Next Ford F-Series to go on diet, make extensive use of aluminum!

[Longshot270]

How about they round those corners and make the body smaller? That would save weight and increase aerodynamics.

That would be an effective measure. But a smaller body is something I wouldn't expect for an upcoming Ford truck in the American market after the phaseout of the Ranger.

Unfortunately you are completely correct. I was reading another news story tied to the one in the OP and it talked about them making them bigger to increase the footprint size of the vehicle. The MPG requirement is an equation based on size. Bigger vehicle is not expected to get as much of a mileage increase. Rather than increasing efficiency, they'll go for the loop hole and make them bigger.

 

[mblouir]

I think it's an awesome idea. They can easily find a grade of aluminum that is just as strong and weighs 1/3rd that of steel.

Not to mention if you get door dings or paint chips the body panels won't rust. I'm all for it!



They've been going to aluminum for marine applications, as well:
http://www.kastenmarine.com/alumVSsteel.htm

 

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Not just aluminum, fiberglass and even carbon fiber can have some good results to reduce weight and rust issues. Even for engine parts such as the oil pan and valve covers (Detroit Diesel Series 60 uses fiberglass oil pan and valve cover, for example).