02-08-2010, 02:51 PM | #15 | |
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Platforms make it easier to engineer cars across a wide range of brands or even within a brand itself. For example, GM's next-generation Two-Mode Hybrid system is finally going into RWD cars. As such, the Cadillac ATS and CTS will most likely have hybrid models available as both will be built off the same platform.
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02-08-2010, 03:07 PM | #16 | ||
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The term 'platform' refers to the basic organization of a vehicle and its approximate limitations. Its a set of variables that can be tweaked, but not changed dramatically. Each one has a certain range. A platform can have a wheelbase between A and B, overall length of C-D, width between E and F, height of G-H, engine torque of I, suspension setup J, drive configuration K, etc. Currently, the Camaro is technically classed as a compact car while its based off of a full size sedan. The same is true of the Challenger. These cars are at the bottom end of the size limits for their respective platforms. If the Camaro were to switch to a smaller platform yet were moved towards the larger end of it it could remain about the same size as it is today, maybe a little smaller. But certain structural design elements could be removed because they aren't needed for the smaller platform, thus saving weight. And if it does shrink, some of that reduction will be felt inside, but you can lose width and it won't matter much in a 2+2. A shorter wheelbase might bring the rear wheels closer to the back seat (vs bringing the rear seat closer to the front) and therefore have minimal intrusion on interior space. Height ... I don't think it will get any lower than it is now so thats not an issue.
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02-08-2010, 04:56 PM | #17 |
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what are some of the things that could be removed from the zeta platform that aren't necessary on the alpha platform? (educated guess?)
thanks everyone for the great education!
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02-08-2010, 05:43 PM | #18 |
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Nothing would be specifically removed. Zeta isn't a weak chassis thats been beefed up and therefore allowing pieces to be removed. It was engineered to be what it is. A smaller design is inherently stronger, so you can get away with using less steel to achieve the same structural strength.
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02-08-2010, 06:34 PM | #19 |
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"Platform" in the auto industry is just the underbody which holds the suspension and all the the structural stiffness. A company can change a platform in wheelbase and width to place different upperbodies on it. This is how they can share platforms. I wouldn't worry about styling. The platform approach is very flexible. FYI. I work for automotive in engineering.
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02-09-2010, 12:45 AM | #20 |
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I read Alpha will have the same wheelbase,but body will be 1 foot shorter.
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02-09-2010, 11:08 AM | #21 |
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what will be 1 foot shorter, the car (Camaro) or the "platform"?
If the platform is one foot shorter, I can't imagine what is being "cut off". Is it some excess redundant bit of frame? I know that's silly, but I can't imagine in my head what is being "removed" to reduce the length by 1 foot.
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02-09-2010, 11:18 AM | #22 | |
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02-09-2010, 03:04 PM | #23 |
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Thanks for your patience.
Now the question: what are "overhangs"? Are they "useless" empty space in the car body (such as empty space in the engine compartment?), OR will removing overhangs entail reducing trunk space or some other sacrifice? Thanks!
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02-09-2010, 03:27 PM | #24 |
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the "overhang" is referring to whatever hangs outside the rectangle created by the wheelbase. So everything forward of the front wheels and back from the back wheels. if you look at some of the newer bmw's like the z4 for instance, there's not much hanging out forward or backward over the wheels. so it has a very small overhang. Imagine it this way if you glued all 4 wheels to the ground you have the same wheelbase. then you push the bumpers in closer to the wheels, that's probably what the gen6 will look like.
pushing the wheels to the extreme corners of the body helps handling and weight distribution immensely. there is less "swinging" effect of an outside weight. If you can keep all the weight of the vehicle inside the wheelbase (preferably down the centerline) you automatically have a much easier time making the handling more predictable and sharper in alot of cases.
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02-09-2010, 05:31 PM | #25 | ||
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Consider the 1969 Dodge Charger: Notice how the nose and tail extend quite a bit past the wheels? Now, compare that against the Z4 that wylde mentioned: Granted, its a much smaller car overall. But there is clearly less in front and much less out back Quote:
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02-10-2010, 12:08 AM | #26 |
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thanks, but I understand that part. I understand if the length of the car remained the same, and you simply moved the wheels further out then the dynamics will improve.
but if you simply "chop" off the overhangs, you can see that the engine compartment space will be reduced and the trunk space will be reduced. Is that what we expect to happen? In other words, perhaps the engine in the C6 will be smaller to allow the reduction of 1 foot of length? If so, it's not just a "platform change" that will reduce the weight, it will also require a smaller engine right?
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02-10-2010, 12:50 AM | #27 | |
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The trunk on the other hand, expect it to get smaller.
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__________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!!__________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum |
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02-10-2010, 11:27 AM | #28 | |
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