Hydro extrudes Ford solutions
 (Photo: © Ford Motor Company.) |
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(March 19, 2004) The Ford GT is a car for the 21st century. Hydro is supplying 21st-century solutions.
Ford selected the high-powered GT as its Centennial car in 2003, as it summons up the spirit of the company’s past while pointing the way to the future. The GT is based on the legendary Ford GT of the 1960s, redesigned, re-engineered and re-launched for today’s high-tech automotive market.
Aluminium extrusions from Hydro Aluminium's North America business sector are key elements of this exciting new vehicle. Aluminium was chosen for its strength, light weight and cost effectiveness – and it fit the cutting-edge image that Ford wanted. Hydro was selected because of its extensive experience in the transportation industry.
 LIGHT: Hydro supplies extruded profiles for the Ford GT's all-aluminium chassis. (Photos used with permission of Ford Motor Company) |
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Hydro is supplying 35 individual extrusion profiles for the GT. Thirty of these were developed specifically for Ford. Extrusions connect four corner castings and one behind the passenger compartment to create a welded frame that is lightweight, yet rigid and strong.
Rocker panel extrusions are also used. Bolt-on extrusions add structural support to the engine compartment and are integrated into the bumper assembly.
The unique extrusion designs were worked out in close collaboration with the Ford GT team. Hydro advised Ford designers and engineers on the feasibility of each specified extrusion and how well it would meet structural and performance objectives.
The GT is assembled using robotic welding and friction stir welding.
“With extrusions, the thickness of the walls can be varied,” says Transportation Components sales manager Jim Brown of Hydro Aluminum North America. “We were able to advise Ford on the proper thickness needed at the welding points to ensure perfect welds.”
Brown adds that the 500-horsepower Ford GT was brought to market in record time.
“It was only 12 months from the initial design until Ford produced the three prototypes featured at the Centennial celebration,” he says. “Ford was on a very fast track. But extrusions can be easily modified as a design is fine-tuned. This helped keep them on schedule.”
The 2005 Ford GT will go on sale in spring 2004. Ford will build approximately 1,500 of the supercars a year.
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