When the SLC (SuperLIGHT CAR) consortium targeted a 30% reduction in an auto’s weight four years back, it never had anticipated to revise it later. As is revealed through a prototype design of the new lightweight chassis, the Volkswagen AG-led European project has achieved a 32% weight reduction. In accordance to Europe’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions, the projections will lead to less fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions as well. The research presents a definitely better front-end structure, with a noticeable tab on solidity, crash performance, exhaustion and corrosion resistance as well.
Video after the jump:
Key collaborators with a common mission:
In SuperLIGHT-CAR, 38 leading organizations from nine European countries seek to introduce lightweight automotive technologies and their actual production. The major partakers include Volkswagen (as coordinator), Fiat Research Centre, Opel, Renault, Volvo Technology Center, Porsche and Daimler. Moreover, there’s the expertise of Fraunhofer Institutes, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt. Arcelor, Hydro, Corus and Comau take care of the lighter fabrication.
The project aims to deliver C-car models for future use. The SLC team utilized lightweight materials such as magnesium, aluminum, steel and fiber plastic to gain its reduction targets. The front-end structure is crafted in longitudinal beams of aluminum with a footwall intrusion of 51 millimeters. Watch the video that shows general presentation on the project:
Image Source: DLR