As Alfa Romeo embark on
a program to return to their roots and build no-compromise sportscars,
details of a new chassis design under development have emerged.
The multi-material chassis
demonstrates the possibility to carry out a separate chassis design for
super-sportscars. Characteristics of this new concept include improved
steering precision, comfort and better performance.
The split-frame separate
chassis architecture assures increased isolation from the principal sources
of vibration (engine and suspension). This concept solves the general weight
problems of fitting high-performance cars with separate chassis.
The material used on the chassis provides a structurally sound design with
an incredible power to weight ratio. Specific materials have been used
in sub-groups of the chassis to ensure torsional rigidity and resistance
to impact, whilst keeping the weight down. The chassis is comprised of
carbon fibre, titanium and alluminium alloys.
Advantages and possibilities:
Weight control: The
complete chassis (excluding the suspension) weighs less than 100 Kg.
Chassis performace adapted
for super-sports car: The torsional and flexible rigidity assures compliance
with the Euro-NCAP standard (offset collision at 64 km/h with deformable
barrier).
Technologies adapted for
production volumes of upto 5 cars a day: The labour intensive process of
manual carbon fibre lamination has been eliminated by a new process called
VRTM (Vacuum Resin Moulding Transfers).
This concept represents the first
application of VRTM where woven carbonfibre is used for certain high strengh
chassis members."
This concept of chassis manufacturing
has been give the go-ahead and will be seen in Alfa Romeo sportscars in
the latter half of this decade.
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