Cars with Magnesium Engine Blocks
Magnesium is a lightweight metal that is often used in the construction of race cars and other high-performance vehicles. It is also used in some production cars, but it is not as common as aluminum or iron.
Magnesium engine blocks are lighter than aluminum engine blocks, which can improve the vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. They are also stronger than aluminum engine blocks, which can make them more durable. However, magnesium engine blocks are also more expensive than aluminum engine blocks.
Advantages of Magnesium Engine Blocks
- Lighter weight
- Improved performance
- Increased fuel economy
- Greater strength
- Improved durability
Disadvantages of Magnesium Engine Blocks
- More expensive
- More difficult to cast
- More susceptible to corrosion
Cars with Magnesium Engine Blocks
The following is a list of cars that have magnesium engine blocks:
- BMW M3 (E46)
- BMW M5 (E60)
- Chevrolet Corvette (C5, C6)
- Dodge Viper (VX)
- Ford GT
- Jaguar XKR
- Lotus Elise
- Mazda RX-8
- Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
- Nissan 350Z
- Porsche 911 (996, 997)
- Toyota Supra (JZ)
- Volkswagen Golf R32
- Volvo S60 R
Conclusion
Magnesium engine blocks offer a number of advantages over aluminum engine blocks, including lighter weight, improved performance, increased fuel economy, greater strength, and improved durability. However, magnesium engine blocks are also more expensive and more difficult to cast.
The use of magnesium engine blocks is becoming more common in production cars, but they are still not as common as aluminum engine blocks. As the cost of magnesium continues to decrease, it is likely that we will see more cars with magnesium engine blocks in the future.