Weight-Conscious Automobile Design

A study has been conducted to evaluate the potential for weight reduction of automobiles. Vehicle designs have been studied for which reduced weight is of primary importance and these weight-conscious designs are presented for each of the following size (roominess) classes: 4-passenger, 5-passenger, and 6-passenger. Each of the designs is functionally equivalent to the best of current U.S. practice for its size classification and makes use of conventional materials and construction techniques. The designs are proposed as optimum designs for their roominess class from a weight standpoint.