innovations CASTING
innovations CASTING
Tesla’s engineers asked Compass to balance those requirements against aggressive mass targets, as the reduced mass for the fully electric Model S would result in increased range for the vehicle. Compass successfully developed and validated the Model S knuckle through a close working rela- tionship with Tesla engineers. Borns also credited Tesla’s innovative, risk- taking corporate culture. “[It] pushes the limits of casting technology in the pursuit of effi cient parts,” he said. T e fi nished part is cast in A356 T6 aluminum and weighs just over 9 lbs., contributing to the fuel effi ciency of the vehicle. An optimized solid cast aluminum design weighs just under 12 lbs., so the hollow technology saves nearly 25% in weight. An equivalent ductile iron knuckle would weigh more than 26 lbs., Borns noted, so the Model S knuckle represents a 65% weight savings over that technology. Compass started series produc-
tion in early 2012, and Tesla began delivering the Model S to U.S. cus- tomers in June. By November, the car had won one of the automotive industry’s highest honors: Motor Trend’s 2013 Car of the Year. T e vehicle earned a unanimous vote from the panel judges, reportedly a fi rst for the competition. “Our aspiration with the Model S was to show that an electric car truly can be better than any gasoline car, which is a critical step toward the widespread adoption of sustainable transport,” said Elon Musk, Tesla Motors co-founder and CEO. Tesla fi rst unveiled the Model S
electric sedan in 2009, at a base price of $57,400. Citing infl ation and price pressures on automotive companies amounting to an 8.75% cost increase, the automaker raised the base price by half that amount, in November 2012, to $59,900. “We believe it is a positive refl ection
on our design process and disciplined, long-term planning that enabled us to increase prices for the fi rst time in four years at only half the rate of infl ation,” said George Blankenship, vice presi- dent of worldwide sales.
Visit
www.compassautogroup.com for more information.
50 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Jan/Feb 2013
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