Zastava_101

http://wot.motortrend.com/we-hear-ne...gs-152433.html

Ward’s Auto reports that the next generation F-Series, set to debut in 2014, will use aluminum mainly in the truck’s body panels to cut weight. The current F-150 weighs in around 5600 lbs and like its competitors, makes extensive use of steelbody panels, save for the F-150’s hood which is made out of aluminum.
This isn’t the first murmur we’ve heard about weight saving in the next generation Ford F-150. Back in November of 2010, Pickuptrucks.com reported that Ford will not only use aluminum body panels in the F-150, but would also make extensive use of magnesium in the truck. According to Pickuptrucks, the use of magnesium would curb weight by 36 percent compared to aluminum and 78 percent compared to iron. The move to magnesium wouldn’t be unprecedented either; Ford reportedly shaved 22 lbs from the Lincoln MKT’s tailgate by using magnesium and aluminum instead of steel. Weight savings like that add up.
When asked for comment, Ford Truck Communication Manager Mike Levine said to us, “As we outlined four years ago, we intend to be a leader in lightweighting as a means to improve the fuelefficiency of our cars and trucks. While it is too early to discuss details, we always look to apply the right material at the right time to support our product needs in lightweighting.”
So why the fuss over weight savings? The answer is simple: looming CAFE standards. The EPA’s CAFE standards for 2014 require a fleet-wide vehicle average of 31.3 mpg. A year later, automakers need to meet a 32.6 mpg target, and then in 2016 a 34.1 mpg average. Aside from smaller engines and the use of forced-induction and direct-injection, saving weight is key to meeting the EPA’s targets. The rumors from Ford are likely the first of many we’ll hear about the Blue Oval and its crosstown rivals as the next generation of full-size pickups get ready to do battle.

red pony

Aluminum I can understand, but magnesium?! If that vehicle ever catches fire, how are you going to put out the fire?! I see insurance premiums going through the roof along with the flames from the truck if it's kept in the garage! Not smart! You realize that if magnesium catches fire, you can submerge it in water and it STILL keeps burning! A few years back, Ford trucks had an all magnesium radiator support. We walked on thin ice hoping we could get the frame to support bolts out without having to use the torch on them to warm them up and get them out! It only takes around 800 degrees to set it on fire!

Moosetang

Alloys of magnesium have been used in cars for decades, and the aerospace industry for even longer. The fire risk can be managed, much the same way the risk posed by the interior fabrics and the gallons of gasoline sloshing around can be managed.

red pony

Oh, an alloy! That makes a lot more sense! We were told that it was just magnesium and to avoid use of any high heat when we went to school for it! I hope you are right about that!

bob

This, which reminds me of those crazy bastards at Dodge who developed a magnesium center section on the rear diff for thier factory drag cars back in the 60s.