Building the Car of Tomorrow
Design Process
AVR customized the COT chassis design with a focus on proper engineering and design process. The first step AVR took was to construct several test chassis. These were used to determine the areas where the most improvement could be gained.
A full design was then developed in the latest Solidworks package. Every piece was designed with an exact tolerance including even the welding bead. Working with proper design and manufacturing tolerances, AVR has created a sound, repeatable and efficient chassis.
Working with AVR for Design Customizations
AVR is able to provide teams with the flexibility of detailed chassis design input. The expert design staff will also work with the customer’s engineers to define specifications.
To collaborate on this effort, teams are given access to an online interactive design. Engineers can see the changes made to the chassis and navigate through the model without installing any special software. This allows for a collaborative effort ensuring the final product is delivered exactly as it was desired with no surprises or miscommunications.
AVR also has the capacity to work with customers on several other areas. Experts will work with customers on suspension design allowing for specific customizations to the chassis as well as analysis on those designs. Analysis includes FEA analysis as well and kinematics.
Any changes to the chassis can also be included in any CFD analysis that AVR participates in. Controlling the airflow underneath the vehicle helps to improve the overall down force of the car or reduce the drag. (See Aerodynamics Section)
Construction Process
Having a great design with specific tolerances will only be as good as the construction techniques used to build it. AVR has focused on not only on the design but the implementation of it as well.
To construct an AVR chassis several technologies are used. Individual pieces are manufactured using computer controlled laser cutters and bends are always made using a CNC bender. AVR’s methods ensure repeatability while always holding tight tolerances. The tight tolerances allow for the pieces to fit better throughout the chassis saving weight and guaranteeing an accurate construction.
Once AVR has finished construction, it is checked using CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) technology. Each Chassis is verified to meet specifications.
AVR continues to work with customers developing an improved component layout and packaging.
& The Car of Tomorrow
In the 2007 NASCAR introduced the Car of Tomorrow (COT) for select races during the season. For 2008 all Nextel Cup races will be using the COT. This car not only has a new body but also a completely new chassis. As teams hurry to replace their entire fleet of racecars the chassis manufactures have been playing catch-up.
On October 28, 2007 NASCAR announced plans to use the same COT chassis on all cars in the Nationwide Series (formerly Busch). While this car will most likely have a different body style, the chassis will be the same as the one now being used in the Nextel Cup.
With this opportunity AVR decided to design and manufacture the COT chassis. Their design was unveiled during the 2007 PRI show and is now being made available to teams.