Patent ID: 6641153
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: B60G,B60K,B62D

Abstract:
An engine room arrangement for a vehicle body having a controlled crushable zone, comprising:an engine assembly mounted on a vehicle body in a lateral orientation; and a steering gear unit; and a wheel suspension system arranged on either side of said vehicle body, wherein said wheel suspension system is dimensioned and positioned so as to be contained within a fore-and-aft profile of said engine assembly, and wherein said engine assembly comprises: an upper engine portion including an intake manifold projecting rearward toward a passenger compartment of said vehicle body; and a lower engine portion including a transmission unit, wherein said transmission unit is connected to wheels of said wheel suspension system via axles arranged behind said crankshaft of said engine, and wherein said lower engine portion is disposed substantially below said upper engine portion such that said transmission unit projects rearward toward said passenger compartment of said vehicle body and forms a recess between said upper engine portion and said transmission unit, said steering gear unit being placed behind said engine assembly so as to oppose said recess such that said steering gear unit fits within said recess during a frontal collision.