MECHANICAL AUTOMOBILE
ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE
Designing the Future of Mobility
AUTOMOBILE
ARCHITECTURE
What is Automobile Architecture?
Automobile architecture refers to the overall design and structure of a
vehicle, focusing on how all the parts and systems come together to create
a functional, efficient, and safe automobile. It encompasses several layers,
from the physical framework of the car (such as the chassis, body, and
internal layout) to the integration of complex systems, like powertrains,
electrical wiring, and safety features.
DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION
OF
AUTOMOBILE ARCHITECTURE
Vehicles are classified into different types based on several factors:
1. Purpose:
Passenger vehicles: Cars, buses, motorcycles. Commercial vehicles: Trucks, vans. Special-
purpose vehicles: Ambulances, fire trucks, construction equipment.
2. Load Capacity:
Light vehicles: Cars, pickup trucks. Heavy vehicles: Buses, trucks, trailers.
3. Fuel Used:
Petrol-powered vehicles. Diesel-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles. Hybrid vehicles.
Alternative fuels: LPG, CNG, hydrogen.
4. Number of Wheels:
Two-wheelers: Motorcycles, scooters. Three-wheelers: Auto-rickshaws. Four-wheelers:
Cars, small trucks. Six or more wheels: Buses, heavy-duty trucks.
5. Transmission:
Manual transmission. Automatic transmission. Semi-automatic transmission.
6. Suspension System:
Independent suspension (used in cars for better comfort). Dependent suspension (used
in trucks and buses for heavier loads).
CHASSIS TYPES:
Car chassis: Designed for passenger vehicles.
Bus chassis: Built to carry multiple passengers.
Motorcycle chassis: Lightweight and compact for two-wheelers.
Four-wheel configurations: Common for cars and light commercial vehicles.
Six-wheel configurations: Used for trucks and heavy-duty applications.
These classifications help define vehicle design, functionality, and usage.
MAJOR UNITS OF
AUTOMOBILE
1. ENGINE
The engine powers the car by converting fuel
(gasoline, diesel, or electricity) into mechanical
energy. Internal combustion engines (ICE) use fuel and
air mixtures for combustion, while electric vehicles
(EVs) use electric motors powered by batteries.
2. TRANSMISSION
The transmission system transfers power from the
engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to change
speeds. It can be manual, automatic, or a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) for smoother acceleration
and improved fuel efficiency.
3. CHASSIS
The chassis is the car’s frame, supporting all other
components like the engine, suspension, and body. It
ensures structural integrity and influences the vehicle's
handling and safety.
4. SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The suspension absorbs road shocks, providing a
smooth ride and maintaining tire contact with the
road. It includes springs, shock absorbers, and control
arms, affecting the vehicle's comfort, handling, and
stability.
5. BRAKING SYSTEM
Brakes slow or stop the vehicle. Modern systems use
disc or drum brakes, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System) to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking.
Brakes are essential for safety and control.
6. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system powers lights, infotainment, and
other components. Key parts include the battery,
alternator, and starter motor, with the alternator
recharging the battery while the engine runs.
7. FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel system stores and delivers fuel to the engine.
It includes the fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel injectors
(or carburetor), ensuring efficient and safe fuel
combustion
8. STEERING MECHANISM
The steering system allows the driver to guide the car.
It consists of the steering wheel, column, and rack and
pinion, with power steering systems for easier
handling, especially at low speeds.
9. COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system prevents the engine from
overheating by circulating coolant through the engine
and radiator, regulating the engine’s temperature for
optimal performance.
10. BODY AND INTERIOR
The body comprises the outer shell of the car,
providing structure, safety, and design. The interior
includes seats, the dashboard, and safety features like
airbags.
11. AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEM
Regulates the internal cabin temperature for comfort,
using components like the compressor, evaporator,
and heater core.
12. EXHAUST SYSTEM
The exhaust system directs exhaust gases from the
engine to the outside of the vehicle. It includes the
exhaust manifold, which collects gases from the
engine cylinders, the catalytic converter, which
reduces harmful emissions, and the muffler, which
reduces noise.
QUESTION:
1. What does the engine do in a car?
2. Which component of an automobile is responsible
for absorbing road shocks and ensuring a smooth
ride for passengers?
LAYOUTS OF AUTOMOBILE
AUTOMOBILE ARCHITECTURE
FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE (FWD)
Engine Position: Front
Drivetrain: Front wheels
Description: In a front-wheel-drive layout, both
the engine and the drivetrain components (like
the transmission) are located in the front of the
vehicle, and the power is transmitted to the front
wheels. This layout is popular in compact and
mid-size vehicles, offering good traction and
efficient use of space. It's often seen in economy
cars and many passenger vehicles.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
More efficient use of space (especially for Can result in understeer (where the car
cabin room). doesn't turn as much as expected).
Better traction in slippery conditions. Limited performance potential in sports or
Lower cost and simpler design. high-performance vehicles.
REAR-WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)
Engine Position: Front or Rear
Drivetrain: Rear wheels
Description: In a rear-wheel-drive layout, the
engine is usually located in the front, while the
power is transmitted to the rear wheels. This
layout is often used in larger cars, sports cars,
and trucks, as it offers a more balanced weight
distribution and better handling characteristics,
especially for performance vehicles.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Better handling and performance, Less efficient in slippery conditions (e.g.,
especially in high-performance and sports snow or ice) due to less weight over the rear
cars. wheels.
Less powertrain weight over the front More complex and costly design.
wheels, leading to better handling and
cornering. Less space in the cabin due to the long
driveshaft and rear axle.
Ideal for towing and hauling in trucks.
ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
Engine Position: Front, Mid, or Rear
Drivetrain: All four wheels
Description: In an all-wheel-drive system, power
is distributed to all four wheels, offering improved
traction on various surfaces. This layout can be
full-time (always active) or part-time (activated
as needed, often in response to slipping
conditions). AWD is common in SUVs, crossovers,
and some sedans, providing better stability and
control, especially in off-road or adverse weather
conditions.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Better traction in various driving conditions Increased weight and complexity.
(snow, mud, rain).
Typically less fuel-efficient compared to
Improved stability and handling. two-wheel drive systems.
Higher maintenance costs.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD OR 4X4)
Engine Position: Front
Drivetrain: All four wheels (manual or automatic
engagement)
Description: Four-wheel-drive vehicles are
designed for off-road use, where power is
directed to all four wheels simultaneously to
increase traction in challenging terrains. It is
generally available in trucks, SUVs, and off-road
vehicles. Some 4WD systems are part-time
(activated only when needed), while others are
full-time.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Excellent traction on off-road surfaces, Reduced fuel efficiency due to the
such as dirt, gravel, and rocks. additional drivetrain components.
Better performance in rough terrain or Heavier and more complex, requiring more
during towing in difficult conditions. maintenance.
Typically more expensive.
REAR-ENGINE LAYOUT
Engine Position: Rear, usually over the rear axle
Drivetrain: Rear wheels (RWD)
Description: In a rear-engine layout, the engine is
located at the back of the vehicle, often directly
above the rear axle. This layout is commonly
found in classic cars like the Volkswagen Beetle
and some Porsche models (e.g., the Porsche 911).
The design is known for its distinctive look and
compactness.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Good traction due to the engine's weight Less balanced weight distribution, which
being over the rear wheels. can cause oversteering (when the rear of
the vehicle slides out during turns).
Compact design, offering more cabin space
in smaller cars. Cooling and air intake issues due to the
engine being placed at the rear.
Can be challenging for handling, especially
for novice drivers.
TRANSVERSE ENGINE LAYOUT
Engine Position: Front
Drivetrain: Front wheels (FWD)
Description: In this layout, the engine is mounted
sideways (transversely) in the front of the vehicle,
with the transmission attached to the side of the
engine. This layout is common in smaller, front-
wheel-drive vehicles like compact cars and
hatchbacks. It offers a more compact design,
contributing to better fuel economy and
maximized interior space.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Efficient use of space, allowing for more May not provide the best handling in
cabin room and better fuel economy. performance vehicles.
Less complex and cheaper to manufacture Limited drivetrain options (typically FWD).
than longitudinal engine layouts.
LONGITUDINAL ENGINE LAYOUT
Engine Position: Front or Rear
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel
drive (AWD), or four-wheel drive (4WD)
Description: In this layout, the engine is mounted
along the length of the vehicle, typically in the
front. The drivetrain usually runs to the rear or all
four wheels. This layout is common in larger,
high-performance vehicles, luxury cars, and
trucks, offering a more balanced weight
distribution and better handling at high speeds.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
Superior handling, especially in rear- Takes up more space in the engine bay,
wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicles. reducing cabin space.
Provides ample room for larger engines and More complex, leading to higher production
more powertrain configurations. and maintenance costs.
QUESTION:
1. Where is the engine typically located in most
cars?
2. What is the main purpose of the chassis in a
car?
THANKYOU FOR
SEE YOU AGAIN
YOUR ATTENTION
Driving Towards a Sustainable Future
SEATWORK:
1.Enumerate major units of automobile.
2.What are the impacts of automobile
architecture in our modern world?
3.What materials are commonly used in
automobile architecture, and why?
