Lightweight vehicle engineering

Demand for performance and fuel economy makes materials once considered too expensive increasingly attractive for cars.

The rising tide of comfort and entertainment features, along with increasing requirements for safety, has contributed to vehicles becoming steadily heavier every year. And that is without considering the preference of many consumers for SUVs and other light trucks over passenger cars. Examination of the same models of cars over the last couple decades shows a steady increase in mass.

“One of the things I believe is absolutely necessary to get under control with a sports car, or with any car, is weight,” said Jeremy Main, Product Development and Motorsport Director for Aston Martin. “Weight is a big enemy of all characteristics apart from ride.”