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This was bonded to a modified version of the 12 C/650S Monocell to form a single carbon fiber structure. Even with the addition of carbon fiber frameworks on which to mount the battery pack, electric motor and power electronics, the P1's monocoque tipped the scales at 90 kg (198 pounds) while meeting required international race sanctioning body loadings and all national crash requirements. The P1's structure formed the conceptual basis for the 720S chassis. The 570 S's Monocell was redesigned to further lower the sill structure while improving both overall strength and weight. Woven carbon fiber is used in the upper structure, which is made up of a few individual pieces and pre-bonded to, as Thomson puts it, "form the upper portion of the Easter egg." Replacing the metallic elements with carbon fiber allowed the engineers to make slimmer A-pillars, larger door openings, and design dihedral doors that open at an 80-degree angle in order to decrease the space needed to fully open the doors. As with the P1, this carbon fiber structure is bonded to the revised Monocell to create the Monocage II. With the introduction of the Monocage II, McLaren not only has the platform for the 720S and any Super Series variants it wants to build from it, but also the base upon which it can build the next Ultimate Series vehicle. Whether a full-electric hypercar or a high-tech hybrid, the P1 replacement will follow what has become standard practice for McLaren Automotive, bolting extruded and cast aluminum structures carrying the front and rear suspen- sions, powertrain and crash structures to steel or alloy inserts molded into the structure. Further derivatives will replace the less-expensive Sport Series, and introduce new models. As a result, McLaren has announced it will open its new Composites Technology Center in the shadow of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center at England's University of Sheffield. It will be responsible for the devel- opment and production of the next generation Monocell and Monocage that will enter full production in 2020. "Our goal is to produce a core tub[prior to finishing] in 30 to 40 minutes," says Thomson, which should allow McLaren to significantly increase production volume while further decreasing cost. And though Sheffield is nearly 200 miles from McLaren's base in Woking, it is much closer to England than Austria, especially in a post-Brexit world. OSCILL ATING DIE FOR GREATER FLEXIBILITY. Variable profile cut with large quantities? The Schuler oscillating die enables straight cut, curved cut and wave cut – even oscillating – on just one base plate. The cutting process is carried out by a conventional press (mechanical or hydraulic) or a servo press. Get in touch, we would be happy to advise you. Your benefits: Easy maintenance Suitable for tailored blanks Quick die changeover times for the entire unit as well as the upper part of the shears Material savings Suitable for very large quantities Better predictability sic.info@schulergroup.com www.schulergroup.com/automation Straight cut. Curved cut. Wave cut. 36 COVER STORY