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Plastic glazing helps cut automobile weight

A Sabic Innovative Plastics product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 15, 2008

Land Rover designers were supported by the Sabic Innovative Plastics glazing and design teams in developing the LRX transparent glazing signature that wraps around the entire car.

The Land Rover LRX concept car has a panoramic roof and side and rear windows, made from Sabic Innovative Plastics' Lexan GLX high-performance plastic glazing with Exatec coating technology.

Sabic Innovative Plastics was able to contribute to the automaker's objective of using lighter weight and more sustainable materials on the LRX.

Through the use of Sabic's Lexan PC with Exatec coating Land Rover was able to reduce the LRX' overall weight by close to 19kg.

"As automakers create the vehicles of the future, each are looking to trim weight in different ways to achieve improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact", said Amanda Roble, Executive Director, Sabic Innovative Plastics.

"Replacement of traditional materials such as glass with lightweight but durable plastics is a great way to reach weight-reduction goals".

"Sabic Innovative Plastics was pleased to work with Land Rover in this collaboration on many aspects of this glazing development for this eco-responsible concept".

Sabic Innovative Plastics was involved with the design and feasibility reviews of glazing panels and sourcing for tooling and part manufacture.

In addition to important environmental benefits, the Sabic Lexan PC offered significant design advantages not possible in traditional materials.

Land Rover designers were supported by the Sabic Innovative Plastics glazing and design teams in developing the LRX transparent glazing signature that wraps around the entire car.

The clear window glazing improves visibility.

Lexan GLX polycarbonate with Exatec coating systems also provides high impact strength and UV protection for the vehicle.

The polymer glazing material is used in the A-posts, side windows, rear quarter windows, panoramic roof and backlight.

Incorporating several glazing technologies from Exatec LLC enables the usual mast antenna to be eliminated, with hidden antennas incorporated within the panoramic roof glazing.

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