Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimman
I'm normally throwing the 'worst case' version of these rumours out there, but let's change things up...
If they are only doing hood, front fenders, doors, trunk, and roof panel it's not a big deal from a technical point of view to install them (think carbon-fiber aftermarket parts).
Secondly, even though the cost may be a bit higher, Toyota may be ramping up aluminum components across its line to improve economy/green-ness. Economies of scale could come into effect if this is going to become 'standard' for all or most new Toyota designs.
(Logo is 'meh'. Boxing pistons is ok, but the font for the 86 is a bit cheesy. Kind of like the Mk4's Supra logo, it'll date the car after a while.)
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Totally agreed. What's wrong with the Supra logo though? I think it looks awesome.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimman
100 lbs is nothing to sneeze at.
But one drawback would be if you were going to be super-hardcore and go all carbon for the things I mentioned, it would be better off to start with steel components. With aluminum you are paying for it at the beginning, then you are paying for the carbon ($$$$$ if you being super-duper-hardcore and are going for a pre-preg dry carbon) and not getting the same weight-loss to dollar value, since the aluminum bits are already reasonably light.
But I'll take the aluminum thank you very much Toyota.
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+1.
The hit from Aluminum has to be taken somewhere. Aluminum is expensive to refine, because of high electricity production prices (due to high fuel prices). Fuel prices are high because of OPEC and the generally high demand-perceived availability ratio of fuel. To get lower fuel consumption, it is essential to lower the weight of automobiles. To lower the weight, Aluminum must be used in certain points of the structure. It's a total catch 22 situation, that cannot be solved (barring an extreme solution like mass production CF or Nuclear Powered Aluminum refineries) without taking an economic hit at some point in the circle. My $0.02