AN ATTEMPT TO CHARACTERIZE FUTURE MICROCARS

Microcars can be defined as: enclosed and wheel supported vehicles, stable at standstill and (i) lighter than Japanese K-class, kerb weight under 400g and (ii) 2-seaters compatible with suburban traffic. After notice of significant past and present designs, the environment, function and anatomy of microcars are examined and compared to light Japanese cars and leaning 3-wheelers. Considerations about dynamic data: starting, braking and transverse accelerations; tire and air resistances; and safety, allow gross evaluation of dimensions, of positioning track and drive (FWD, 3-wheeler), of power and transmission choice (CVT, energy storage), of brake location and suspension and/or steering specific design.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Twentieth FISITA Congress, (SAE P-143), The Automotive Future, Volume 3, Austria, 6-11 May 1984.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Quilici, J-F
• Publication Date: 1984-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 3.56
• Serial:
  • Publication of: Society of Automotive Engineers, Incorporated
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Innovation; Miniature automobiles; Vehicle design; Vehicle dynamics; Vehicle safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Future concepts; Microautomobiles; Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00392556
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 845073, HS-037 453
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1985 12:00AM