Corning Inc. recently 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 lbs 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 reportedly 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 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 reportedly 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, Corning chairman and CEO. “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.” 

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%.

“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’s group vice president for Global Purchasing. “The Ford GT will set new standards for innovation through performance and lightweighting, and we’re excited about exploring other applications for this great new technology.” 

For more information, visit http://corporate.ford.com or www.corning.com.