Mexican Media Brands
Honda Files Patent for Mid-Engine Roadster with Cast-Aluminum Chassis
Honda Motor Co. has filed a U.S. patent application for a go kart-like roadster with a cast-aluminum chassis and mid-engine layout.
#aluminum
Share
Honda Motor Co. has filed a U.S. patent application for a go kart-like roadster with a cast-aluminum chassis and mid-engine layout.
The design features a central longitudinal frame with at least one cross support member that is used to attach the seats, steering unit, instrument panel and foot pedals. Honda says the system can reduce the overall number of vehicle parts and enhance body stiffness. The minimal body shell includes provisions for an inflatable device for rollover protection.
The design also can accommodate different seating configurations—for left- or right-hand drive versions or a single seat—and three, four or more wheels. Media reports note the similarity to Honda’s Project 2&4 Concept model that combined aspects of a motorcycle with a traditional car.
Described as very light, stiff and quick to produce, the cast-aluminum chassis has a hollow spine that runs between the seats that could be used to accommodate a fuel tank or battery pack. The engine is positioned just behind the seats, but the patent notes the space also could be used for an electric motor.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Range Rover Sport SVR Sets Low(ish) Speed Record
This is an interesting record: a Range Rover Sport SVR, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 174 mph, was recently driven by Ho-Pin Tung, a Chinese-Dutch driver for the Panasonic Jaguar Racing team, on a road in the Hunan Province in China, and set a new record of an average speed of 42.8 mph.
-
Jeeps Modified for Moab
On Easter morning in Moab, Utah, when the population of that exceedingly-hard-to-get-to town in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth has more than doubled, some people won’t be hunting for Easter eggs, but will be trying to get a good look at one of the vehicles six that Jeep has prepared for real-life, fast-feedback from the assembled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.
-
Aluminum Sheet for EV Battery Enclosure
As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) is about to increase almost exponentially, aluminum supplier Novelis is preparing to provide customers with protective solutions