FORD GT

The Ford GT is a mid engine two seater sport car that has been in production from 2005 till 2008 in which only 4038 were produce and used 5.4 L supercharged V8 and uses Rear Mid engine, Rear wheel drive layout(RMR).

RMR is one in which the rear wheels are driven by an engine placed just in front of them, behind the passenger compartment.

Ford GT uses Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) because of it performance and light weight and has a good weight distribution which 43 on the front and 57 on the rear.


The GT's spaceframe contains 35 detailed extrusions and four large, complex castings for the front and rear shock towers. This design offers an opportunity for part consolidation; for example the rear shock tower casting has mounting brackets and several key attachment points for the side rail, rear crash box, and cross car beam reinforcements.

Several new forming technologies are being used to produce body-in-white panels for the car. They include superplastic forming for body exterior panels such as fenders, roof, rear quarters, engine cover, door outers, and door inners; roll bonding for floor panels for light weight and stiffness; and friction stir welding of critical interior sections. It is expected that the successful application of these manufacturing and assembly technologies will eventually be applied to later Ford vehicle designs. The hood inner and outer panels are fabricated from chopped fiberglass composite. Front and rear bumpers and rocker panels are manufactured using reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM).

The only disadvantages for a ASF chassis is, it is still too expensive for a mass production scale and thus were limited and considered rare.

Ac Cobra

The Ac cobra also known as Shelby Cobra in North America is an Anglo-American sports car that was produced during the 1960s. It is 2 door roadsters that see its production in 1961 till 1967 which produced a variant of the car series which is called the Mk series.

It is a Front Engine and rear wheel drive layout where engine is located at the front of the vehicle and driven wheels are located at the rear.

The AC Cobra uses one of the earliest kinds of chassis which is the Ladder chassis which the name comes from its construction that looks like a ladder with two longitudinal rails interconnected several lateral and cross braces. The longitude members are the main stress member. They deal with the load and also the longitudinal forces caused by acceleration and braking. The lateral cross members provide resistance to lateral forces and further increase torsional rigidity. Body mounts are usually integral outriggers from the main rails, and suspension points can be well or poorly integrated into the basic design. The original Shelby 289 Cobra used 3 inch round tubes, a very flexible design that worked with stiff transverse-leaf springs for adequate but primitive handling.

Because of its obsolete design the only advantage of this chassis is that it is easy and cheap for hand build. However because of it is a 2 dimensional structure, torsional rigidity is very much lower than other chassis especially when dealing with vertical load or bumps.

The M-Class also protects its occupants after a crash

As part of the POST-SAFE® functions, the new M-Class can activate a variety of systems which can contribute towards avoiding post-accident risks. After a more serious crash, the hazard warning lights are automatically activated to warn surrounding traffic. At the same time, the doors are automatically unlocked so that the emergency services have the best possible unrestricted access to the passengers. And thanks to partial opening of the side windows, the interior is better ventilated after deployment of the restraint systems.

On detecting a collision, the central control unit switches off the fuel system to reduce the risk of a possible fire. After determining the cylinder positions, the engine management system opens the injection valves of those cylinders which are not under compression and discharges the high-pressure fuel area by direct evacuation of the remaining fuel in the combustion chamber. This reduces the risk of fuel escaping. To avoid fuel losses, all M-Class models are also fitted with cut-resistant fuel lines in all relevant locations. This also helps to reduce the risk of a possible fire breaking out.

The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class: Chassis system – Dynamism meets comfort

As with all passenger car models from Mercedes-Benz, the philosophy behind the safety concept of the M-Class is broken down into four phases:

• Safe driving: avoiding danger, warning and assisting the driver in good time
• In the event of danger: anticipating and enabling preventive protective measures
• In an accident: providing protection as needed
• After an accident: avoiding even worse consequences and making rapid assistance possible

The very high level of safety already achieved in the previous model has been increased even further thanks to meticulous attention to detail during the development stage. The many "invisible" Mercedes-Benz solutions in particular bring measurable benefits in real accident situations. To support new technologies or the evolution of existing systems, the engineers carried out numerous crash tests which went way beyond the tests normally specified, such as the roof-drop test for example, as well as various rollover tests. When it detects the need to do so, a rollover sensor system can activate side and window airbags, as well as belt tensioners. In total, as part of the M-Class development Mercedes-Benz tested 36 totally different loads under real test conditions. This included comprehensive simulations for the digital prototype. Following this intensive development programme, the M-Class now has the potential to pass all international ratings with the best possible results.

The M-Class is also able to demonstrate the highest possible protection potential when it comes to more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists. In addition to yielding areas in the front section, folding exterior mirrors and smooth contours, the risk of injury caused by the vehicle has been reduced by adjusting the bonnet and increasing the distance to the components in the engine compartment. In addition, for the first time in the SUV segment, an active bonnet is fitted as standard equipment. It is able to reduce the acceleration forces of an impacting pedestrian or cyclist by intercepting them earlier.

To be on the safe side: over three dozen different crash tests

Safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz has been conducting routine crash tests on complete vehicles since the late 1950s. Bella Barenyi established systematic safety testing. The first crash tests were spectacular, with cable winches or steam rockets being used to propel the cars. Today the cars are accelerated by a hydraulic catapult.

The number of different crash tests has risen dramatically over the years because, in keeping with its holistic “Real Life Safety” approach, Mercedes-Benz does not only perform crash tests using those crash configurations that are specified for rating tests and world-wide approval. It also conducts crash tests based on the in-house accident research department’s findings, whose requirements sometimes go way beyond those of the statutory requirements. New Mercedes passenger cars therefore have to pass a total of over three dozen different crash tests. Currently, some 500 crash tests per year take place at the Mercedes safety centre in Sindelfingen, plus more than 50,000 computer-simulated tests.

One of the most demanding in-house crash tests is the roof-drop test, which Mercedes-Benz uses to check the body’s roll-over protection. The new E-Class Cabriolet also had to pass the roof-drop test with extreme load on the roof frame. Here the body is dropped onto its roof at a slight angle from a height of 50 centimetres. Consequently, the vehicle lands with its full weight on one of the two A-pillars, which is only allowed to deform slightly if the vehicle is to pass the test

Robust roll-over bars triggered by pyrotechnic means

Further safety features for the open-top two-door model include the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes, the plug-in B-pillars and roll-over protection. The latter consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 35 mm, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests. If the sensors housed in the airbag control unit detect imminent danger to the occupants, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated by pyrotechnic means, i.e. extremely quickly.

Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over protection. 

Easy to repair: reversible bonnet

Development of the E-Class body focussed on customer benefit at all times, as shown by the Active Bonnet, which reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and features a reversible design.

Further easy-to-repair and, therefore, money-saving solutions include the bolted-on crash boxes at the front and rear as well as the radiator fastening.

Quality right from the start: visual inspection and NVH optimisation

Alongside the usual quality assurance measures, all joining techniques are subject to process monitoring, which ensures quality in each individual stage of production. The MIG (metal inert gas) solder seams, for instance, are monitored by means of a 3D light-strip sensor. The position, width and completeness of the adhesive seams are checked by an integrated camera when the adhesive is applied. The spot welds likewise undergo a visual inspection: the photos taken by a thermography camera confirm whether the spot welds have the correct diameter.

A further important aspect of quality is a car's NVH behaviour (noise, vibration, harshness). Here, too, the bodyshell plays a key role. Sturdy transverse sections in the floor assembly – known as transmission tunnel braces – along with optimised lower seat crossmember sections and reinforced engine mounts are just some of the NVH measures implemented to improve vibration characteristics.

Intelligent lightweight construction: state-of-the-art materials and innovative joining techniques.

Despite the enhanced spaciousness, comfort and safety compared to the outgoing model, the weight of the bodyshell has been kept practically the same for the new E-Class Cabriolet thanks to intelligent lightweight construction. High-strength steel alloys account for around 60 percent of the weight. In the case of the side skirts alone, this high-strength, low-weight material reduces weight by some five kilograms.

The design and construction of the bodyshell are likewise weight-optimised. The energy-absorbing front crossmember, for instance, is inserted into the longitudinal members and no longer ends in flange plates. Tailored Blanks made from sheet steel are used in many places, such as on the underbody, where individual blanks of varying thickness and strength are joined by means of laser welding, or on the transmission tunnel, where the blanks optimise structural behaviour and crash performance.

In addition to these measures, the use of state-of-the-art structural adhesive plays a further important part in enhancing the body strength. The total length of the high-strength adhesive seams used in the bodyshell of the E-Class Cabriolet amounts to around 70 metres.

Mercedes-Benz employs innovative "RobScan" robot-guided laser welding for the E-Class Cabriolet. This new welding technology allows a very high welding speed with optimum weld quality. The technology is used in the rear centre section of the Cabriolet – with a total of 26 welds.

2011 Mercedes Benz E Class Cabriolet Part 2

The same applies to the Cabriolet, which has one of the stiffest designs in its segment. The body's static torsional stiffness can be seen as a reliable indicator of the excellent cumulative effect of the implemented measures. It has been increased by around 30 percent compared to the outgoing model.

To achieve this figure, the bodyshell of the E-Class Cabriolet received extra reinforcements compared to its Coupé sister model, the most important of which are as follows:

- The extremely robust A-pillar assembly consists of two high-strength steel tubes which are welded to the sheet-metal shells of the A-pillars. In the case of the E-Class Cabriolet, both tubes have an exceptionally robust Y-shape and stretch from the A-pillar intersection to the upper window frame.

- The plug-in B-pillars are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember. The rear support against the rear panel runs in an arch-like shape to the rear seats.

- Reinforced side skirts and bulkhead platesin the doors protect the occupants in a lateral impact with a pole, for example. Likewise the reinforced shoulderline with its high-strength steel section enhances the exceptionally robust nature of the design.

- The floor assembly has been reinforced solidly at several points.

- The robust rear panel behind the rear seats further enhances the body's lateral rigidity.

2011 Mercedes Benz E Class Cabriolet

This year Mercedes unleashed a new coupe car dubbed the Cabriolet, or E class W212. It is a front engine, rear drive or 4 wheel drive (depend on the model).

The body shell has solid basis reinforced at specific points. The chassis technology inside this car is remarkable as it have intelligent lightweight construction with 60 percent high strength steel alloys. It also have an innovative joining technique as it was joined by robot guided laser welding.

A robust basis is the ideal ingredient for a stiff bodyshell offering a high level of crash safety. It plays a decisive role in ensuring maximum noise related comfort,outstanding vibration characteristic and hallmark Mercedes Benz longevity.

In this term, the E class Cabriolet had an ideal starting position, given that it is closely related to the E Class coupe a two door model which meets the very highest requirements when it comes to torsional stiffness and occupant protection. 

A MODEL FORD

COMPLETE CHASSIS

One of the problems associated with building an "A" model Ford is finding a suitable chassis. Even if you find a chassis you then have to check that it is straight and rust free, then there is all the work required to make it usable and you still end up with a seventy year old chassis under your new vehicle.

There is now an alternative to using a recycled chassis and that is to use new stamped rails. ROD - TECH now supply Australian made chassis rails which are direct replicas of the originals complete with running board and front fender brace pressings. You can purchase the rails as a pair to make your own chassis or purchase a complete boxed chassis complete with all cross members, engine and gearbox mounts to your requirements up to a complete rolling chassis.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Chassis and Suspension

The newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension with standard-fit amplitude-dependent damping system is one of the major factors behind the high degree of long-distance comfort provided by the E-Class. The shock absorbers adapt to the current driving situation, reducing the damping forces automatically when driving normally with low shock-absorber impulses and increasing the forces up to the maximum as required when cornering at speed or performing evasive manoeuvres. In this way, the chassis and suspension meet driver requirements in terms of road roar, tyre vibration and agility – without ever compromising on active safety.

The shock absorber system works by purely hydromechanical means without the need for sensors or electronics. Its core components are a bypass duct in the shock absorber’s piston pin and a control piston which moves in a separate oil chamber. When the shock-absorber bounce is low, the control piston moves oil through the bypass duct so that a lower damping force is produced at the actual shock-absorber valve. The result is “softer” shock-absorber characteristics and, consequently, a high level of ride comfort. If the excitation of the shock absorber is greater, the control piston moves to its limit position so that oil ceases flowing through the bypass duct, meaning that the full damping force is available.

Mercedes-Benz has modified several aspects of the three-link front suspension with McPherson struts and, as a result, has achieved excellent results in terms of ride comfort. In the interests of optimal axle kinematics, more favourable vibration characteristics and enhanced safety, the lower link level consists of two individual elements that serve as torque and cross struts. As well as offering more precise wheel location, the main benefit of these struts is that they allow better compensation for vibrations caused by tyre imbalance and fluctuations in braking forces than rigid wishbones. In addition, more crumple space is available in the event of a frontal crash. The third front-axle link is the track rod which connects the transversely installed steering gear to the wheels.

The spring struts consist of cylindrical, transverse force-compensating coil springs, double-tube shock absorbers and newly developed three-phase head bearings. In order to further optimise ride comfort, the Mercedes experts have chosen a starkly upright position for the spring strut so as to reduce the forces acting on the torque strut bearing. As a consequence, it was possible to reduce the bearing rigidity, which has a positive effect on the chassis’ tyre/road contact characteristics and rolling characteristics – for example when driving over expansion joints running across the road. The front anti-roll bar is connected to the spring strut, which is likewise actively involved in locating the front wheels.

Intelligent use of aluminium and steel reduces the weight of the front axle by twelve percent compared to the outgoing model. The forwards-slanting torque struts and the cross struts are made of aluminium.

Ford History

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearbon, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK. Ford's former UK subsidiaries Jaguar and Land Rover were sold to Toto Motors of India in March 2008. In 2010 Ford sold Volvo to Geely Automibile. Ford discontinued the Mercury brand after the 2011 model year.

Ford introduced methods for large-scale manufacturing of cars and large-scale management of an industrial workforce using elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences typified by moving assembly lines. Henry Ford's methods came to be known around the world as Fordism by 1914.

Ford is the second largest automaker in the U.S. and the fifth-largest in the world based on annual vehicle sales in 2010.^] At the end of 2010, Ford was the fifth largest automaker in Europe. Ford is the eighth-ranked overall American-based company in the 2010 Fortune 500 list, based on global revenues in 2009 of $118.3 billion. In 2008, Ford produced 5.532 million automobiles and employed about 213,000 employees at around 90 plants and facilities worldwide. During the automotive crisis, Ford's worldwide unit volume dropped to 4.817 million in 2009. In 2010, Ford earned a net profit of $6.6 billion and reduced its debt from $33.6 billion to $14.5 billion lowering interest payments by $1 billion following its 2009 net profit of $2.7 billion. Starting in 2007, Ford received more initial quality survey awards from J.D Power and associates than any other automaker. Five of Ford's vehicles ranked at the top of their categories and fourteen vehicles ranked in the top three.

Type of Chassis-Part 1

Now there are 7 known frame chassis out there and each one of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. And I will discussed it one by one.
Now the frame chassis are

1. -Ladder
2. -Monocoque 
3. -ULSAB monocoque
4. -Backbone Chassis
5. -Glass fiber body
6. Carbon Fiber monocoque
7. -Aluminum spaceframe

LADDER CHASSIS


This is the earliest kind of chassis that have been use since the 60's and have been use by the whole world back then as a standard chassis. However, most SUV today still uses this type of frame. The term ladder come from the construction of said chassis come form the two longitudinal rails that interconnected by several lateral and cross braces that look like a ladder.

AC Cobra Chassis

The longitude members are the main stress member as they deal with the load and longitudinal forces that have been caused by acceleration and braking. The lateral and cross members provide resistance to lateral forces and further increase torsional rigidity.

Ford AC Cobra 1961-1967.

Now the advantages of Ladder chassis are easy and cheap to build by hand but the durability and safeness of this chassis are outdated compare to the new generation frame chassis.
The advantages of it are due to its 2 dimensional structure, the torsional rigidity is very much lower than other chassis especially when dealing with vertical load or bumps
As I said it earlier most SUV still use it now including some of the classic cars and Ford Crown Vic.










































Sources:Autozine check it out

MERCEDES-BENZ-Geschichte or Mercedes Benz History

An old 1990 Mercedes

Mercedes benz has been the icon for the rich and famous here in Malaysia where only the higher ups of the community can use them back in the 90s. Now even college student can afford an old 1990 S class Mercedes that make old people cringe in their sleep.

Now some of the people here may or may not know why the Mercedes car are so expensive compare to our national made cars and I can say I have conduct a survey on why the Merz car is expensive and the following result are follow (these answer are being answered trough general fact and not in engineering terms) :-

1.) The car manufacturer uses a good material for their chassis.
2.) The material for the body is so strong that it only dented when enter a collision with an another car
3.) Because it is a Mercedes.

Now we can see that 2/3 people have answer that the chassis of a Mercedes car is the main selling point for this expensive car and it ranked number 2nd behind Volvo as the most safest car manufacturer in the world.

Now if we listen in class, we knew that the car have been trough enough evolution since the 1800s and most likely they will not stop to continue evolving into a better and safer car.

The dream for every kids back in the 90's

The Mercedes-Benz car company is a division of its parent company the Daimler AG (formerly known as Daimler Chrysler), who is also a German car corporation.

Although Mercedes history can be traced back from Daimler Mercedes in 1901 and Karl Benz from its Benz Patent-Motorwagen which are considered to be the first automobile in history.

WWII BMW Combat Motorcycle

The name Mercedes-Benz first appered in 1926, 13 years before the world war II. It is unknown whether the company took part or even supplying the Nazi Germany with vehicle spare parts or manpower which opposite to BMW who supply the German Army with a Combat Motorcycle.













Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the Daimler-Benz company. Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also the world's oldest automotive brand still in existence today. For information relating to the famous 3-pointed star, see under the title Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft including the merger into Daimler-Benz.

From the Wikipedia entry we can see that the Mercedes-Benz has well establish its car dominance in the whole wide world but today the Mercedes-Benz has numerous car company competitor around the world such as the Japanese Mitsubishi,The Korean KIA, and even fellow German car manufacturer as well; the famous BMW.

The new 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class