Lightweighting is the focus of Frankfurt auto show

AppId is over the quota
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The 64th Frankfurt Motor show exhibits cars of the future, and although there's a distinct difference in philosophy as to how the vehicles will be powered, auto experts visiting the event agreed that eco friendly cars have to be made lighter, The New York Times reports.

One of the biggest factors in gas mileage is a car's weight, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Automakers have been stressing to reduce the weight of every component of a car, even the screws and bolts. Certain car companies have taken the extra step to ensure the future of its vehicles take a lightweight approach.

For instance, Jaguar Land Rover appointed Mark White as head of lightweight vehicle strategy. His job is to point out areas on a car that can be reduced in weight. White's department noticed the roofs of Land Rovers could be reduced in weight by using aluminum, instead of steel. With this change, every Land Rover lost 15 pounds. In addition, Jaguar now uses lighter materials such as magnesium, plastics and carbon fiber, according to the Times.

Jaguar's global brand director, John Edwards, told the news source that Land Rover is committed to reducing the weight of its SUVs by 500 kilos (1,102 pounds) by 2021. Edwards presented both the DC100 and DC100 Sport, which are lean and lighter-versions SUVs of prior models.

"When weight is reduced and packaging size is made more compact, efficiency gains in fuel economy, range, and reliability all multiply," Bob Carter, a Toyota group vice president and general manager, told the Times.

For years, Audi's autos increased in weight for each successive model until it began using aluminum frames. According to the automaker, its 2012 A6 sedan has a partial aluminum chassis that reduces a total of 175 pounds from its previous models.

Exotic vehicles combine both power and quickness and benefit from a light body. However, Porsche was able to reduce the weight of its 911 model by approximately 100 pounds, report the Times.

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