Fairmont/Zephyr - Engineered for Lightweight and Improved Fuel Economy
780134
02/01/1978
- Event
- Content
- The engineering objectives for the new Fairmont/Zephyr carlines include:
-
Improve fuel economy by integrating aerodynamics into vehicle styling, reducing vehicle weight, and improving powertrain efficiencies, at no sacrifice of performance.
-
Maximum package efficiency by providing maximum passenger roominess within the car's compact exterior.
-
A comprehensive weight reduction program was initiated to improve fuel economy on the Fairmont/Zephyr carlines. New concepts in body and chassis design and selective usage of lightweight materials have resulted in a 245 lb. weight reduction versus 1977 Maverick. The car's structural strength, response, and durability has been verified by sophisticated computer techniques and extensive vehicle testing. It is believed that the Fairmont and Zephyr are the most significant cars to be introduced by Ford Motor Company in many years.
To meet these objectives, it was necessary to design and develop a unitized body with maximum passenger roominess, new front and rear suspension, lighter and improved powertrain availability, and to determine application of lightweight materials. The design of these components and usage of lightweight materials to achieve reduced vehicle weight for improving fuel economy is discussed. -
- Pages
- 12
- Citation
- Gutherie, A., "Fairmont/Zephyr - Engineered for Lightweight and Improved Fuel Economy," SAE Technical Paper 780134, 1978, https://doi.org/10.4271/780134.