Just got back from detroit for the kickoff of Future Truck 2000, and I am
reminded of how well the University of Wisconsin did last year with their
Future Car by using A LOT of aluminum in the conversion. They started with
a ford prototype all aluminum mercury sable unibody. Strapped in an
aluminum VW TDI with a parallel electric assist. With batteries the
conversion weighed something like 3300lbs, unheard of for an EV/hybrid of
that size. In comparison our lumina came in at around 4400lbs.
Ryan Smith
>From: "Bowen, Patrick A" <PABowen@sar.med.navy.mil>
>Reply-To: "Bowen, Patrick A" <PABowen@sar.med.navy.mil>
>To: spitfires@autox.team.net
>Subject: Aluminum Frame
>Date: Mon, 20 Sep 1999 12:25:08 -0400
>
>Here is a question, has anyone ever tried to make an aluminum frame for a
>Spitfire? While the Spitfire is a light car it is actually a heavy design.
>As just a guess, you could probably shave more than 500 pounds just by
>switching some major components to aluminum, items such as frame,
>bellhousing, differential casing, tranny casing maybe, suspension
>components
>such as a-arms, I am sure the list could go on. While I am not currently
>interested in taking this project on this weekend, or anytime soon. It is
>one I would like to entertain. What are the experiences with aluminum.
>any
>reason (given both money and time) why this would be a bad idea. Lotus
>uses
>it extensively for lightweight cars. Would cost, durability, strength, or
>anything else be an obstacle.
>
>Pushing the edge,
>Patrick Bowen
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