MANILA, Philippines - Ford Motor Company has unveiled its Lightweight Concept vehicle, which uses advanced materials to explore future weight-reduction solutions that could improve performance and fuel efficiency while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The vehicle represents the latest phase of Ford’s research into developing sustainable technology solutions that are affordable for consumers and can be produced in large volumes across the product lineup. This research has also led to dramatic weight reductions of up to 700 pounds in the all-new F-150. The 2015 F-150 sheds weight through the use of high-strength steel and aluminum, enabling it to tow more, haul more, accelerate quicker and stop shorter—all with improved gas mileage.
“Consumers today want better fuel efficiency, but they also want more technology and features in the car, which usually adds weight to the vehicle,†said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “A focus on light-weighting will be fundamental to our industry for years to come, and we are investigating many advanced materials applications as possible solutions for weight reduction in our vehicles.â€
Light-weighting is a key component in Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability, which integrates sustainability into the business plan. Ford’s research into improved efficiency through weight reduction with advanced materials including new metals, alloys and composites began more than 25 years ago. This research produced the breakthrough Aluminum Intensive Vehicle program in 1992 and all-aluminum high-performance Ford GT in 2005.
As consumer electronics like smartphones and tablets become more lightweight, so does the ultimate mobile device—the automobile. Ford’s Lightweight Concept uses many of the same advanced materials found in today’s lightweight electronic devices, including aluminum, chemically toughened glass, and advanced lightweight plastics.
The Lightweight Concept vehicle represents Ford’s most comprehensive blend of advanced materials yet in one vehicle, including strategic application of aluminum, ultra-high-strength steels, magnesium and carbon fiber.
Experience a real and unique motorsport event in the legendary Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia with Michelin’s The Right 2 Race online game promo.
From May 26 to June 30, 2014, simply log on to www.theright2race.com and play the exciting online racing game where players’ driving skills on choosing the ideal racing lines and the perfect braking points will be put to a test around the digital version of Sepang International F1 Circuit. The three best and fastest lap times from the Philippines will go to Sepang for the Michelin Pilot Sport Experience in August this year.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Experience is an annual motorsport event organized by Michelin where participants get to ride and drive high-performance vehicles under the supervision of Michelin professional instructors. This year, participants will get behind the wheels of the newly-introduced Formula 4, as well as other touring and rally cars. Best of all, they will also take a ride on a hot lap behind the safety of our professional racers in racing cars such as the Formula Le Mans, all in its maximum performance using Michelin tires—the secret of race champions.