AC Cars is displaying an electric city car concept with a lightweight magnesium frame at the Geneva motor show.
The prototype features a magnesium chassis frame with an integrated rollcage, and the whole structure weighs just 67kg.
See the AC Cars electric car concept interior and exterior pictures
Magnesium alloy extrusions form the main structure of the chassis, with corner node joints bonded to close the structure. AC says the chassis can be assembled "in minutes", and says the sections are self-jigging.
It is not certain that AC will build a production version of the car, but it is looking to sell its technology to other car makers.
“Our prototype magnesium chassis, initially for EV applications, is at the forefront of technology for which we own the rights and which can provide vehicle designers with the ultimate in low-weight potential,” said Alan Lubinsky, chairman of AC Cars.
“We fully expect intense interest in the progress we have made and we look forward to forging partnerships with vehicle makers to exploit this new technology”
The magnesium technology is a joint project between AC Cars and the Israeli company ALubin. The project is headed by ex-Lotus engineer John Owen and automotive designer Ron Saunders.
The electric drivetrain is being developed by Dr Moshe Miller, a consultant for more than 25 years to GM's electric car department.
AC Cars says it is also using the magnesium technology to develop a chassis for "a more sporty" car.
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Re: AC's radical magnesium chassis
I had read the headline about it being an electric vehicle, then the above about the weight. Until I read the comparison with the AC 3000ME I was beginning to think they were going back to making invalid carriages.
It was one of the 1960s amusing facts that AC were covering both the slowest and fastest ends of the market, From Invalid Carriage to Cobra.
Hmm that would make a good title for a book.
Re: AC's radical magnesium chassis
AC 3000ME
Grumbly, rumbly Essex. If a V6 could ever be said to sound and feel like a V8, then this was it. The worst handling car I ever had (for all of two weeks before I wrote it off) was a Mark 3 Capri 3000S. But it sounded wonderful, by God.
Re: AC's radical magnesium chassis
With oversize wheels, non-existent wheel-arch gaps, illegal lights, and letterbox windows, most concept sketches look pretty sleek. This one looks short and dumpy. Doesn't bode well for the real thing, unless the artist just can't draw.