On the Influence of Weight Reduction and Weight Distribution on Vehicle Handling, Ride and Performance

This investigation discusses the dynamic characteristics of a full sized passenger automobile of the 5000-6000 lb weight class relative to Vehicle Handling, Performance and Ride Quality. Weight and moment of inertia parameters are introduced to modify weights and mass moment of inertia judicially and the dynamic behavior is investigated on the basis of the above mentioned criteria. Finally weight reductions at discrete locations along the vehicle length axis are contemplated and the dynamic behavior is determined relative to the above criteria. The overall geometry of the vehicle is considered as being fixed for all weight modifications.