ULSAB-AVC - Overview and Design 2002-01-0036

The ULSAB-Advanced Vehicle Concepts (AVC) project presents a holistic approach to the development of a new advanced steel automotive vehicle architecture based on a 2000 lbs curb-weight vehicle. These advanced concepts will help automakers use the new steels more efficiently and provide a structural platform for achieving the following benefits:

• Safety
• Affordability
• Fuel Efficiency
• Environmentally friendly.

The scope of the project encompasses the body-in-white structure, closures, suspensions, engine cradle, and all structural and safety relevant components. Porsche Engineering Services, Inc. (PES) conducted a comprehensive benchmarking of existing vehicle concepts and an investigation of trends in vehicle development. PES and the ULSAB-AVC Consortium established targets with reference to the U.S. PNGV (Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles), EUCAR (The European CO₂ reduction program) projects, and anticipated future IIHS and NHTSA safety requirements. The paper presents the project results and explains the design concepts that demonstrate the capability of the New Steels to provide solutions to the most challenging automotive problems related to mass reduction - at affordable costs without sacrifice to safety or performance.