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Showing results for tags 'carbon fiber'.
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General Motors had a field day when Ford switched from metal to aluminum for their truck beds. The company ran a series of ads showing how their metal beds could stand up to the rigors of a pickup truck's life compared to the Ford's. So it seems slightly ironic that GM is planning to use a lightweight material for their next-generation truck beds. The Wall Street Journal and Automotive News have learned from sources that GM is planning to use carbon fiber in their full-size pickup beds. According to one source, carbon fiber will be part of a mix of different materials, including aluminum. The move makes sense as stricter fuel economy regulations come into effect. Finding ways to cut down on weight is a good way to boost fuel economy. There is a big issue with carbon fiber, price. The material is very expensive to produce due to the long, labor-intensive process. The Journal reports that at first, the beds would be used on the premium versions of the trucks (High Country and Denali). It would trickle down to lower trims as "more efficient production processes" come online. The new beds are expected to debut within the next two years. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) View full article -
General Motors had a field day when Ford switched from metal to aluminum for their truck beds. The company ran a series of ads showing how their metal beds could stand up to the rigors of a pickup truck's life compared to the Ford's. So it seems slightly ironic that GM is planning to use a lightweight material for their next-generation truck beds. The Wall Street Journal and Automotive News have learned from sources that GM is planning to use carbon fiber in their full-size pickup beds. According to one source, carbon fiber will be part of a mix of different materials, including aluminum. The move makes sense as stricter fuel economy regulations come into effect. Finding ways to cut down on weight is a good way to boost fuel economy. There is a big issue with carbon fiber, price. The material is very expensive to produce due to the long, labor-intensive process. The Journal reports that at first, the beds would be used on the premium versions of the trucks (High Country and Denali). It would trickle down to lower trims as "more efficient production processes" come online. The new beds are expected to debut within the next two years. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) -
G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com In looking at my other love , BIG RIGS, I came across this video online and found more info from Walmart about their new WAVE Semi. http://blog.walmart.com/the-future-of-fleet-efficiency Walmart has teamed up with Peterbilt, Great Dane Trailers and Capstone Turbine to create a modern 21st century Semi. The new Carbon Fiber truck is 20% more aerodynamic than a standard semi and with 6000 trucks on the road daily, this alone reduces fuel use by a large factor. The great thing about the Turbine motor is that it can run on Diesel, LNG, CNG or Bio-Diesel. The all in one vehicle system combines the outside aerodynamics with the advanced control system, microturbine-hybrid powertrain and electrification. The benefits in testing of this truck is the ability to ship 40% more merchandise over a conventional trailer, reduce cost by 24% and emissions by 14% according to the details released by Walmart. Benefits of the WAVE Truck: Center sitting like an F1 race car driver Customizable LCD screens to monitor what the driver feels is important Large weight savings, 4000lbs lighter in just the trailer alone with the all carbon fiber trailer Turbine Green Fuel Hybrid powertrain Convex trailer nose adds merchandise storage space in trailer while reducing air drag Comfortable modern size sleeper Sliding drivers doors
