Prototype Car or Pipe Dream?

[Tominator]

Ok, so call me crazy. I've been dreaming up this idea for over 20 years and yet have seen it even moderately suggested....

Give me this! It will be efficient. Upgradable and consumers are able to modify to your hearts content yet the environmentalist's worst nightmare since this acyually makes sense and could prolong the life of the automobile by decades.

A universal frame made of an alloy of ???. Possibly a composit?

Frontwheel drive. The frame can accept several engine variations and transmissions. Electronic controls could be set for either. As technology progresses the replacement can include the upgrades in efficency neede to meet newer government standards. Need a cheap fuel efficient car? How about a performance sedan?

Suspension should be all independent. Granted this concept cannot be the best at everything, but ask yourself how many 'Gs' do you really need for everyday transport?

Should a component wear out, instead of replaceing parts a completely rebuilt unit could be installed. This can save diagnostic problems and with component lifespans easily tracked could be designed to maximize component life span and thus the replacement interval. Fewer parts needed could save billions in just the cost of replacement parts!

A 'unibody' that can be either 2 or 4 door. The Pontiac Grand Prix already has the same roof line for either. Body parts, also of recyclable material, could be replaced or even upgraded to the latest styling trend. 'Crush Zones' could be designed in to the replacable parts in an attempt to meet government crash standards.

The interior can be easily modified with universal mounting points for interior trim resulting in an unlimited number of options.

All parts should be of recyclable material.

Lifespan? Maybe 4 to 5 times the span of today's cars at least.

Powertrain and other components would be universal in mounting and control but would be 'open source' for efficency and price, letting the consumer make the decision.

Anyone that has ever modified a car from stock should be thrilled with the prospect as mods from mild to wild could be had by the hundreds! Standards for fit will result in competition that wouyld keep the high initial cost well below any current automobile. Remember the VW Beetle and all the mods?

It should not be 'disposible' but totally recyclable.

Of course every Car Manfacturer would be against the idea and thus the Unions. However every componet manfacturer should be thrilled at the prospect.

Ok, it's just a dream, but would YOU buy it?

 

[Siddhartha]

The design for the Mini, small front wheel driver with wheels placed as close to the corners as possible, was first drawn on a napkin. And now most small cars are based on this design.

 

[Tominator]

Originally posted by: Dr Smooth
The design for the Mini, small front wheel driver with wheels placed as close to the corners as possible, was first drawn on a napkin. And now most small cars are based on this design.

I want room for at least 5 adults and I do not see lengthing or shortening the frame as a problem.

Possibly several different frames, small car, sedan and utility with near the same options/

 

[Howard]

Perhaps an aluminum space frame [either hydroformed or extruded] or carbon fiber monocoque would be suitable. Maybe even a backbone chassis? Lightweight and durable, with good crash protection for all.

Perhaps front wheel drive may not be the best type of drivetrain, but front engine would be a good choice. The engine is situated to the closest supply of fresh air, with everything close to the front of the cabin.

I also agree with four-wheel independent suspension. Double wishbone would be the best setup. For the higher-end versions, anti-roll/dive bars would be suitable.

I just read the "recyclable" part. In that case, better make the chassis an aluminum space frame /w aluminum body panels, bumpers, etc.

 

[Ladies Man]

i'll never drive anything that's not rear wheel drive

 

[flot]

Tom, I've had the same thought myself before, but I do think you may be oversimplifying a bit...

A car is a fairly complex mechanical system. What works well in one instance, may not in another. However, /in general/ I think this is a viable idea. I also think it could be designed with a zero maintenance schedule - when something fails, you replace the unit, return it to the factory to be rebuilt. The factory reuses or recycles whatever, and slaps a new unit together and puts it back in the car.

BUT.. will it ever happen? Doubtful. Too many things to go wrong, too complex to get started, and most importantly, too hard to make a profit on. At least not in this country - 15 years ago I would have believed it - but look at what has happened recently... big is back, powerful is back, and identifying yourself through your vehicle is back.

What you suggest would maybe compete with the likes of huyndai, kia, and saturn... except that even THOSE manufacturers have some pretty loyal followings. And again.. could you beat their profit? If people would really buy in to what you suggest - then each car manufacturer today could make only *one* car. Imagine that - the dealers would be competant at fixing every problem, the sales pressure would be off, profit margins could increase, etc, etc, etc... but there's more money in diversity and catering to people's individual tastes.

And before you say you're addressing that - imagine if honda only made the accord, and installed factory body kits to rice it out any way you liked. Would they be doing better or worse than they are now?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: Howard
I just read the "recyclable" part. In that case, better make the chassis an aluminum space frame /w aluminum body panels, bumpers, etc.

There's a reason why mass produced cars are still made with steel. Aluminum processes aren't ready for the volume the big boys need, and Audi doesn't count.

I hope the carbon fibre suggestion was a joke.

 

[Tominator]

Political hurdles aside, semi cabs have been made from aluminum for 15 years and we make springs for Amish buggys from carbon fibre.

The technology is here!

 

[Moonbeam]

I want all highways dug up and plowed under and replaced with foot paths and bike trails. I want to talk to my house and then be able to go to the front door to get into a personal transport pod that will take me by monorail at high speed anywhere I want to go.

 

[Howard]

What are you talking about??? It's just pressure from steel manufacturers! To that end, Porsche designed a new kind of steel monocoque, the ULSAB monocoque.

And no, I was not kidding about the carbon fiber. Perhaps it could be used in sports versions.

 

[Howard]

Aluminum space frames are also much lighter than steel monocoques, stiffness being the same. They're also much more space efficient. I suppose that now the only barrier is cost...