Hydroformed space frame for motor vehicle and method of manufacturing the same

摘要

A space frame (10) is disclosed for a motor vehicle comprising a first hydroformed, longitudinally extending tubular lower side rail (12) and a second hydroformed, longitudinally extending tubular lower side rail (12), the lower side rails being laterally spaced from one another and extending in generally parallel relation to one another. Also included is a pair of generally parallel, hydroformed tubular upper longitudinal structures (20), each being an integrally formed structure fixed to an associated one of the lower side rails. Each upper longitudinal structure has a longitudinally extending portion (26) constructed and arranged to support a roof of the motor vehicle, each longitudinally extending portion extending longitudinally between an upper end of an A pillar (24) of the space frame and an upper end of a rearward-most pillar (28) of the space frame. The hydroformed tubular upper longitudinal structures thus define lengths between the vehicle A pillars and the rearward-most pillars of the space frame. Laterally extending connecting structure connects the lower side rails to one another.