We all know that low mass is the key to great efficiency, with myriad dynamic benefits as a direct corollary also. The virtuous cycle of a low kerbweight has been extolled for a long time now with particular focus recently given increasingly stringent emissions targets.
Ford says approach is 'holistic'
This Lightweight Concept is Ford's latest offering. Based on a 2013 Fusion (or Mondeo as you would buy it here), a huge percentage of the components have been 'lightweighted' to take over 300kg from the kerbweight. Iron brake discs are swapped for aluminium, the oil pan is a carbon composite, the wheels are carbon fibre, the springs are now composite instead of steel... the list goes on.
Now a sub-1,200kg Mondeo won't be offered in your local Ford showroom anytime soon (indeed where is the normal next Mondeo?) but it does preview an interesting future for efficient cars without hybrid assistance. This concept is powered by the 1.0-litre Ecoboost triple, which we've already seen do a fine job in Fiestas and Focuses of a similar kerbweight. And if this is what can be done with a Mondeo, imagine the benefits of 'lightweighting' on smaller Fords. At present the Fiesta ST is 1,163kg and capable of 47mpg officially. How good would it be under a tonne?
But before excitement peaks too soon, it's worth bearing in mind the tech seen on the Lightweight Concept is very costly. But with advances in carbon construction recently (see BMW using remnants CFRP in the
i3
i8
's structure), it's certainly becoming more viable. Ford has already taken 700lbs (317kg) out of the
F-150
(not as challenging, granted) using 'aloominum' and such like so let's see what comes next.
See the Lightweight Concept video here.