Ford is thinking about diesel in the f150

[gandrimp]

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Very end of the article. They're teasing us.....

Next Ford F-150 Could Trade Steel Frame for Magnesium-Alloy | AutoGuide.com News

[gnorthern]

I think you are right, they are teasing us. But what I found very interesting was the statement about magnesium being one of the most abundant minerals on earth. I see I need to learn about this a little bit more since I always thought it would be cost prohibitive to use magnesium on a large scale.

[blue7.3]

Originally Posted by gandrimp

Very end of the article. They're teasing us.....

Next Ford F-150 Could Trade Steel Frame for Magnesium-Alloy | AutoGuide.com News

great find gran!

-pete

[gnorthern]

Ford may just yet build a truck the way I want it but with a gasoline engine. I read the Chinese have figured out how to make magnesium for 1/40 of the cost of the US, and it almost equals that of aluminum. Build a Ranger with lots of magnesium, put in a four cylinder ecoboost engine, improve aerodynamics, and we are there. C&EN: IT'S ELEMENTAL: THE PERIODIC TABLE - MAGNESIUM

By the way the new 150 with an EcoBoost engine gets the same gas mileage as a Ranger with a six cylinder. Since what I want to do requires a six cylinder Ranger, they no longer make sense to me anymore. I am sure whatever extra up front costs for a 150 are compensated for in ride quality.

[howam00]

Originally Posted by gnorthern

I think you are right, they are teasing us. But what I found very interesting was the statement about magnesium being one of the most abundant minerals on earth. I see I need to learn about this a little bit more since I always thought it would be cost prohibitive to use magnesium on a large scale.

its is a super abundant mineral, about the first 30-40 elements on the periodic chart are pretty abundant. The cost comes from the refining to a pure element and then from the special techniques needed to put it into alloys or other compounds. Its highly reactive nature is what keeps the costs higher versus steel or aluminum.

Sort of like the lithium used in modern batteries, everyone thinks its super rare but it is the 3rd most abundant mineral, just hard to refine or find in any significant concentrations (again because it reacts with about everything around it). As better smelting/refining techniques become available the costs will go down.

Some magnesium is already in use for things that need to be very hard and light like A, B and C pillars, wheels, and engine internals. If it could keep the frame strength high but weigh about 300# less than I am all for it.

[pee wee]

"By the way the new 150 with an EcoBoost engine gets the same gas mileage as a Ranger with a six cylinder."

Gee, what a comparison to the Ranger's efficiency. Does that say more about the F-150 or the age of the Ranger? If Ford put some effort into revamping the Ranger to take advantage of modern technology it would jump ahead of the F-150's fuel economy numbers, and help out the averages of the line. Let them rebadge the Ranger as an F-100 or F-75 or whatever, but not everybody wants to drive around a big truck; there is still a market for something smaller than the F-150. There are times I need the capability of a full size pickup, but more often I'd rather be driving something maneuverable and fun.

[Bugman]

Originally Posted by pee wee

"By the way the new 150 with an EcoBoost engine gets the same gas mileage as a Ranger with a six cylinder."

Gee, what a comparison to the Ranger's efficiency. Does that say more about the F-150 or the age of the Ranger? If Ford put some effort into revamping the Ranger to take advantage of modern technology it would jump ahead of the F-150's fuel economy numbers, and help out the averages of the line. Let them rebadge the Ranger as an F-100 or F-75 or whatever, but not everybody wants to drive around a big truck; there is still a market for something smaller than the F-150. There are times I need the capability of a full size pickup, but more often I'd rather be driving something maneuverable and fun.

Yet not close to a Ranger 4cyl 5sp....

[jmac5058]

Just what are the power numbers on the eco-boost mt buddy tells me it has very generous torque at a very low (for a gasser)rpm.And we all know high torque at low rpm=good milage.

[JoBo]

I'm betting VW will build the Amarok at their new US plant and avoid the chicken tax and put in one of their already EPA approved tdi's
Rumored: Volkswagen Amarok Headed to U.S. ... Someday - PickupTrucks.com News

Honda is selling Ridglines like hot cakes with a gas engine. VW has grandious plans on becoming the world's largest car maker and this would certainly help them in the US where our mid size truck choices are a tired Ranger, a S-10 by some other name and offerings from Toyota that still have rust problems after being in the US for 50 some years

[ToxicSludge]

Originally Posted by howam00

its is a super abundant mineral, about the first 30-40 elements on the periodic chart are pretty abundant. The cost comes from the refining to a pure element and then from the special techniques needed to put it into alloys or other compounds. Its highly reactive nature is what keeps the costs higher versus steel or aluminum.

Sort of like the lithium used in modern batteries, everyone thinks its super rare but it is the 3rd most abundant mineral, just hard to refine or find in any significant concentrations (again because it reacts with about everything around it). As better smelting/refining techniques become available the costs will go down.

Some magnesium is already in use for things that need to be very hard and light like A, B and C pillars, wheels, and engine internals. If it could keep the frame strength high but weigh about 300# less than I am all for it.

Magnesium is used extensively in aircraft,most notably in the structure,(frames).As it is alloyed with aluminum and other materials it is very lightweight and very strong.The down size to it is once it catchs fire say from a collision involving gas tank rupture or the like,it burns like crazy and needs foam to put it out.I've have seen some of our aircraft burn and smolder for 12 plus hours.