Originally Posted by fastsach

The thin body panel sheetmetal plays practically no part in crash absorption. The frame crumple zones and side door guard beams do it all. Not sure if fiberglass would be lighter than the very thin aluminum that is only 0.8 to about 1.1 mm thick anyway.
Carbon fiber would do it but too expensive.

When a new project is undertaken the cost people extablish a cost to weight ratio for designers of all parts. Such as you can increase your part cost by 100 Yen for every 0.05 KG you can remove. Only way to keep a handle on a bunch of guys that that want this weight out too.

Would 100 pounds off make that much difference in handling?