The general perception of concept cars is perhaps that they are notional figments of stylists’ imagination and have no real purpose beyond attracting the attention of the public to the manufacturer concerned. Sometimes these take the form of a 2-D illustration used for some of the more imaginative forms, but more often they are found as a major showpiece within the cluster of standard models comprising exhibits
at national motor shows – especially when a manufacturer has no startlingly new models in that particular year!
However eye catching the presentation, the purpose is quite intentional. As well as demonstrating how ‘switched on’ an organization is to the latest technology, the idea is generally to attract feedback from the buying public on a particular aspect being promoted.
Following on from the ECV 3 theme, the MG EX-E was a styling exercise to maintain the interest of the public in the MG brand and was a launching pad for the ASVT technology described above, which was then followed by the Jaguar XJ-220 – both these models paving the way for public acceptance of bonded aluminium structures.
Often the timing of motor shows coincides with technical conventions and exhibits linked with technical presentations, as happened with the ASVT paper referred to in Fig. 4.10 where the technology on display at the Detroit Motor Show can be explained in more detail at the accompanying SAE Automotive convention.
The chief Volvo designer considers that ‘concept cars are an excellent way of providing a glimpse of the future without being constrained by a specific design. They help us make wise decisions in our development work.’ Taking as an example the 2001 Detroit Motor Show, Volvo used the occasion to demonstrate its Safety Concept Car and as can be seen in Fig. 4.11 this was designed to give the driver increased control
and visibility. As well as see-through ‘A’ posts, cutaway posts rendered partly transparent through the use of a steel box construction combined with see-through Plexiglass giving improvement in all round light ingress, ‘B’ posts curve inwards at the top to give the driver an unobstructed field of vision to the offset rear. In terms of safety, these ‘B’ posts are at least as safe as conventional ‘B’ posts in a rollover or sideimpact scenario since they are integrated with the front seat frames. Other features include sensors that scan the precise position of the driver’s eyes and adjust the seat to allow the best possible vision, and sensors embedded in the door mirrors and rear bumper that alert the driver of the approaching traffic in the blind spot to the offset
rear. The headlamps monitor the car’s road speed and steering wheel movements and adjust the lighting to suit progress.
The car continues to emphasize the company’s awareness of occupant safety. The chief designer adds: ‘By tradition Volvo was an engineering-driven company. In the past concept cars were primarily regarded as a way of presenting new technology.
However, as the automotive world and the media that cover it are visually focused, a concept car also needs an innovative design if it is to attract the right attention.’ Recent exhibits at the Detroit Motor Show include the GM Precept FCEV and the GM AUTOnomy both of which point the way ahead for fuel cell technology and
innovative use of materials.
The Dodge Powerbox is a hybrid concept claimed to be 60 per cent more fuel efficient than a comparable gasoline V8 version. In Europe the Smart Micro Compact Car demonstrates a fairly radical approach to
design which has progressed from the concept stage to production. As shown in Fig. 4.12 the rigidly designed Tridiron steel safety cage acts as the base unit to which nine ‘easy exchange’ polycarbonate body panels are mechanically fastened. Panel replacement at a Smart centre is claimed within 1 hour and the coloured surfaces
resist minor scratching and offer ‘optimum recycling possibilities’. Using a choice of 45–55 bhp 3-cylinder Mercedes Benz turbo engines consumption figures of 60 mpg can be achieved for unleaded petrol and 80+ mpg with the 41 bhp diesel version.
Materials for Automobile Bodies
Geoff Davies F.I.M., M.Sc. (Oxon)
AMSTERDAM
Butterworth-Heinemann
An imprint of Elsevier
Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP
200 Wheeler Road, Burlington MA 01803
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