Nissan has announced an new initiative to reduce its vehicles’ weight by an average of 15% — when compared to its 2005 lineup — over the next seven years. The reason for the weight reduction is to improve fuel economy in the face of stricter regulations worldwide.
The Japanese automaker hopes to the shed weight by working with suppliers to provide lighter weight materials and encouraging them to meet new efficiency targets.
Vehicle weight has ballooned over the past few decades, mainly due to required safety equipment.
The target of 15% would mean most vehicles would lose about 500 pounds. Not only would that weight reduction result in increased fuel economy, but would also boost performance — a win-win situation. In quarter-mile drag racing, every 100 pounds lost results in about .1 second gain, meaning the 350Z would be a mid-13 second car.
01/03, 1:30 PM
posted by:
autonut
This is shameless plagiarism: Ford came up with concept first! About 7 years ago, except their cars got heavier.
01/03, 1:36 PM
posted by:
casualobserver
In a related story, the typical American family will gain approximately 500 lbs over the next 7 years
01/03, 1:41 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
This is something fatty-fatty-mcfat GM should be looking at. My GTP is a good 250lbs overweight *at least*.
01/03, 2:00 PM
posted by:
LP640
Nice now just give the GTR some carbon ceramic brakes increase power to 520 bhp, reduce GTR’s weight by a further 5% and job done
01/03, 2:01 PM
posted by:
LP640
CLETUS36GTP i think its 250lbs overweight with you sat in it
01/03, 2:40 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Must be new years. Everyone thinks they can lose weight.
01/03, 4:01 PM
posted by:
CA36GTP
LP640, you realize that you just defended a GM vehicle?
01/03, 4:12 PM
posted by:
Commodore
Great idea. I hope GM does it too?
01/03, 9:27 PM
posted by:
Veda
This is great news. Does that mean they’ll go back to using cheapass materials?
01/03, 11:52 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Aluminium – It’s not just for beer anymore. Let’s hope they forget to crank up the gearing 5% to take all the fun out…
01/04, 8:08 AM
posted by:
Hari
Finally a car company sees the light… Weight reduction is where it’s at!
01/04, 8:56 AM
posted by:
Fletch
I like the idea of weight reduction, but I say no way they reduce by 15%. That’s a HUGE reduction. We want our nice stereos, NAV, heated seats, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, air conditioning, etc… Most engines are already aluminun blocks. Where will they shed the pounds? Frame, sheet metal, interior? As soon as customers start hearing squeaks, rattles and NVH, JD Power will increase. I’m saying that 500lbs on a midsize sedan or a 350Z cannot be done, maybe 200lb.
01/04, 10:04 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Don’t worry people, with oil hitting those highs and a looming recession, cars will get smaller and smaller like they did in the late 70’s.
NOne of this weight reduction will be necessary. We’ll all be running for those Minis and Golfs; large SUVs will be relegated to the domain of expeditions and contractors once again. Did I mention my Wrangler gets 10.75 mpg in the city?
01/04, 1:06 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Quit announcing this type o ****, just do it.
01/04, 7:58 PM
posted by:
affliction
Seriously gas prices are so freaking high, i’m looking for a an 06 civic lx with about 50k miles right now cause i’ve had it w/ fuel costs. It’s like $50 or more a week….comon WTF that’s so wrong! I remember just a few years ago when it was $1/gallon …man I’d kill for those days to come back…but I really doubt it.
01/04, 7:59 PM
posted by:
affliction
those civics get about 40mpg’s on the hway.