also looking to changing a few body panels to aluminum - the hood and front fenders being the likely ones. Around back, expect new taillights, along with some change to the bed - a new lighting setup or new storage. The inside appears to be unchanged. Mechanical changes are reported to be a new eight-speed automatic for the 5.3L V8 when the truck is launched later this year. 2017 will see a new ten-speed automatic that has been jointly developed with Ford. Source: PickupTrucks.com View full article
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Ford's decision to use aluminum on the F-150 has paid off in big dividends in terms of weight, fuel economy, and performance. Now you would think that Ford would use aluminum in other vehicles. Not so fast says Ford's president of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. At the Automotive News World Congress, Hinrichs says that aluminum will stick with the trucks. “One of the big benefits you get from light-weighting ... you can tow more and haul more. You don’t get those same benefits to a customer on the car side. Truck buyers will pay for more capability, car buyers will pay for better fuel economy, but there’s other ways to get fuel economy in a car without the need to provide more capability," said Hinrichs. “I don’t think we’ll see a dramatic increase in all-aluminum cars.” That said, Ford is looking at ways to decrease the weight in their vehicles. One of those ways could be carbon fiber. "There’s a lot of costs associated with aluminum. But if the industry can find ways to reduce costs then there’s a point in the future where we’ll see more aluminum in more standard vehicles,” said Akshay Anand, analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News -
Ford's decision to use aluminum on the F-150 has paid off in big dividends in terms of weight, fuel economy, and performance. Now you would think that Ford would use aluminum in other vehicles. Not so fast says Ford's president of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. At the Automotive News World Congress, Hinrichs says that aluminum will stick with the trucks. “One of the big benefits you get from light-weighting ... you can tow more and haul more. You don’t get those same benefits to a customer on the car side. Truck buyers will pay for more capability, car buyers will pay for better fuel economy, but there’s other ways to get fuel economy in a car without the need to provide more capability," said Hinrichs. “I don’t think we’ll see a dramatic increase in all-aluminum cars.” That said, Ford is looking at ways to decrease the weight in their vehicles. One of those ways could be carbon fiber. "There’s a lot of costs associated with aluminum. But if the industry can find ways to reduce costs then there’s a point in the future where we’ll see more aluminum in more standard vehicles,” said Akshay Anand, analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News View full article
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With new fuel economy regulations coming around the corner, many automakers are trying a number of things to meet those upcoming standards. Case in point: Ford is using aluminum in the next-generation F-150, and General Motors is reportedly doing the same for their next full-size truck. What about Ram Trucks? A new report says the brand will be sticking with steel for the time being. Reuters has learned from two sources that when Ram gives their truck a refresh in 2017, aluminum will not be in the picture. The earliest that Ram would add the material is after 2020 when the truck will be redesigned. This move could either hurt Ram if aluminum proves to be ticket for sales, or could actually help if reports of aluminum stockpiles are short because of more automakers using it in their vehicles. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
With new fuel economy regulations coming around the corner, many automakers are trying a number of things to meet those upcoming standards. Case in point: Ford is using aluminum in the next-generation F-150, and General Motors is reportedly doing the same for their next full-size truck. What about Ram Trucks? A new report says the brand will be sticking with steel for the time being. Reuters has learned from two sources that when Ram gives their truck a refresh in 2017, aluminum will not be in the picture. The earliest that Ram would add the material is after 2020 when the truck will be redesigned. This move could either hurt Ram if aluminum proves to be ticket for sales, or could actually help if reports of aluminum stockpiles are short because of more automakers using it in their vehicles. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Rumorpile: General Motors Joins The Aluminum Truck Brigade
William Maley posted an article in General Motors
Ford pulled off a bit of coup at the Detroit Auto Show last month with the introduction of the 2015 F-150 which features an all-aluminum body to help meet the upcoming fuel efficiency standards. Now, another truck maker looks to be following in the footsteps of the blue oval. The Wall Street Journal has learned from sources familiar with the matter that General Motors is working on making the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have aluminum bodies. The company has secured contracts with with Alcoa and Novelis Inc. to supply aluminum for the next-generation trucks, due out in late 2018. GM's global product development chief, Mark Reuss hinted at the company possibly going towards aluminum with their trucks last month. "We need to see how much aluminum is in it, not what they say is in it but what is actually in it. We are going to look at what they advertise as the weight savings from it and then we are going to go back and do some math.…We can play this game real easily." Sources tell WSJ that GM will use a patented method of where multi-ringed electrodes are used to weld the aluminum panels. This eliminates a number of rivets used in the assembly of the trucks and allows the company to build a lighter and stronger truck. Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Ford pulled off a bit of coup at the Detroit Auto Show last month with the introduction of the 2015 F-150 which features an all-aluminum body to help meet the upcoming fuel efficiency standards. Now, another truck maker looks to be following in the footsteps of the blue oval. The Wall Street Journal has learned from sources familiar with the matter that General Motors is working on making the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have aluminum bodies. The company has secured contracts with with Alcoa and Novelis Inc. to supply aluminum for the next-generation trucks, due out in late 2018. GM's global product development chief, Mark Reuss hinted at the company possibly going towards aluminum with their trucks last month. "We need to see how much aluminum is in it, not what they say is in it but what is actually in it. We are going to look at what they advertise as the weight savings from it and then we are going to go back and do some math.…We can play this game real easily." Sources tell WSJ that GM will use a patented method of where multi-ringed electrodes are used to weld the aluminum panels. This eliminates a number of rivets used in the assembly of the trucks and allows the company to build a lighter and stronger truck. Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Even though Ford has just announced the new F-150 back in January, the automaker is already working on improvements that will be coming down the line. The Truth About Cars reports that Ford is working on a 3.0L V6 diesel engine, codenamed “Lion”. The new engine is in response to Ram's diesel engine for the 1500. Ford was reportedly working on a diesel engine for the F-150 in the mid-2000s, but it was canned due to financial meltdown. This new engine is expected to arrive in 2018. TTAC has also found out that the new 2.7L EcoBoost will produce somewhere in the range of 290 to 300 horsepower. Torque numbers are still a mystery. That's not all Ford has up its sleeve. TTAC reports that a new ten-speed automatic will appear in trucks and full-size SUVs in the near future. Ford also is working on aluminum bodied versions of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Even though Ford has just announced the new F-150 back in January, the automaker is already working on improvements that will be coming down the line. The Truth About Cars reports that Ford is working on a 3.0L V6 diesel engine, codenamed “Lion”. The new engine is in response to Ram's diesel engine for the 1500. Ford was reportedly working on a diesel engine for the F-150 in the mid-2000s, but it was canned due to financial meltdown. This new engine is expected to arrive in 2018. TTAC has also found out that the new 2.7L EcoBoost will produce somewhere in the range of 290 to 300 horsepower. Torque numbers are still a mystery. That's not all Ford has up its sleeve. TTAC reports that a new ten-speed automatic will appear in trucks and full-size SUVs in the near future. Ford also is working on aluminum bodied versions of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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Rumorpile: Next-Generation F-150 Delayed By Issues With Aluminum
William Maley posted an article in Ford
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 11, 2013 The Ford F-150 is a very important model for the blue oval since it's the top seller and one of the key ways Ford makes a profit. With a new model on the horizon, it has been rumored that Ford would be utilizing aluminum in it as way to improve fuel economy and give the F-150 a unique edge. But that decision seems to be causing more problems. The Truth About Cars has learned from a number of sources that Ford has rejected aluminum from Alcoa and other Tier 2 suppliers since it didn't meet internal forming requirements for the “tooling tryout” phase of pre-production. Because of this, Ford has pushed back the launch date of the next F-150 from Memorial Day to late 2014 and shorten the validation process. The problem with using aluminum in vehicles is that it can return to its original form after being struck with a die. This in turn could cause a program to be completely derailed. Now Ford usually will go through two phases of pre-production vehicles before building production vehicles (MP1 and MP2). They have decided to put these vehicles into the sales channel since they are considered saleable units. This also introduces increased risk for bugs and problems for Ford's most important product. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 11, 2013 The Ford F-150 is a very important model for the blue oval since it's the top seller and one of the key ways Ford makes a profit. With a new model on the horizon, it has been rumored that Ford would be utilizing aluminum in it as way to improve fuel economy and give the F-150 a unique edge. But that decision seems to be causing more problems. The Truth About Cars has learned from a number of sources that Ford has rejected aluminum from Alcoa and other Tier 2 suppliers since it didn't meet internal forming requirements for the “tooling tryout” phase of pre-production. Because of this, Ford has pushed back the launch date of the next F-150 from Memorial Day to late 2014 and shorten the validation process. The problem with using aluminum in vehicles is that it can return to its original form after being struck with a die. This in turn could cause a program to be completely derailed. Now Ford usually will go through two phases of pre-production vehicles before building production vehicles (MP1 and MP2). They have decided to put these vehicles into the sales channel since they are considered saleable units. This also introduces increased risk for bugs and problems for Ford's most important product. Source: The Truth About Cars William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 12, 2012 Some peculiar Ford F-150s have made their way onto the web thanks to a spy photographer. The trucks in question features awkward panel fits, shorten cabs, and modified truck beds. What is the deal with these truck. Most likely, the trucks are the mules for the next F-150, due out in 2015. Automobile Magazine also speculates the trucks are also testing aluminum body panels, something we reported back in July. This would allow engineers to gain knowledge about whether its a good idea or not to implement aluminum in the next truck. Rumor has the 2015 F-150 having a aluminum hood and bed, but this is somewhat sketchy. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 12, 2012 Some peculiar Ford F-150s have made their way onto the web thanks to a spy photographer. The trucks in question features awkward panel fits, shorten cabs, and modified truck beds. What is the deal with these truck. Most likely, the trucks are the mules for the next F-150, due out in 2015. Automobile Magazine also speculates the trucks are also testing aluminum body panels, something we reported back in July. This would allow engineers to gain knowledge about whether its a good idea or not to implement aluminum in the next truck. Rumor has the 2015 F-150 having a aluminum hood and bed, but this is somewhat sketchy. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 27, 2012 The Wall Street Journal reports that Ford is considering using a aluminum body in the next generation F-150 pickup. The move would drop about 700 lbs, a 15% drop in weight from the current F-150. The reason as to why Ford is exploring the aluminum pickup is due to upcoming CAFE regulations that by 2025, the U.S. vehicle fleet has to average 54.5 miles per gallon. Also, the regulations would ramp up fuel economy goals for vehicles of different sizes each year. Analysts aren't too sure if Ford will go the aluminum body route, saying it wouldn't be too practical. "Full-aluminum structured vehicles are much more expensive to insure because they are much more expensive to repair," said Jim Hall, analyst with 2953 Analytics LLP to the The Detroit News. Hall also said that most body shops cannot work on aluminum cars. Analysts also point out aluminum isn't as durable as steel, which could pose a threat to the F-150 since part of its reputation is built on durability. Analysts believe Ford will use more aluminum in the next generation F-150. Currently, Ford uses aluminum in the F-150's hood and the lower control arm on the SVT Raptor. A source at Ford confirms this to The Detroit News, but also said a design hasn't been finalized. Source: Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) via Auto Guide, The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
