Aluminum is now starting to be seen as a viable alternative to conventional steel for the construction of automobiles. While there are manufacturers that already use a lot of it in their cars, there are others that are just starting out, like Toyota.
The Japanese automaker will start using it too for high-volume models as of 2016, when the all-new Lexus RX350 gains an aluminum hoot and liftgate, according to anonymous sources quoted by Automotive News.
Next up will be the Camry (current-gen pictured) which is reportedly slated to gain an aluminum hood from 2018 onward.
Officially, Toyota is staying tight lipped about the shift to aluminum. A company spokesperson, Jana Hartline, said the automaker “has plans to use aluminum on future vehicles for hood, closures and parts for lightweighting. Also, we will increase usage of mix metals and resin materials to enhance lightweighting efforts.”
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