High Performance Cars Demand High Performance Materials

Abstract

Materials are surveyed which meet the exacting demands of builders of high performance road cars and racing cars. Aluminum, magnesium, and alloy steel are the most commonly used materials. Aluminum, with its light weight, high strength-to-weight ratio, and ease of fabrication, is used for engine blocks, transmission and differential housings, body sheet, and numerous other applications. Magnesium, a low-density and relatively durable metal, has found application in crankcases, transmission cases, and wheels for vehicles primarily driven in competition. Components in high performance cars where stresses can only be met by high-strength steels, either simple cast irons or nickel superalloys, include crankshafts, camshafts, connecting rods, exhaust manifolds, valves, turbocharger housings, and suspension components. More exotic materials such as titanium, plastics, and composites have also found use. Porsche has employed titanium connecting rods in its Type 917, 930, and 935 sports cars, titanium rear half-shafts and coil springs in its Type 935 racing Turbo-Carrera. Glass fiber reinforced plastics are extremely attractive materials for high performance cars because they are light, have good strength, and are easy to repair at trackside. The bodywork for competition cars, except those derived from a series-production car, is made of glass-reinforced plastic; this material is also used for air ducts, aerodynamic spoilers, engine fans, and door panels, and for body shells of production sports cars such as the Corvette, Avanti, and Lotus.