Lightweights??

[grober]

VW are developing a lightweight version of their Golf and will surely be followed by other manufacturers. Volkswagen develops lightweight Golf - Latest Car News from 4Car Car manufacturers have been fairly remiss in the application of new materials in car construction [ Jaguar and Audi being 2 exceptions]-probably on the grounds of cost-why use an epoxy bonded bit of aluminium honeycomb when you can get away with bit of pressed steel and a couple of spot welds. the downside- expect insurance premiums to rise till bodyshops get familiar with repairing them!

 

[wemorgan]

Some more links:

Autocar - Lighter VWs in the pipeline

Superlightcar - Introduction

http://www.superlightcar.com/public/docs/20080710_SLC_Final_Concept_PUBLISHABLE.pdf


I was surprised to see how much sheet aluminium was used, since this has the same stiffness-weight ratio as steel.

 

[st13phil]

I know that the S-Class is at the other end of the automotive spectrum from the Golf, but when I did the factory tour at Sindelfingen I was surprised at the variety of materials used in the S-Class bodyshell. From memory, there were four different grades of steel and aluminium alloy all happily co-existing in the bodyshell, held together by a variety of adhesives, spot welds and different rivet-type fasteners.

 

[wemorgan]

I know that the S-Class is at the other end of the automotive spectrum from the Golf, but when I did the factory tour at Sindelfingen I was surprised at the variety of materials used in the S-Class bodyshell. From memory, there were four different grades of steel and aluminium alloy all happily co-existing in the bodyshell, held together by a variety of adhesives, spot welds and different rivet-type fasteners.

In 2005 the S-class won the EuroCarBody conference award.

The award is as random as others like 'Car of the year' but the EuroCarBody conference is very interesting nonetheless.