Thread: Fords next F150

Minimizing weight is the only way to get better economy with a full-size pickup. Internal combustion engines are maxing out their efficiency at 19%, and moving 2 tons of vehicle isn't easy. Their mileage simply cannot get any better unless they lose weight OR cut down on parasitic drag from air resistance. And since trucks aren't getting smaller, losing 700lbs is A LOT. Aluminum is very strong and durable. My airplane is knocking on 60 years old and its nothing but a stressed-skin aluminum design. Not to mention aluminum will keep up with impact resistance and crumple zone absorption, its just up to the Ford designers to change their calculations for the softer metal. Overall, I think its a step in the right direction. Again Ford is leading the pack.

The hood is part of the crumple zone- it has to be metal and fiberglass doors wouldn't fare out very well in a side-impact.