Aluminum Shows up Strong in Car Magazine's 10 Best List

DETROIT, Dec. 11, 2002 -- The 2003 Car and Driver magazine "10Best" list of passenger cars sold in America has some of the hottest cars ever, thanks in part to the increased use of aluminum, not only for its environmental and safety advantages, but also for driving performance, according to The Aluminum Association, Inc.

"Car and Driver's judging criteria are heavily weighted towards enthusiast driving dynamics, which is exactly what aluminum does best: make driving more fun," said Dr. Richard Klimisch, Vice President of The Aluminum Association, Inc. "Unnecessary weight is the enemy of great braking, precise handling, and quick acceleration. That's why automakers around the globe are turning to aluminum more and more to make their cars and trucks more exciting to drive and own."

A quick recap of this year's "10Best" winners shows a not-so-surprising connection between superior driving performance and the increased use of aluminum:

Nissan 350Z

Like most of the cars on this year's list, the Z's 3.5-liter V-6 engine is all aluminum. Nissan used plenty of aluminum throughout the rest of the car as well. Its hood, pedals and various suspension components are also crafted from the metal.

Chevrolet Corvette

With aluminum steering knuckles, suspension components, engine block, cylinder heads, drive shaft, yoke, front stabilizer and bar links, aluminum has a major role in boosting the Corvette's performance. Corvette engineers also opted for an aluminum one-piece windshield surround to reduce parts, thus reducing costs and increasing durability. Of course, the venerable LS1 small- block boasts a rigid aluminum block and aluminum cylinder heads.

Infiniti G35

Built on the same front-midship platform as the Nissan 350Z, the G35's adroit handling is made possible by an aluminum multi-link suspension system. This sleek sports sedan also packs an all-aluminum engine which helps it achieve impressive fuel economy. The VQ 3.5 liter V6 is stout, strong and lightweight.

BMW 3-series/M3

Lauded for its decisive handling and overall greatness, 3 series are fitted with aluminum front and rear suspension components, hood, wheels and interior trim. The 3-series motors have standard all-aluminum construction.

Porsche Boxster

Porsche engineers incorporated a vast amount of aluminum into the Boxster. The engine block, cylinder heads, pistons, calipers, control arms and stabilizer bars in the front and rear suspension are all aluminum.

Subaru Impreza WRX

There is aluminum under the hood of the WRX in the engine block and cylinder heads. The hood itself is also made of weight-saving aluminum which makes it easier to open and close for consumers.

Acura RSX

Critically acclaimed for its sporty, yet refined handling, the RSX appears on the 10Best list for the second year in a row. Its aluminum cylinder heads and engine block form an integral part of its engineering.

Honda Accord

The aluminum alloy engine block and cylinder heads help to minimize weight in the new Accord. This allows for better fuel efficiency, quicker acceleration and maximum performance.

Mazda 6 s

Mazda totally reinvented the old 626 with bold styling and engineering. One element that does carry over to the new award-winning sedan is its all- aluminum engine.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus is proof that cars don't have to be high-priced to make the 10Best list -- or to contain aluminum. Its wheels and cylinder heads are high-tech aluminum.

"Carmakers have thought of aluminum as an environmentally-friendly material for years," said Klimisch. "But the aluminum content of the cars on this list proves that they're looking to aluminum for its performance advantages as well. That's one of the reasons aluminum is the fastest-growing material in the automotive arena today."

The Aluminum Association, based in Washington, D.C. with offices in Detroit, Mich., represents primary producers of aluminum, recyclers and producers of semi-fabricated products. Member companies operate almost 200 plants in the United States and many conduct business worldwide. To learn more about automotive aluminum applications and attributes, please visit www.autoaluminum.org .