SUBJECT: Automotive Chassis – I

Chapter – 1 (Part 1)

Topic Coverd – Vehicle Layout: Definition of an automobile, layout

of a vehicle. Layout of the front engine rear wheel driven vehicle, and
explain location and function of major vehicle components and
systems in brief. (With Sketch)

Presented By:
Arup Kumar Sikdar
Lecturer in Automobile Engineering
Nalhati Government Polytechnic
 Defination of a Automobile
A Vehicle producing power within itself for its
propulsion is known as self propelled vehicle. Like:
Bus, Aeroplane, railway, marine, truck etc.
But, an Automobile is a
self propelled vehicle which
carries and transport goods &
passenger upon the ground.
Example: Bus, Truck, car, Bike, Auto etc.
 Layout of a Vehicle
The layout of a vehicle concerns the arrangement of the main components.
The following items are generally accepted as being the main components:
Engine, clutch, gearbox, final drive, suspension One of the most popular
arrangements is known as the 'orthodox' or 'conventional' arrangement, this is
shown in simplified form below.

In the arrangement shown above, the : engine is at the front of the vehicle
and the drive is to the rear wheels. Three advantages offered by this
arrangement are: (a) Simplicity. (b) Load distributed fairly evenly about
the vehicle frame. (c) Ease of maintenance (components can be removed
individually for repair or replacement).
Layout of front engine rear wheel driven vehicle
Explanation of front engine rear wheel driven
vehicle
• In this type of arrangement the engine is fitted
at front
• It is very simpler in construction.
• Reliable and Less cost.
• It is most popular layout in heavy vehicle and
racing car.
Advantage of front engine rear wheel drive
vehicle
• The weight distribution is reasonably balanced
between front and rear wheels, which gives
good road holding capability.
• Due to engine and radiator are at front, the
front facing radiator takes full benefit of
natural air stream created by vehicle
movement. Hence reduce the power losses for
large fan.
Cont. advantage
 Tentative Question
• What is Automobile?
• Draw Conventional or front engine rear wheel
drive vehicle layout.
• What are the advantage and Disadvantage of
front engine rear wheel drive vehicle.