Chapter 1

Introduction to the Automobile

 Objectives

• Describe difference between unibody and

solid frame design
• Discuss and explain four-stroke cycle engine
operation
• Provide an understanding of engine support
systems
• Describe front and rear-wheel drive powertrains
 Body and Chassis
• Chassis – supports engine and car body
• Unibody design – used mostly on new cars
Box beams, body, and floorpan are
incorporated as one unit
• Solid frame design – found on older and rear-
wheel drive vehicles
Body is separate and supported by frame
 Engine Parts and Operation

• Internal combustion
• Reciprocating engine
• Four-stroke cycle
• Cylinder arrangement
The Four Stroke Cycle
 Engine Support Systems
• Cooling System
a. Air
b. Liquid
• Fuel System
a. Carbureted
b. Gas injection
c. Diesel injection
• Lubrication System
 Engine Support Systems (cont’d)
• Electrical system
a. Ignition
b. Starting
c. Charging
d. Computer
• Exhaust system
• Emission control system
Engine Lubrication System
Engine Exhaust System
 The Powertrain
• Powertrain – rear-wheel and four-wheel drive
a. Engine
b. Transmission/transaxle
c. Rear axle assembly or halfshafts
• Manual transmission
• Automatic transmission
• Driveshaft
• Rear axle assembly
• Transaxle
 Accessory Systems

• Climate control systems

• Power seats
• Power windows
• Cruise control
A typical front wheel
drive layout
 History and Development
of the Automobile
• Steam power
• Otto-cycle
• Tires
• Hand crank
• Later developments
a. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
b. Computerized controls