This is a very good article. It's long, but it outlines the risks Ford is taking with their best seller - the F150.
And just why are they taking this chance? The answer is given in the excerpt.
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To: Responsibility2nd
A mock-up of the new aluminum lightweight-by-700 lb car...
2 posted on
07/27/2012 2:39:42 PM PDT by
C210N
("ask not what the candidate can do for you, ask what you can do for the candidate" (Breitbart, 2012))
To: Responsibility2nd
Along with the aluminum makeover, the new F-150 also is getting a more muscular look, according to one Ford designer. If you can't actually make it Ford Tough, make it look Ford Tough...
3 posted on
07/27/2012 2:41:05 PM PDT by
null and void
(Day 1284 of our ObamaVacation from reality - Heroes aren't made Frank, they're cornered...)
To: Springman; cyclotic; netmilsmom; RatsDawg; PGalt; FreedomHammer; queenkathy; madison10; ...
4 posted on
07/27/2012 2:41:20 PM PDT by
cripplecreek
(What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?)
To: Responsibility2nd
Stopping time?? Huge loss of friction....
We put some extra pounds in the trunk in winter time.
To: Responsibility2nd
Well, as long a the fender wells say “Body By Budweiser” on the inside’ it’ll sell......
6 posted on
07/27/2012 2:42:18 PM PDT by
Red Badger
(Think logically. Act normally.................)
To: Responsibility2nd
Similar to what Germany employed to circumvent the tonnage restrictions imposed especially upon them by the 1926 bilateral arms ‘agreement”.
This brought you the so-called ‘Pocket Battleship” the Bismarck, among others.
They sacrificed armour for speed. But guns are faster than ships and it took a pounding and sank.
To: Responsibility2nd
8 posted on
07/27/2012 2:44:23 PM PDT by
foundedonpurpose
(It's time for a fundamental restoration, of our countries principles!)
To: Responsibility2nd
Do they even think they make an aluminum that is as tough as steel?
9 posted on
07/27/2012 2:45:07 PM PDT by
DannyTN
To: Responsibility2nd
11 posted on
07/27/2012 2:46:17 PM PDT by
Repeal The 17th
(We have met the enemy and he is us.)
To: Responsibility2nd
I instantly thought of New Coke when I read this. They will make a colossal mistake and do great harm to their brand if they do this in my opinion
13 posted on
07/27/2012 2:52:18 PM PDT by
HereInTheHeartland
(Encourage all of your Democrat friends to get out and vote on November 7th, the stakes are high.)
To: Responsibility2nd
plus convince die-hard pickup buyers that aluminum is as tough as steel.
It’s not... steel and aluminum don’t mix. Salt eats it worse than steel.
But the truck will be lighter... It might cost them the “longest lasting pick up in America” title.
Guess if I want a new ford I better buy it before the switch.
14 posted on
07/27/2012 2:52:42 PM PDT by
cableguymn
(For the first time in my life. I fear my country's government.)
To: Responsibility2nd
The Ford F150, if they do it correctly, could be a hit. The reason is the CAFE standard, but FORD will make a truck that AMERICANS will buy.
17 posted on
07/27/2012 2:54:29 PM PDT by
ExCTCitizen
(Yes, Obama, I had help with my business. MY CUSTOMERS!!)
To: Responsibility2nd
18 posted on
07/27/2012 2:55:20 PM PDT by
I see my hands
(It's time to.. KICK OUT THE JAMS, MOTHER FREEPERS!)
To: Responsibility2nd
On the plus side, no worries about rust in the wheel well or fenders. Sound-wise, Aluminum should aborb and “deaden” any road noise. From a crash-worthines perspective, Aluminum should have minimal rebound, thus absorb the damage better than steel.
On the down side - depending upon how Ford impliments this, the body could be too week for regular heavy use, and painting Aluminum is going to be an issue.
19 posted on
07/27/2012 2:55:41 PM PDT by
Hodar
(A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.- Burroughs)
To: Responsibility2nd
How long before GM and Chrysler get a waver and/or loophole in millage requirements to be able to build a steel bodied truck?
20 posted on
07/27/2012 2:56:00 PM PDT by
matt04
To: Responsibility2nd
I don’t think aluminum bodies are necessarily a bad idea.
Didn’t Land Rover use aluminum bodies?
21 posted on
07/27/2012 2:59:58 PM PDT by
yarddog
To: Responsibility2nd
Wonder if I could get one unpainted but polished?
To: Responsibility2nd
This is a very good article. It's long... Only if you have a WSJ subscription.
24 posted on
07/27/2012 3:05:56 PM PDT by
upchuck
("Definition of 'racist:' someone that is winning an argument with a liberal." ~ Peter Brimelow)
To: Responsibility2nd
29 posted on
07/27/2012 3:07:27 PM PDT by
Erik Latranyi
(When religions have to beg the gov't for a waiver, we are already under socialism.)
To: Responsibility2nd
Properly designed, Aluminum can be just as strong as steel. It will just cost more.
31 posted on
07/27/2012 3:08:10 PM PDT by
Yo-Yo
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