Passenger cars in the 21st century. Some engineering design problems

Abstract

The paper deals with some engineering design problems related to the motor cars that are to be manufactured in the early decades of the 21st century. The general construction concept of these "cars of the future" will not significantly differ from that followed at present. Instead, the vehicle development will be focused on the introduction of improvements and new engineering solutions to basic vehicle motion systems, such as power transmission, braking, steering, and suspension systems with running gear, and to the auxiliary vehicle equipment that is to ensure the highest possible standard of active and passive safety of vehicle operation, e.g. automatic systems to control the vehicle motion or additional systems intended to improve the ride comfort and, directly, safety of vehicle occupants. Attention has been separately paid to vehicle engines that may be used in the future and to the construction of vehicle bodies. The possibilities that might be offered thanks to the availability of new technologies have also been taken into account at the discussion of the engineering design solutions of the future.