Ford GT to be the first car with Gorilla Glass windows

[dbk]

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/12/15/ford-gt-to-be-first-car-with-gorilla-glass-windows/

Ford and Corning have teamed up to develop the first ever car windows made with super-strong Gorilla Glass, which is more commonly used for smartphone and tablet screens.

Set to debut on the 2017 Ford GT supercar, the specially-designed material is said to both reduce the weight and increase the crack-resistance of the windows compared to typical automotive glass. It will be used for the GT’s windscreen, engine cover, and partition between the cabin and engine bay.

The windows are comprised of three layers of transparent material, with a Gorilla Glass-based hybrid on the inside, traditional annealed glass on the outside, and noise-absorbing thermoplastic in between. Ford says they’re up to 50 percent thinner than traditional windows, and will knock 12 pounds off the GT’s weight.

The glass seems like a good match for the car, which also uses lightweight and strong carbon fiber for its chassis, bodywork, wheels and brakes in an effort to deliver world-class performance. A racing version of the GT (sans the special glass) is scheduled to compete in the 24 Hours of Daytona in January, and will be looking to score a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, 50 years after its inspiration, the Ford GT40, first won the illustrious race.

The production GT, powered by a 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V6 with at least 650 hp, active aerodynamics, and a 7-speed dual clutch transaxle will follow later in 2016 at a price expected to be around $400,000. Only 250 GTs will be built annually, but Ford is using it as a test bed for the new glass, as it considers it for further, more mainstream applications.

Not messin around. :secret:

 

[dbk]

Corning Press Release:

CORNING, N.Y., December 15, 2015 -Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) today announced that the Ford GT supercar is the first production vehicle to use Corning® Gorilla® Glass for Automotive in a windshield. Ford is also using the lightweight, tough and optically advantaged glass for two other applications within the car, saving more than 12 pounds of vehicle weight.

The innovative Ford GT windshield - a collaborative effort between Ford and Corning - comprises three layers: Gorilla Glass for Automotive as the inner layer, a plastic adhesive interlayer, and annealed soda lime glass as the outside layer.

Pound for pound, Gorilla Glass for Automotive can achieve more than five times the strength of standard window glass. This strength helps protect the windshield and make it thinner and lighter, while also providing outstanding optical advantages.

Weight reduction is a key means for automakers to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions regulations. Lightweight windows can also improve handling and driving performance by lowering the car's center of gravity. Unlike conventional float glass, Gorilla Glass for Automotive has no optical draw lines, making it ideal for steep windshield applications like the GT. Ford is also using Gorilla Glass for the rear window and as an acoustic separation wall in the bulkhead.

"We believe lightweight, tough, optically advantaged Gorilla Glass for Automotive is a game-changer for the industry, and we're thrilled to work with Ford to bring it to market," said Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer of Corning Incorporated. "This collaboration demonstrates what Corning does best ***- applying our expertise in glass and materials science to help industry leaders solve tough challenges, unleash new capabilities, and enhance experiences for customers."

"Gorilla Glass hybrid is a great example of how Ford works with suppliers to innovate in every area of our business," said Hau Thai-Tang, group vice president, Global Purchasing, Ford Motor Company. "The Ford GT will set new standards for innovation through performance and light-weighting, and we're excited about exploring other applications for this great new technology."

Ford and Corning have worked together for more than four decades on emissions control technologies. Now, both companies are building on that long collaboration to innovate with Gorilla Glass for Automotive. In 2014, Corning worked with Ford to include Corning® Gorilla® Glass for Automotive on the windshield and side windows of the Fusion MMLV (Multi-Material Lightweight Vehicle) concept car. Gorilla Glass reduced glazing weight on the MMLV by more than 30 percent.

Corning is leveraging its capabilities in glass, optical physics, existing fusion manufacturing assets, and automotive industry experience to extend Corning® Gorilla® Glass into the automotive glass market.

Corning introduced Gorilla Glass into the consumer technology market in 2007 as a thin, damage-resistant cover material for smartphones and tablets. Today, Gorilla Glass is featured on 4.5 billion mobile devices and 40 major brands worldwide. Since the product's introduction, Corning has continued to significantly improve Gorilla Glass for use in consumer electronics and other applications, such as automobiles, interior architecture, trains, and planes.

Read more: http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release...s-for-windshield-20151215-00866#ixzz3uQMrKD1W

 

[Simon]

now at least 650 hp?

 

[dbk]

Ford Press Release:

FORD AND CORNING INTRODUCE INDUSTRY-FIRST GORILLA GLASS HYBRID WINDSHIELD TECHNOLOGY ON ALL-NEW FORD GT SUPERCAR

• Industry-first Corning® Gorilla® Glass© hybrid windshield technology is a light-weighting innovation set to debut on the all-new Ford GT, saving more than 12 pounds and positively impacting acceleration, fuel economy and braking performance
• Inspired by advances in consumer electronics, the three-layer hybrid window consists of Corning Gorilla Glass for automotive, thermoplastic and annealed glass applications
• Gorilla Glass hybrid windshield is thinner than traditional laminate glass, and will improve Ford GT handling by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 15, 2015 – What started as a lightweight concept technology is about to become reality for Ford GT customers when the all-new supercar debuts the Corning® Gorilla® Glass© hybrid windshield – a tough, durable, scratch-resistant window that is about 30 percent lighter than traditional glass.

Developed by Ford and Corning, Gorilla Glass hybrid window will be used on both the windshield and rear engine cover of Ford GT, contributing to enhanced vehicle handling, improved fuel efficiency and reduced risk of glass damage.

“Gorilla Glass hybrid is a great example of how Ford works with suppliers to innovate in every area of our business,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, Global Purchasing. “Ford GT is setting new standards for innovation through performance and light-weighting, and we’re excited about exploring other applications for this great new technology.”

When tasked with developing lightweight and advanced material vehicle applications, the Ford team approached Corning, a recognized leader in materials science that introduced light and durable Gorilla Glass to the consumer electronics market in 2007. Interested in further exploring potential automotive applications, Ford engaged Corning to help research and develop a unique formulation for exterior vehicle glass.

Once the technology was studied for Ford’s supercar concept, the team realized there were real-world applications for the new hybrid glass. A small, dedicated group comprised of purchasing and engineering employees from Ford and Corning fast-tracked the technology toward rapid introduction. Within four months, they were seeking program approval.

“This successful collaboration is one of the reasons we spend R&D resources to develop new innovations and solve tough problems,” said Wendell Weeks, chief executive officer, Corning Incorporated. “Ford recognized the significant value of these innovative light-weighting technology and committed significant resources to quickly get it qualified for production applications. We worked with Ford to develop a glass that successfully withstood thousands of hours of durability testing and is now being used in a Ford production vehicle. We are excited to introduce this game changing technology to the market.”

Gorilla Glass hybrid
A traditional automotive laminated windshield consists of two layers of annealed glass sandwiched around a clear, thermoplastic interlayer binding agent. Originally introduced in America by Henry Ford, the technology has been used in the auto industry for nearly a century.

The new hybrid glass uses a multilayer approach – a pane of toughened automotive-grade formed hybrid acts as the strengthened inner layer, an advanced noise-absorbing thermoplastic interlayer is in the center, and an annealed glass serves as the outer layer. The result is a windshield and rear engine cover approximately 32 percent lighter than competitive vehicles.

“During development, we tried different glass variations before we found a combination that provided both weight savings and the durability needed for exterior automotive glass,” said Paul Linden, Ford body exteriors engineer. “We learned, somewhat counterintuitively, that the strengthened interior layer of the windshield is key to the success of the hybrid window.”

The new Gorilla Glass hybrid window laminate is approximately 25 percent to 50 percent thinner, and has equal to, or greater strength than traditional laminate. Traditional laminate glass ranges from four millimeters to six millimeters in thickness, where Gorilla Glass hybrid window ranges from three millimeters to four millimeters. This remarkable reduction in thickness greatly reduces the weight of each panel. Plus, the glass is more robust due to advanced processes for contaminant reduction, chemical strengthening, unique edge treatment and laminate construction.

The new technology was tested over stone and in rough road conditions, and had to endure specific projectile, rollover and wind tunnel testing.

“In addition to the new hybrid technology for the exterior glass of Ford GT, we’re using a unique glass combination for the bulkhead panel between passenger cell and engine bay,” said Linden. “We’re excited that we can use tailored glass applications to meet specific needs and provide maximum weight savings.”

The reduced weight of the windshield, engine cover and bulkhead glass on Ford GT positively impacts acceleration, fuel economy and braking performance. Perhaps most important is the benefit on handling – removing the weight of glass high in the construction of the vehicle lowers the center of gravity and contributes to the car’s outstanding agility.

Ford’s use of the new hybrid glass underscores the company’s aggressive goals for innovative engineering and light-weighting technologies that will one day benefit all Ford customers.

 

[dbk]

[video=youtube;UENtstzpHU8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UENtstzpHU8[/video]

[video=youtube;68QnLr6LevU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68QnLr6LevU[/video]

 

[FENZO]

When I got out of college I worked for PPG Aerospace products. There were laminate and coating technologies utilized in some high perf military aircraft that are impressive (with impressive $$$$$ attached). That was nearly 20 yrs ago.

Better optical and structural properties with less weight. :thumbsup

I'm guessing however that safelight won't be coming out to replace this in your parking lot at work. :biggrin

 

[twobjshelbys]

Impressive material. I wondered how long it would take to get applications other than handheld devices. It's a matter of time before it is used in commercial glazing applications too. It's all about driving the price down.

Will it be used in the side, engine/passenger divider and clamshell windows too?

The first article said it won't be used in the race car though. I wonder why. I'll have to look at the FIA regs to see if there are rules there. I know the side windows are usually plexiglass.

 

[Vince H]

Leaving no stone unturned. So ready for Daytona.

Vince H

 

[Brombear]

Very exciting !

Can I have some for my "old" GT as well, please ?

 

[txviper]

If they truly want to test a windshield they need to do it in West Texas. I give it less than a 1000 miles before its got a rock chip in it!!

 

[Cobrar]

Ford Press Release:

FORD AND CORNING INTRODUCE INDUSTRY-FIRST GORILLA GLASS HYBRID WINDSHIELD TECHNOLOGY ON ALL-NEW FORD GT SUPERCAR

• Industry-first Corning® Gorilla® Glass© hybrid windshield technology is a light-weighting innovation set to debut on the all-new Ford GT, saving more than 12 pounds and positively impacting acceleration, fuel economy and braking performance
• Inspired by advances in consumer electronics, the three-layer hybrid window consists of Corning Gorilla Glass for automotive, thermoplastic and annealed glass applications
• Gorilla Glass hybrid windshield is thinner than traditional laminate glass, and will improve Ford GT handling by lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 15, 2015 – What started as a lightweight concept technology is about to become reality for Ford GT customers when the all-new supercar debuts the Corning® Gorilla® Glass© hybrid windshield – a tough, durable, scratch-resistant window that is about 30 percent lighter than traditional glass.

Developed by Ford and Corning, Gorilla Glass hybrid window will be used on both the windshield and rear engine cover of Ford GT, contributing to enhanced vehicle handling, improved fuel efficiency and reduced risk of glass damage.

“Gorilla Glass hybrid is a great example of how Ford works with suppliers to innovate in every area of our business,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, Global Purchasing. “Ford GT is setting new standards for innovation through performance and light-weighting, and we’re excited about exploring other applications for this great new technology.”

When tasked with developing lightweight and advanced material vehicle applications, the Ford team approached Corning, a recognized leader in materials science that introduced light and durable Gorilla Glass to the consumer electronics market in 2007. Interested in further exploring potential automotive applications, Ford engaged Corning to help research and develop a unique formulation for exterior vehicle glass.

Once the technology was studied for Ford’s supercar concept, the team realized there were real-world applications for the new hybrid glass. A small, dedicated group comprised of purchasing and engineering employees from Ford and Corning fast-tracked the technology toward rapid introduction. Within four months, they were seeking program approval.

“This successful collaboration is one of the reasons we spend R&D resources to develop new innovations and solve tough problems,” said Wendell Weeks, chief executive officer, Corning Incorporated. “Ford recognized the significant value of these innovative light-weighting technology and committed significant resources to quickly get it qualified for production applications. We worked with Ford to develop a glass that successfully withstood thousands of hours of durability testing and is now being used in a Ford production vehicle. We are excited to introduce this game changing technology to the market.”

Gorilla Glass hybrid
A traditional automotive laminated windshield consists of two layers of annealed glass sandwiched around a clear, thermoplastic interlayer binding agent. Originally introduced in America by Henry Ford, the technology has been used in the auto industry for nearly a century.

The new hybrid glass uses a multilayer approach – a pane of toughened automotive-grade formed hybrid acts as the strengthened inner layer, an advanced noise-absorbing thermoplastic interlayer is in the center, and an annealed glass serves as the outer layer. The result is a windshield and rear engine cover approximately 32 percent lighter than competitive vehicles.

“During development, we tried different glass variations before we found a combination that provided both weight savings and the durability needed for exterior automotive glass,” said Paul Linden, Ford body exteriors engineer. “We learned, somewhat counterintuitively, that the strengthened interior layer of the windshield is key to the success of the hybrid window.”

The new Gorilla Glass hybrid window laminate is approximately 25 percent to 50 percent thinner, and has equal to, or greater strength than traditional laminate. Traditional laminate glass ranges from four millimeters to six millimeters in thickness, where Gorilla Glass hybrid window ranges from three millimeters to four millimeters. This remarkable reduction in thickness greatly reduces the weight of each panel. Plus, the glass is more robust due to advanced processes for contaminant reduction, chemical strengthening, unique edge treatment and laminate construction.

The new technology was tested over stone and in rough road conditions, and had to endure specific projectile, rollover and wind tunnel testing.

“In addition to the new hybrid technology for the exterior glass of Ford GT, we’re using a unique glass combination for the bulkhead panel between passenger cell and engine bay,” said Linden. “We’re excited that we can use tailored glass applications to meet specific needs and provide maximum weight savings.”

The reduced weight of the windshield, engine cover and bulkhead glass on Ford GT positively impacts acceleration, fuel economy and braking performance. Perhaps most important is the benefit on handling – removing the weight of glass high in the construction of the vehicle lowers the center of gravity and contributes to the car’s outstanding agility.

Ford’s use of the new hybrid glass underscores the company’s aggressive goals for innovative engineering and light-weighting technologies that will one day benefit all Ford customers.

"The new technology was tested over stone and in rough road conditions, and had to endure specific projectile, rollover and wind tunnel testing."

Love to see the data. From the outset that front glass looked really large, and I wondered about the optical clarity and resistance to stone pecks for the glass, even for the standard windscreen. Also the relative differentials in replacement cost (& processes). I'm sure it won't be inexpensive for that front glass, but I wonder if it will be a standalone option, or bundled into a lightweight package.

 

[pe2unia]

Ohh hail!! Impressive

 

[twobjshelbys]

Impressive material. I wondered how long it would take to get applications other than handheld devices. It's a matter of time before it is used in commercial glazing applications too. It's all about driving the price down.

Will it be used in the side, engine/passenger divider and clamshell windows too?

The first article said it won't be used in the race car though. I wonder why. I'll have to look at the FIA regs to see if there are rules there. I know the side windows are usually plexiglass.

The regs are pretty loose here, more statements of safety with glass and polycarbonate allowed. (I said plexiglass but that's the old style ) Then at the end it says "other materials are OK as long as it meets transparency and is 3mm thick. My guess is that the polycarbonate material in the race version is lighter than the new material. It would probably scratch (I know my PC glasses lenses do) but longevity isn't an issue in the race car - it only has to last 24 hours.

Another thing though. The gorilla glass is on the interior,with standard glass on the outside will take a chip but probably won't crack with the gorilla backer.

 

[CJ428]

Just saw it on autoblog Ford tec is rocken!:beer2:

 

[Specracer]

Very cool, and sounds expensive.

Some how I'm thinking we are going to see a few more press releases on innovative items on this car.

 

[STORMCAT]

Cool Stuff !! I'm still going to clear plex mine.. :biggrin

 

[dbk]

 

[FENZO]

Do I see a wing up? Driver?op

 

[dbk]

Production mirrors, legally required amber reflector. Mirrors made it largely unmolested.

 

[texas mongrel]

Anybody else remember the wonderful Bruce MacCall's spoof ads for Bulgemobile Autos? "somebody mention safety? You're looking at the biggest safety breakthrough in Bulgemobile history, or should we say, you're looking through it! It's our new C-Thru Windshield Glass, now up to 63% more transparent...."

I hope this Gorilla glass is the real deal, otherwise we'll all look like a bunch of chimps....