Magna Steyr, one of the biggest companies that chose to manufacture vehicles for others rather then themselves, decided to bring to the Geneva Auto Show one model which is meant to prove established auto makers and visitors alike that it too can find the best solution when it comes to manufacturing a model of the future.
Called MILA Aerolight (Magna Innovative Lightweight Vehicle), the concept is a demonstration of Magna's abilities to build a lightweight and efficient model. As if the reduced weight of only 700 kg, owed to a multi-material system used for its construction, was not enough to bring down the emission and consumption figures, the model has been constructed in such a way that is capable of running on natural gas.
The body of the car comprises a structural frame adapted to stress and a polymer shell. The honeycomb structures and composite materials also play their part in reducing the weight of the MILA.
The two-cylinder CNG engine draws the needed fuel from a 55-liter high pressure tank, which amazingly weighs only 8 kg. The tank, however, is capable of powering the model for some 400 km. Aerolight is so effective that it ranks at the lowest level of CO2 emissions in its class, 55g/km.
“The combination of tangible lightweight construction and perceptible security injects a sense of freshness into the small car segments. This configuration will appeal to design and technology enthusiasts through its dynamic appearance,” says Magna, who some two years ago introduced an electric MILA model.
Called MILA Aerolight (Magna Innovative Lightweight Vehicle), the concept is a demonstration of Magna's abilities to build a lightweight and efficient model. As if the reduced weight of only 700 kg, owed to a multi-material system used for its construction, was not enough to bring down the emission and consumption figures, the model has been constructed in such a way that is capable of running on natural gas.
The body of the car comprises a structural frame adapted to stress and a polymer shell. The honeycomb structures and composite materials also play their part in reducing the weight of the MILA.
The two-cylinder CNG engine draws the needed fuel from a 55-liter high pressure tank, which amazingly weighs only 8 kg. The tank, however, is capable of powering the model for some 400 km. Aerolight is so effective that it ranks at the lowest level of CO2 emissions in its class, 55g/km.
“The combination of tangible lightweight construction and perceptible security injects a sense of freshness into the small car segments. This configuration will appeal to design and technology enthusiasts through its dynamic appearance,” says Magna, who some two years ago introduced an electric MILA model.