Body Structure
Body StructureLightweight and Highly Rigid Body
1. High Strength Sheet Steel
High strength sheet steel is used in order to realize excellent body rigidity and a lightweight body.
2. Body Shell Construction
Front Portion
^ The front suspension tower, the coWl top panel, and the front pillar are joined with reinforcements to help ensure the rigidity of the body.
^ The right and left front suspension towers are joined at the front cowl panel to help ensure the rigidity of the body.
^ A cowl-to-pillar brace has been provided at the area where the instrument panel reinforcement is mounted, in order to suppress steering vibration.
^ Braces have been provided at the bottom of the front suspension member to help ensure the rigidity of the front suspension member in the longitudinal direction.
Rear Portion
^ The area for mounting the rear shock absorber has been changed from the inside of the rear wheel housing to the rear suspension member, in order to enlarge the space of the vehicle interior.
^ Braces have been provided at the rear suspension member to help ensure rigidity and driving stability.
^ Reinforcements have been located effectively around the back door opening and around the area to which the rear suspension is mounted, in order to help ensure the torsional rigidity of the body.