Mid-engine chassis

摘要

A chassis for a vehicle is suitable for mounting the engine of the vehicle between the forward and rear axle assemblies of the vehicle. A first forward rail is positioned opposite a second forward rail, and an engine cradle is positioned between the forward and rear axle assemblies. The engine cradle has first and second upper rails. A forward portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail, and a rear portion of the first upper rail is angled toward the second upper rail. A middle portion of the first upper rail is parallel to a middle portion of the second upper rail. The engine cradle further includes first and second lower rails disposed below the first and second upper rails. A plurality of support members coupled the lower first and second lower rails to the first and second upper rails, respectively.

主权项

1. A chassis for a vehicle having an engine disposed between forward and rear axle assemblies, the chassis comprising:
(a) a first forward rail positioned opposite a second forward rail; (b) an engine cradle positioned between the forward and rear axle assemblies, the engine cradle comprising:
(i) a first upper rail positioned opposite a second upper rail; a forward portion of the first upper rail being angled toward the second upper rail and extending forward of a rear end of the first forward rail, a rear portion of the first upper rail being angled toward the second upper rail, a middle portion of the first upper rail being parallel to a middle portion of the second upper rail;(ii) first and second lower rails disposed below the first and second upper rails; and(iii) a plurality of support members, each support member being coupled at a first end to one of the first and second lower rails; wherein (1) a rear end of the first forward rail is coupled to a first of the plurality of support members and is laterally offset from the middle portion of the first upper rail, and (2) a rear end of the second forward rail is coupled to a second of the plurality of support members and is laterally offset from the middle portion of the second upper rail, and (c) a first rear rail positioned opposite a second rear rail, the first rear rail being aligned with the first forward rail and extending forward of a rear end of the first upper rail, the second rear rail extending forward of a rear end of the second upper rail, wherein (1) a forward end of the first rear rail is coupled to a third of the plurality of support members and is laterally offset from the middle portion of the first upper rail, and (2) a forward end of the second rear rail is coupled to a fourth of the plurality of support members and is laterally offset from the middle portion of the second upper rail.