As consumer electronics like cellphones and tablets become more lightweight, so does the ultimate mobile device – the vehicle. Ford has given us a glimpse into its lightweight future by showing its Lightweight Concept vehicle, which uses advanced materials to explore future weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency.
This new research by Ford has also led to weight reductions of up to 363kg in the next-generation Ford Mondeo. It weighs just 1,195kg which is almost equal to the diesel-powered Ford Fiesta!
The 2015 Ford Mondeo sheds weight from a standard next-gen Mondeo through the use of carbon fibre wheels, high-strength steels and aluminium in the chassis and composite springs for the front suspension. Hang on, carbon fibre wheels? I don’t think Ford has seen our tyre-busting-wheel-demolishing potholes here to attempt that.
The Lightweight Concept features the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost, which should have little trouble powering a car that weighs about the same as a Fiesta. Ford claims that the small-displacement engine shaved 24% the weight of the powertrain, and weight-saving measures include hollow steel crankshafts, forged aluminium connecting rods, a carbon-fibre oil pan, front cover and cam carrier, plus cast aluminium and magnesium transmission components.
