Report on Calspan/Chrysler RSV Tests

Japan Automobile Research Institute, Inc. (JARI) carried out four types of tests on the Calspan/Chrysler RSV's (hereafter referred to as “C-RSV's”) from May 1979 to August 1979, according to the “Memorandum of Agreements Concerning Test Program for Research Safety Vehicles” that had been concluded between the Department of Transportation (DOT) of the US government and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of the Japanese government.

• Collision Tests-Tests on collisions between the C-RSV's and Japanese passenger cars included a frontal collision test, two side collision tests and a rear-end collision test each. As a baseline test, another side collision test between Japanese passenger cars was also carried out.
• Handling, Stability and Braking Performance Tests-Tests were carried out on nine items for the handling and stability, and on three items for the braking performance of the C-RSV's.
• Visibility Tests-The field of direct view tests, the field of indirect view tests and lighting equipment tests were carried out for the C-RSV's.
• Fuel Economy Tests-“EPA/Combined Test” and the “10-mode test” based on the “Safety Regulations for Road Vehicles” set forth by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) of Japan were carried out for the C-RSV's.

The foregoing four types of tests will be discussed in this report.