2014 Ford F-150 Rumored to Make Extensive Use of Aluminum Body Panels

For decades, America's best-selling pickup trucks turned a collective blind eye to what were foreseeable technological advances in most areas of their construction as Detroit's Big Three preferred simple solutions that significantly hiked up their profit margins.

However, these past few years, automakers like GM, Ford and Chrysler are slowly trying to modernize their trucks mostly in the name of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, especially now that the U.S. Corporate Average Fuel-Economy standards are getting stricter.

We've already seen some advances on the engine front including the availability of Ford's EcoBoost V6 on the F-150 and GM’s hybrid lineup, but there's more to come in different areas than you'd normally expect.

Citing two independent sources, Ward's Auto reported that Ford’s next-generation F-Series full-size pickup truck, code-named P552, will feature extensive use of aluminum body panels including doors and fenders. This will be a first for the F-Series as in the current model, only the hood is crafted from the lightweight material.

While Ford declined to comment on the matter, Doug Scott, the Detroit company's truck marketing manager told the news site that the Blue Oval is always looking for ways to improve its vehicles.

“We know our customers, and it’s all about the truck being a tool and they want it to be more productive and more efficient,” said Scott. “So we have to keep moving the needle if we want to be king of hill. We’re always looking at all the ways of doing that going forward and we have a great strategy.”

Ford's produce chief Derrick Kuzak has previously said that the company plans to shed up to 700 lbs. (318 kg) per model before 2019.

The extensive use of aluminum panels would help Ford shave several pounds off the next F-150 and in turn allow for lighter components in other areas.

"When vehicles weigh less you may need a smaller engine, or the brakes you need are going to be different, and that goes throughout the entire vehicle,” Kevin Lowery, spokesman for aluminum supplier Alcoa, told Wards Auto.

The next generation of the F-150 is scheduled for launch in 2014.

2012 FORD F-150

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Cadillac Contemplates Diesel Engines for its New Models

Cadillac enjoy thanks to the resurgence of a number of good looking new models, which also promises to be much more competitive than their predecessors. Yet something is missing its European competitors in the luxury segment as BMW and Mercedes-Benz has already: diesel engines.

But this could change as soon as the interview during the Car Show in Los Angeles, Don Butler, Cadillac marketing director, said that GM's luxury division is considering the addition of a range of diesel engines.

"We absolutely believe it when we say we want to compete with the best of the best, without compromise," said Butler. "If it means making the right choice of powertrain, so it's the choice we have to do," he added.

Butler pointed out that now that Cadillac is considering offers from diesel engines sold outside North America, but quickly adds, "could be a possible protection in the United States, because the higher torque of the diesel engine, and a great performance with great efficiency. "

Not the first time Cadillac has tried to offer models with diesel engines. In late 1970, the Crown and Crest brand introduced a diesel V8 as an option in response to Mercedes-Benz.

But while GM V8 diesel has led to comply with CAFE 1978 (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards that were applied after the fuel crisis, the problems of reliability and constant many destroyed his image and established

Fortunately, GM has learned his lesson and will not repeat past mistakes. After all, its European Opel and Vauxhall divisions - even if it is bleeding money a lot of experience to share on this topic.

Story References: Autonews

 

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