Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11210094...ogy-could-lead

 

I'd like to see this in the next 'Stang, but from the press release.......



"Customers of Ford's multi-million selling passenger cars should not expect to see carbon fibre-bodied examples on sale in the near future," said Inga Wehmeyer. "But the techniques we have refined and developed for the prototype Focus bonnet could be transferred to higher volume applications at a later date."


Or perhaps the Mustang, being relatively low volume, is a good place to start?

 

Raj Nair said on Autoline they were evaluating this, but it was years away. Don't count on it.

Not sure why it's in this section, and not in the general Ford section...?

 

Yeah from my understanding about CF, the major drawback is it is very difficult to mass produce. Thereby increasing costs.

If they've solved that problemn then I'm all for it.

 

Basically. The article mentions they have the Focus hood made of two layers of reinforced plastic with a foam core. If it sheds weight and is as safe, I'm all for it. There is no mention of this being employed on Mustang or F150 in the article, not sure where the OP got that from.

 

Mustang and F150 are both vehicles Ford expressed interest in lowering the weight of them. Even though this article doesn't specify there is no reason why it won't see the mustang or F150 in the next 5-10 years.

 

Probably makes sense to roll it out on a lower volume model. Question is, when.

 

I don't think we'll see it on the next F150/Mustang.
THey are coming out too soon.

 

The CFRP could be used on smaller parts in Ford's cars in the near future for some weight reduction - things like chassis bracing/reinforcement or even driveshafts, but nothing as large and expensive as body panels IMO.

 

they should be using more high tensile steel on the next f150.

 

Yes, yes it is ha. I've worked with it on a small scale. It is very hard to keep the quality up in large quantities...

 

Remind me why that is again? I remember watching a video on the process in college but can't remember what hinders it from being made by machines