Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The image below is interesting because it shows with more detail the floorpan of a modern car, in this case the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Notice the different strengthening elements and rigidity measures that this type of construction allows.

BMW 5 series

An image of the structure of the 2011 BMW 5 series showing a great amount of hot formed steel but also the intensive use of aluminium for body panels and parts of the front structure. Although to less extent than the previous E60 5 series, BMW favours the use of aluminium in the front contributing to a better front to rear weight distribution.

Volvo car body

Volvo is a brand well known for safety. In the image below one gest to see the body structure of one of its cars (S60) with coloured parts for the different materials. A bit like previous images in this blog but this time applied in the real structure.

Mercedes CL

The skeleton of the Mercedes CL, including "Mega" High Strength Steel. Also note the use of magnesium in several parts, one of the growing trends in car body structures.

Ford Focus III

The body structure of a global leader: Ford Focus III. The car has class-leading body stiffness and structure technology. A vehicle developed for manufacturing in different continents while adopting state-of-the-art steel technology and very competitive prices.Notice the two door beams at the rear doors.

2013 Audi A3

The new Audi A3 is one example of modern techniques in car body design. The image below shows, in red, an extensive use of hot-formed steel - usually used in high stressed parts with strength in excess of 1000MPa.

Hyundai Veloster

The Veloster is an interesting car with one door on the driver side and two doors on the passenger side. How is the structure reinforced to cope with that? Check the picture below, the car uses a "dual centre" roof rail.