Comments on: Land Rover could build aluminum Range Rover

By: global_lightning

global_lightning — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 22:15:16 +0000

Depending on the alloy, Aluminum tends have less tensile strength than steel, which affects things such as frame rigidity and crash designs. It just takes some good engineering to work around these issues. Frankly I’m suprized they use Aluminum for luxury designs. Anyone who’s ever ridden an aluminum-framed bike vs. steel, Mg, or even CF knows what I’m talking about. But Jaguar seems to pull it of so more power to them!

By: Kaptain75329

Kaptain75329 — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:24:47 +0000

Andre, I’m inclined to agree, especially since the idea of crumple zones is to absorb and channel impact forces in the style of an accordion or soda can. I’m guessing the so-called “softer” nature of aluminum would make it easier to direct those forces more reliably under collision scenarios.
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My concern lies in other things ranging from minor annoyances like squeaks, rattles, and rain leaks, to potentially serious issues like suspension mountings, ect. Not being remotely versed in the possibilities, these concerns are probably routed in paranoia more than anything else, but I’d certainly like to see how the engineers and manufactures apply aluminum construction in the frame/body work to match the long-touted strength of steel. I’d also be interested to see what their responses might be to these questions.
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The little research I’ve done thus far seems to indicate that the benefits would outweight the drawbacks, but the major downside is that aluminum costs significantly more than steel, so that will no doubt drive up initial cost, and as Renton already pointed out, body shop prices are likely to skyrocket. My guess is that this is a major factor holding aluminum back, and as such, I don’t see it becoming common in frame/body construction any time soon.

By: angelo

angelo — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:37:09 +0000

Aluminum is more expensive to repair after an accident. However, it is lighter and was originally used in the Land Rovers back in the day (mainly because they were used in the outdoors and aluminum is a lot less likely to rust).

On the Jags. Jaguar was known for being on the cutting-edge of technology, that’s why all of its electronics would fail back in the day. Today, it’s no longer cutting-edge, loosing it’s edge and they still break down often.

By: megator

megator — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:29:08 +0000

Yeah the jags are built like airplanes basicly. But its not always as easy os pulling of a panel and putting one back on. If you bend the chasis you will need to sort it out in another way. And the reason why the xj didnt go up in price significantly is cause it wouldnt sell if it did. Aluminium is more expensive than steel when you buy it, it also needs its own production tools which drives the cost up. I think that jag just lowered its profit margins in order to produce aluminium cars. Jag probably hoped that by using this technology they would sell more cars ofsetting the decreesed margin. its a pitty it didnt happen.

By: Ozzy_Steve

Ozzy_Steve — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:45:45 +0000

Rived bonded aluminium sounds like exactly the same manufacturing procedure they use on aircraft. Very light, very strong. To replace a body panel, simply drill out the rivets, pop on the new panel and re-rivet it into place. I’m impressed somebody has finally taken this and put it into cars. Good on ya, Jag and LR.

By: Kenny W

Kenny W — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:35:28 +0000

This is awesome and I wish that other companies would do the same. 1100 lbs would make a huge difference all other variable staying the same. I wish Jaguar the best of luck in the coming years.

By: meanpants555

meanpants555 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:00:59 +0000

Andre Neves answer me please, on the Lotus/Proton article.

By: meanpants555

meanpants555 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:59:03 +0000

It burns me up that the aluminum XJs are not selling well. Jaguar takes a technology that enhances performance, steering feel and fuel consumption and what happens? People scramble after BMWs, MBs and the like with all of their techno-goodies to make the buyer feel that she/he is getting the latest and greatest thing.
It’s a necessary and awesome idea for Range Rover. In 2010 it’ll be hard enough to be a SUV, let alone a 5,600 lb one.

By: Bush

Bush — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:35:50 +0000

The great thing about aluminum is that is very easy to recycle. Plus recycled aluminum is just as good as virgin aluminum, whereas virgin steel is better than recycled steel. Recycled aluminum is less expensive to produce, requires a lot less energy.

By: Renton

Renton — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:28:52 +0000

alphabravoseven –” how much will the price go up if they use aluminum?”

The XJ Jags went to all-aluminum, and the price did not rise significantly. So I’m guessing a similar situation could occurr here.

By: alphabravoseven

alphabravoseven — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:10:32 +0000

i thought aluminum was more expensive? how much will the price go up if they use aluminum?

By: bepsf

bepsf — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:47:12 +0000

Considering the first Range Rovers were aluminum, this is a step in the right direction…

By: Renton

Renton — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:20:43 +0000

The LR Defenders have had aluminum bodies since like almost forever.

All aluminum will be cool.

Big downside to aluminum is repair cost.

By: Andre Neves

Andre Neves — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:12:51 +0000

^Aluminum is safer than steel in the even of an accident. It’ll obsorb an impact alot better as far as I know. Am I wrong anyone?

By: Kaptain75329

Kaptain75329 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:10:17 +0000

I sometimes worry that car manufactures are looking for ways to build disposable cars in order to increase repeat business. But maybe I’m just being paranoid – it doesn’t make sense to pay so much attention to reliability while pursuing such a business plan.
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All the same, isn’t Aluminum a “softer” metal than steel? I’d be concerned about a potential trade-off in durability and longevity of the construction. Then again, if aluminum is going to be engineered for use in a vehicle that is supposed to have at least some off-road capability, then perhaps the issue of aluminum’s strength has already been addressed.

By: Andre Neves

Andre Neves — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:06:28 +0000

That would be a HUGE improvement on fuel consumption. Also would help with body roll most commonly found on SUVs of this size. Less chance of flipping one over.
It would also give it a weightless-type ride feel like in the new all aluminum XJs.
Even though this could be a costly measure, it could definately boost sales because of Safety/performance/Fuel Mileage. Go for it!
Bold move Ford, bold move.

By: BAMF

BAMF — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:48:34 +0000

damn. that’d be sweet.