The 2015 F-150 might not be the only upcoming Ford model to switch over to aluminum-intensive construction, a new report finds.
The Blue Oval is considering transitioning future iterations of its Explorer and Expedition SUVs to aluminum, according to Edmunds.
Such a move would likely make the utilities more costly than their steel-bodied forbears, but the resultant weight savings and efficiency gains would put Ford in a better position to meet the strict fuel economy regulations that loom just over the horizon.
Additionally, as the Explorer and Expedition already have higher pricetags, they’re strong candidates for aluminum conversion because the additional cost wouldn’t impact them to the same degree as Ford’s less expensive offerings.
Aside from lightweight materials, Ford is also said to be evaluating a number of other mileage-boosting measures, including active aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance tires.
If Ford green-lights the project, Edmunds predicts that the aluminum-bodied SUVs could arrive in showrooms within 5 to 6 years. The 2015 F-150, which is up to 700 lbs. lighter than the last-generation model, will launch late this year.
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