Experimental Safety Vehicles in the 1500 lb., 2000 lb., and 2500 lb. Weight Classes - Body Design and Crashworthiness

This paper describes and illustrates the more significant results obtained from development and test work on crashworthiness of three European ESVs in the 1500, 2000, and 2500 lb classes of current production cars. The diversity of weight, mechanical layout, and body features of the three types of cars-each type considered in the standard, reinforced, and ESV versions-has allowed a detailed survey of the more significant problems that may arise in improving crashworthiness. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the high specification requirements for the 4000 lb ESV in relation to the weight and cost of these car classes.