Autoblog

Range Rover Evoque convertible unlikely to see production

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury, Off-Road

From the time when all we had were rumors of a Range Rover Evoque convertible, to the grainy spy shots of said topless SUV in some English alley, to the time it rolled out on the floor of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, nothing could keep people from asking, "Is this really happening?"

To be fair, there were a number who asked in anticipation, enthused about the prospect of getting both a commanding driving position and wide open sky in a more toothsome package than the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. Nevertheless, the number wasn't enough to recommend the concept for production: A report in Car and Driver says the prospects aren't "as bright as we were led to believe when the crossover cabrio debuted," and that instead an Evoque with a panoramic roof that opens is a better bet.

Elsewhere in the rapidly evolving Land Rover line-up, platform harmonization and more ~~cowbell~~ aluminum is the way forward. From the recent use of four platforms supporting six vehicles, there will soon be only two: the EUCD architecture for the LR2 and Evoque; all else will be built on a modified version of the D7 platform created for the new Range Rover. That puts not only variants like the Chinese-market long-wheelbase Range Rover in the aluminum game, but also models like the next Defender and LR4. That latter model is expected to bow next year, the Defender might need more time while the design department moves on from the DC100, which wasn't warmly received.

Range Rover Evoque convertible unlikely to see production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Morgan confirms development of magnesium and aluminum chassis

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, UK, MISC

In a brief chat with The Telegraph, managing director of Morgan, Charles Morgan, talked about how the tiny UK automaker will navigate the future. Morgan believes that as long as the company can find a way to exploit niche products that the big automakers can't or won't do, and if his firm can be a test bed for new technologies, then there's a way to retain both the Morgan spirit and independence.

One of those upcoming technologies could be a new chassis material of magnesium and aluminum. The combination would allow Morgan to form its panels in the traditional way, but make them 20 percent lighter. You can watch him lay out the company's present and future in the video below, and no matter the material we hope it includes the EvaGT.

Continue reading Morgan confirms development of magnesium and aluminum chassis

Morgan confirms development of magnesium and aluminum chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Ugly Horse: Part III

Zach Bowman — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Classics, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Humor

Now With More Manual Transmission

Trust me when I say there is no more detestable a sensation than being slowly overrun by cold tranny fluid.

This isn't my first rodeo. I have, in the past, pulled any number of transmissions, both automatic and manual, and no matter how many times I do the deed, I'm always astounded at the staggering preponderance of fluid a slusher can stash away in its unknown voids. I started the madness of converting this 1989 Ford Mustang from a four-speed automatic to a five-speed manual by dropping the pan on the old gearbox and letting the super-fried automatic transmission fluid bleed out into a drain pan.

Pulling the old box out of the car was as simple as keeping everything supported while I removed the driveshaft, unbolted the bellhousing from the engine block and sent the one crossmember that supported the transmission packing. But wrestling the contraption from under the car unleashed a small lake of brackish ATF that threatened to flash flood the basement. Trust me when I say there is no more detestable a sensation than being slowly overrun by cold tranny fluid. Please hold your "that's what she said" jokes until the conclusion of our program.

Project Ugly Horse: Part I
Project Ugly Horse: Part II

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part III

Project Ugly Horse: Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis

George Kennedy — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi, Porsche, Rumormill, Luxury

Just because the current Audi A8 is about to get a little update for 2013 doesn't mean we can't talk about the German automaker's next generation flagship sedan.

According to a new report from Car and Driver, the next A8 is targeted for 2016 or 2017. Part of the next design will most likely employ some form of "aluminum hybrid" structure, meaning a combination of aluminum and high strength steel as well as other composite materials (the current A8 rides on an aluminum spaceframe). Porsche is working on new modular architecture to underpin the next Panamera as well as the next round of Bentley sedans, and according to the report, the A8's successor is likely to be based on this architecture as well.

Though a plan for the next A8 has not been finalized, there is good reason to believe this transition to the Porsche-developed platform may take place. Wolfgang Durheimer, the new head of research and development at Audi, came over from his previous post as Porsche's R&D chief, so he is already familiar with the Porsche architecture. This shift would mean that the next A8 would be based on a rear-wheel drive platform. Even though all U.S. A8 models rout power through Quattro all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive models are available elsewhere in the world, as the chassis is FWD-based. C/D notes that this move would make the A8 the first RWD-based Audi passenger car since WWII.

Even if Audi did market a rear-drive A8, we suspect the lion's share of them would still rely on Quattro, particularly here in North America.

Next Audi A8 could get RWD-based platform, jettison all-aluminum chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Ford turn to aluminum for body of next F-150? Maybe.

George Kennedy — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Ford

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ford intends to utilize aluminum for the body of its next-generation F-150. In order to meet tightening fuel economy regulations, the WSJ says Ford will turn to the lightweight material, which could cut curb weight by a whopping 700 pounds. Working in tandem with more efficient powertrains, that weight loss could result in a whopping 25-percent boost in fuel economy.

But not so fast, suggests spokesman Said Deep. In regards to the reported aluminumization of the F-Series, Deep tells The Detroit News that "It is premature to discuss specific approaches or solutions that we might use for future product," a quote, we note, that is not necessarily an outright denial.

Industry analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics points out that while some F-150 components are already aluminum, it is also a tougher material to work with. "Full-aluminum structured vehicles are much more expensive to insure because they are much more expensive to repair." Not only that, Hall notes, but not every body shop knows how to work with aluminum. Thus, it's unsurprising to learn that the original WSJ report suggests only that the next F-150's bodywork may be rendered in aluminum, not the chassis.

While there may be manufacturing hurdles in switching over to aluminum, perhaps more difficult will be determining its impact on sales. The F-150 is one of the industry's perennial best-selling vehicles, and it's uncertain how diehard truck buyers might react to a move away from steel, particularly if it sends costs upwards. Of course, Ford recently took on another pickup buyer taboo and registered a resounding victory - challenging the long-held notion that full-size buyers won't buy anything other than a V8 in real volume.

Will Ford turn to aluminum for body of next F-150? Maybe. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford F-Series to go on diet, make extensive use of aluminum

Zach Bowman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Technology, Ford

Ford may turn to aluminum body panels on the company's F-Series pickup trucks in an effort to reduce weight. According to Ward's Auto, the next-generation F-Series is set to debut in 2014 and will likely feature aluminum fenders and door skins. The news comes courtesy of two unnamed sources close to the vehicle's development. Right now, the next-gen F-Series is rolling through Ford halls under the name P552, and while the automaker is reticent to go on the record about aluminizing its best-selling model, executives have made it clear that weight-savings is a major priority.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Group Vice President of Global Product Development, has previously said the company intends to cut up to 700 pounds per model by 2019. Ditching stamped steel body panels for aluminum would be a good start. Ford has already dabbled in aluminum hoods on both the F-Series and Explorer, and the material is expected to find greater use across automakers in the near future as companies brace for stiffer Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.

Next Ford F-Series to go on diet, make extensive use of aluminum originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi to bring back the A2 to slot in between A1, A3

Noah Joseph — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Remember when German automakers' line-ups were fairly straightforward? Take Audi, for example. There was the A4, the A6, and the A8. And that was pretty much it. But now there's an A1, A3, A5, A7, TT, R8, Q5, Q7...the list keeps growing. And it looks ready to keep on growing, too, as reports come in of Ingolstadt's plans to bring back the A2.

The original A2, as you may recall, was a lightweight premium hatchback that was built from 1999 through 2005. A little too pricey and a little too ahead of its time, the A2 never gained the traction in the world's marketplaces (it was never offered in North America). But now that nearly every automaker is exploring smaller vehicles and customers are detaching themselves from the notion that luxury equates with a certain size, the time could be right for the A2's return.

Of course it would have to slot in between the new A1 and the existing A3, and differentiate itself from both. Sources suggest that the new A2's curb weight could actually undercut its predecessor, which tipped the scales at under 2,000 pounds thanks to its lightweight aluminum spaceframe construction. To get there, the A2 could be the first to use Audi's new MLB-Evo multi-material platform, made out of steel, aluminum and composites bonded, screwed and riveted together for optimal weight, rigidity and cost.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Audi to bring back the A2 to slot in between A1, A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Giant aluminum chunk gets CNC'd down to 64-pound engine block

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos

The Ultimate Mill - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you're a billet aluminum fetishist, then today is your lucky day. Kirkham Motorsports loves aluminum and it uses the metal to build the bodies of its Cobra replicas and engine blocks. The engine blocks are billet pieces machined from a single block of aluminum - a 386-pound chuck of aluminum.

That piece of heavy metal is placed into a CNC machine where it's eventually whittled down to a 64-pound billet aluminum 427 engine block. The process requires 30 hours of CAD work, 50 hours of programming and finally 30 hours of machining. Put on your safety glasses and click past the jump to watch a replica Cobra heart born.

[Source: Youtube via The Knee Slider]

Continue reading Video: Giant aluminum chunk gets CNC'd down to 64-pound engine block

Video: Giant aluminum chunk gets CNC'd down to 64-pound engine block originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next generation Audi A4 to shed over 300 pounds

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

2009 Audi A4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the course of the last 20 years, each new Audi model has weighed around 10 percent more than its predecessor, but that all changed when the all-new 2009 Audi A4 (B8) debuted last year. The mid-size sedan gained less than 100 pounds over the previous model (B7), despite growing in every possible dimension. And when the next A4 arrives in five year's time, Audi claims it will weigh less than the current model.

Heinrich Timm, head of Audi's Lightweight Design Center, told us earlier today that the next generation A4 - likely due out in 2015 - will shed some 150 kg (330 pounds) over the B8. The move to drop the A4's curb weight is part of a larger initiative by Audi to reduce the tonnage of its future vehicles by using more aluminum, innovative structural techniques and composites.

And the benefits of weight reduction aren't just limited to fuel consumption and emissions. As any gearhead knows, weight affects every aspect of the vehicle's dynamics - from handling to braking to acceleration. For every 220 pounds lost, a vehicle can accelerate to 60 mph in 20 fewer feet. Lose 440 pounds and the amount of runway saved nearly doubles.

While other automakers are employing high tensile steel to increase rigidity and reduce weight, the stuff costs nearly three-times more than a normal stamped piece. By limiting the use of tensile steel, the overall cost savings will allow Audi to utilize more exotic materials - carbon fiber in particular - to reduce weight and further enhance the driving experience.

As the father of the spaceframe, Timm knows all too well that weight reduction is the key to the next generation of automobiles. Not only will it decrease fuel consumption, increase safety and pay dividends for the driver, it's the only way automakers can simultaneously meet new emission standards while delivering the content and driving experience customers expect. Timm says, "We want to bring it to a higher volume," and the next generation A4 is sure to be the first in a long line of lightened Audis.

Gallery: New Audi A4

Next generation Audi A4 to shed over 300 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 May 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

Audi Aluminum A5 Coupe Prototype - Click above for a high-res image

Audi is continuing the aluminum architecture tradition employed on the A8, R8 and TT with a new prototype of the A5 that sheds 242 pounds from the standard 2.0-liter model.

The Aluminum A5 Prototype uses the steel-bodied production vehicle as its base, then incorporates the Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and a carbon fiber hood and trunk to bring the curb weight down from 3,130 pounds to 2,888 pounds. Compared to the V6 model, the 208 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter model has a power-to-weight ratio of 159-hp per ton, while the V6 variant trumps it by only 11 hp per ton.

While Audi's aluminum technology is sure to find its way into future models, including the A5, Audi doesn't plan to produce the current A5 using the ASF concept quite yet. That's likely to happen with the next generation model due out in a few years, but talk of an Ur-Quattro revival with the S5 (or RS5) could be the opening salvo with the coupe, and this is a good indication that work is well underway. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds

Audi aluminum-bodied A5 prototype sheds over 240 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jaguar has been touting the aluminum-intensive construction of the XJ sedan since the previous-generation model was introduced back in 2003. According to the automaker, the use of aluminum in lieu of steel can lead to an impressive 40 percent reduction in weight. That's bound to have positive effects on driving dynamics, performance and efficiency.

With its latest redesign, Jaguar claims to have improved its aluminum architecture even further, so it's not surprising that the company plans to extend the technology to the rest of its line. According to Ratan Tata, chairman of the company that now owns Jaguar Land Rover, "JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight, and reduction in CO₂ emissions."

To go along with their new diets, Jaguar and Land Rover are known to be experimenting with hybrid powertrains. A kinetic energy recovery system may be in the cards for the XJ line in 2011 while Land Rover has been working on an Electric Rear Axle Drive that could debut in the upcoming LRX compact Range Rover.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

[Source: Motor E Magazine]

Ratan Tata: All future Jaguars and Land Rovers to feature aluminum construction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Technology, GM

Monster motors were the order of the day in the late 1960s, and GM's 427 was a part of that class. The drawback to a big-block's burly output was, and still is, the increased weight of the engine. While big blocks are a hoot for straight line shenanigans, a small block car is often a better all-around performer. That goes out the window for most of us upon tapping that vast well of torque, and there was a solution direct from GM. The ZL1 was a 427 rendered in aluminum to save weight and carried a 430 horsepower rating. The ZL1 is the stuff of legend, commanding the sharp intake of breath when mentioned with the Corvette, and reverent silence should the COPO Camaro be cited.

GM Performance Parts is whipping up a limited run of all new ZL1s, built from the same tooling as the original. A total of 427 of the Anniversary 427 Big Block engines will be produced, creating a new piece of automotive unobtanium while leaving the ZL1 mystique intact. You might even argue that the new engine run will add to the lore. We'll get to see just how much of a clamor there might be for these new engines when the very first Anniversary 427 Big Block crate engine, serial number 001, goes up for bid at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction. The remaining 426 engines will be available soon from GM Performance Parts dealers, and will likely be snapped up like rabid moms going after Hannah Montana tickets.

[Source: GM via Winding Road]

Gallery: 427 Anniversary Big Block

Continue reading Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson

Big Block Fever: First Anniversary 427 Big Block ZL-1 on the block at Barrett Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, BMW

BMW has officially thrown its hat in the performance parts game here in the U.S., likely rivaling the products available from aftermarket firms and coming complete with a factory-backed warranty.

Beginning with the 3-series and Z4, BMW is offering a host of components, from brake upgrades to engine kits, that will boost performance and not cause owners to fear a trip to the dealer for service. Some of the parts include carbon fiber and aluminum strut braces, 3.07:1 performance diffs, lowering kits, performance exhausts and a engine package for three-liter models that includes new camshafts and a modified ECU that boosts output to 235 HP and 222 lb.-ft. or torque.

All of the wonderful tidbits can be procured after the jump, and we'd suspect good things to come from the Bimmer boys when they release packages designed for the 335i and the upcoming 135i.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty

BMW USA offering factory performance parts, with full warranty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe

John Neff — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

In late June we showed you spy shots of the Mercedes-Benz SCL, what we believe will be Mercedes' answer to the Audi R8. It seems that the new Merc will be armed with a new weapon when it enters the fight - a lower curb weight.

Just Auto is reporting that Mercedes has plans to build the SL model out of aluminum, much like Aston Martin, Audi, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce have done with some of their models. Expected to use an aluminum spaceframe and body panels, the new SL should be at least 10 - 15% lighter than the current model, the weight of which ranges from 3,860 lbs. to 4,500 lbs. depending on what model and options are chosen.

Not wanting an interruption in SL production when the new aluminum structure is phased in, Mercedes is planning the super coupe SLC as a car that will use the spaceframe but be produced only in limited numbers. The idea is to make sure all the kinks are ironed out of the new production process before it's applied to the higher volume SL. Expect only about 3,000 to 4,000 SLC coupes to be produced, and you'll be able to pick one up around 2010, two years before the new all-aluminum SL debuts.

The SLC, however, will not share a body panel with the SL, which means it could even be the retro "gull-wing" coupe at which insiders have been hinting. We're also not sure if Mercedes will even continue to produce the SLC after the new SL arrives in 2012. At this point, there remains more questions than answers.

[Source: Just Auto - sub. req'd]

Mercedes going all-aluminum with new SL and SLC super coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Range Rover to go upmarket, downmarket and lighter-weight

Noah Joseph — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:23:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

With Ford selling off parts of its Premium Automotive Group (PAG) one at a time, it remains uncertain if Land Rover and Jaguar will end up under the same ownership in the future. In the meantime, Land Rover is collaborating with Jaguar on a future flagship model that will draw on Jaguar's expertise to produce a new Range Rover with a lighter-weight construction that could expand both upmarket and down.

Based on a new aluminum structure called Premium Lightweight Architecture, the next Range Rover is anticipated to shed about 40% off the unpainted unibody's weight, and some 800 pounds off the curb weight. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power from a revised engine line-up, also benefiting from Jaguar collaboration, would contribute to improved performance and fuel economy. An all-new 5.0-liter V8 could produce about 350 hp, or as much as 460 supercharged, while the existing range of diesels are anticipated to be bored out from 2.7 liters to 3 and from 3.6 liters to 4. If Land Rover chose to shoehorn in the smaller Jaguar/Land Rover turbodiesel into the lightweight Range Rover, it would create a lower model in the range, while the top-end, supercharged version could fetch as much as $200,000 and feature a full spectrum of luxury equipment to anchor the SUV's position at the top of the luxury sport-ute market.

A new styling direction, led by new design chief Phil Simmons, is expected to include shorter overhangs and de-emphasized greenhouse to give a tauter and less top-heavy appearance. If given the green light for development by Ford or by any future parent company, the Range Rover would be the first in a series of new models from Land Rover, to be followed by a new Discovery (LR2), Freelander (LR3), Defender and Range Rover Sport.

[Source: Motor Authority via AutoWeek]

Next Range Rover to go upmarket, downmarket and lighter-weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The new Range Rover: Coming with aluminum!

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 May 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

Imagine you're overweight. A friend of yours tells you about a diet he got great results from. If you do the one simple thing he did, you'll lose around 1,000 pounds. You'd try it, wouldn't you? That's what's in store for the next generation Range Rover, with plans to give the Posh-UV an all-aluminum chassis.

The newer, lighter Range won't arrive until 2012, but engineers have sought approval to build it with a rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque. To do so, it would employ lessons and technology from the Jaguar XJ sedan. In light of the cost involved, such construction would also be spread throughout the Land Rover line. Weight savings for the Range Rover would be around 40-percent, equating to anywhere from 300-500 kg over the current version, a change that would seem to be all pro and no con. Engines would also be borrowed from Jag -- the same lumps expected to power the XF sedan. The 350-450 HP engines would go a lot further in an aluminum Range, as would a speculated hybrid version.

A decision on the aluminum option hasn't been made yet, but it is expected to get the go-ahead.

[Source: Motor Authority]

The new Range Rover: Coming with aluminum! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru

According to Forbes, Subaru will stop utilizing aluminum exterior body panels on all new and redesigned models, beginning in March of 2007. Subaru claims that over the past two years, the cost of aluminum has more than doubled and as such, it will begin using zinc-coated steel sheets instead.

The models currently using aluminum panels include the Legacy, Forester and Impreza. We know the hood of the Impreza is aluminum, but can't remember what else. All you NASIOC and i-Club boys can refresh our memory in the 'comments.'

[Source: Forbes via Jalopnik]

No more aluminum for Subaru exteriors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:09:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Supercars, Ferrari

Aluminum giant Alcoa has opened a new facility in Modena specifically to provide aluminum space frames and components to Ferrari.

The two companies began collaborating in 1994, when Ferrari determined that the lightweight metal was the way to go to reduce weight and improve the dynamics of its road cars, and began producing the space frames for the 360 Modena in 1998. Today Alcoa is Ferrari's development and construction partner, with the aluminum conglomerate providing the frames for the F430, 612 Scaglietti and the new 599 GTB Fiorano.

Until now, Alcoa produced the components at their own plants in Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands and sent them to the Ferrari factory in Italy where Alcoa personnel assembled them into full space frames at Scaglietti Works, Ferrari's body panel facility. With the new state-of-the-art 5,000-square-meter, million-euro facility, Alcoa will produce the space frames on site. The factory includes two high-speed robotic machining centers, two robotic joining centers and 12 space-frame assembly cells.

Alcoa's overall investment in Italy totals nearly $300 million, having taken over Alumix in 1996 and incorporating six facilities: three extrusion plants, two smelters and one rolling mill, employing 1,900 workers directly and 4,000 indirectly. While we're not likely to see any direct results from the new facility, it should help Ferrari produce its cars more efficiently, which is good all around.

[Source: FerrariWorld via Motorpasion]

Special for Ferrari: Alcoa opens new aluminum plant in Modena originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Jaguar, Land Rover

Hopefully the potential dispersal of the Ford Premier Group won't affect this wonderful Jaguar/Land Rover collaboration that is being rumored. By borrowing aluminum (aluminium?) expertise from Jaguar, future Land Rovers could be as much as 1,000 pounds lighter than current models. Utilizing Jaguar's rivet-bonded aluminum monocoque body design, Land Rover could continue to build large luxury SUVs that are lighter and return even better fuel economy.

According to What Car's inside source, the new Range Rover will be the first all-alloy, monocoque-bodied 4x4 when it debuts in 2010. "There's no decision yet, and we don't have to decide for a couple of years, but it seems a logical step to investigate," said their source.

As they further point out, the Discovery and Range Rover Sport are both due for replacement a couple of years after the Range Rover, and it would make economic sense to share the technology across as many models as possible to exact the best economies of scale for L-R. It was expected that the new RR might switch to Land Rover's semi-monocoque steel T5 platform, which underpins the Discovery and the Range Rover Sport, but this makes a whole lot more sense.

Curb weight for the current Range Rover is about 6,000 pounds, but with a similar 15% weight savings as Jag has witnessed, Land Rover could get that down to less than 5,000 while maintaining the off-road toughness for which its vehicles are known. The boost in fuel economy and performance wouldn't hurt either.

[Source: What Car?]

Forget South Beach, Land Rover using Jaguar diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways

Eric Bryant — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Paris Motor Show, Audi

Normally, anyone guilty of cutting up a beautiful supercar such as the Audi R8 would have us looking to perform the same treatment on the perpetrator. In this case, however, we'll let the crime go unpunished, since this peak under the skin of Ingolstadt's new Autobahn burner gives us a chance to admire it for more that just its looks.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways

Paris Motor Show: Audi R8 cutaways originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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