Future Chevrolet Trucks Could Feature Carbonfibre Load Beds

After criticising Ford's decision to move the F-150 to aluminium bodies, which GM says aren't strong enough, Chevrolet is going to offer carbonfibre for its load bays
Future Chevrolet Trucks Could Feature Carbonfibre Load Beds

General Motors is to start using carbonfibre load beds on its pickups. The exotic material would be used alongside aluminium and other lightweight metals to form a much lighter chassis that could even exceed the strength of past steel versions.

It’s partly necessary to keep pace with Ford’s F-150 truck, which moved to aluminium-alloy bodies several years ago. A carbonfibre bed would be a massive step in the modern history of pickups, though.

Future Chevrolet Trucks Could Feature Carbonfibre Load Beds

It would likely be a carbonfibre-reinforced thermoplastic in a dense configuration that’s cheaper to produce than the low-density formats favoured by the likes of BMW for things like roof panels and trim accessories.

About a year ago one of GM’s production chain partners, Teijin, confirmed a carbonfibre production facility in Greenwood, South Carolina, and that it would be producing materials for automotive use. A spokesman reportedly declined to say whether it had anything to do with truck load beds.

Future Chevrolet Trucks Could Feature Carbonfibre Load Beds

GM has reportedly questioned the strength of the aluminium in the latest F-150’s bed, and will be steering clear of using the same metal. Carbonfibre is said to be the strongest, lightest material that could serve long-term as a load floor in a pickup.

While it’s unlikely to be standard on all of its Chevrolet Silverado or Sierra trucks, it will be an option within a couple of years for an unknown price. The lighter material would improve fuel efficiency and help keep the pickup relevant in the face of tightening emissions regulations, according to Automotive News.

Source: Automotive News

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Comments

Olivier (CT's grammar commie)

[DELETED]

12/12/2017 - 20:30 |
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RyoFox630 ( Furry Squad )

I see they’re going for that 80/20 weight distribution

12/13/2017 - 01:10 |
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InjunS2K

But why? The front is already so heavy, and CF is much harder to repair if it cracks.

12/13/2017 - 03:17 |
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Anonymous

Chevy Silverado ZL1 1LE confirmed?
Okay, okay, I’m leaving

12/13/2017 - 04:20 |
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Ricardo Mercio

I love how Chevy fully intended to start producing aluminium bodies, but the marketing department didn’t get the memo, and made a horrendous ad dissing aluminium beds, so instead of just admitting they c0cked up they have to just act it out “Oh, we never considered aluminium, such a poor material would be unacceptable, we’ve always thought carbon fiber was the way to go, never even a thought of Aluminium. The opinions of our marketing team fully align with those of our engineers. (do you guys think they believed me? I think they bought it. Oh no, they’re looking at me funny. Hold on) We at Chevrolet would NEVER lie to you. Like, ever”.

12/13/2017 - 04:35 |
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alu body and bed is 2 different things dont you think? you throw shit in the bed on on the body? or are you the type to drive in to things needing a body that is harder than usual?

12/14/2017 - 04:35 |
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12/13/2017 - 11:44 |
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Gites

I thought Chevy already had problems with the bed breaking.

12/13/2017 - 21:57 |
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Alexander 7

I think that Chevy decided that their trucks wheren’t expensive enough, so this is their best attempt to up the price even more… wonder what they will come up with next?

12/14/2017 - 09:06 |
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