|
The
C5 is based on an entirely new platform with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The
design meets the most stringent crash-test requirements and reduces vibration
without increasing weight.
The front end
comprises two cantrails with built-in crumple zones, attached to two shock
absorbers, and a cross-beam manufactured from very-high-elastic-limit (VHEL)
sheet steel. Around the passenger compartment, the subframe and the windscreen
pillars are designed to absorb and dissipate energy towards the rear of
the vehicle. The lower front pillar trim is made of VHEL sheet steel.
At the centre
of the vehicle, a roll cage provides effective protection against side
impact. The roll cage consists of the central pillars, reinforced over
their entire height, connected at the top by a roof cross-member and resting
on the side members at their base.
The floor pan
is essentially flat, providing increased leg room and comfort for the passenger
in the central rear seat.
At the rear, the
floor of the boot is recessed to take the spare wheel. Like the front end,
the rear end is fitted with a cross-beam and two shock absorbers.
The cross-beams
and shock absorbers dissipate kinetic energy in the event of collisions
at high speed, and reduce the cost of repairs following minor collisions.
Taking into account
the easy replacement
of under-bonnet components, this limits the repair time for “Thatcham”
type collisions (15 km/h).
Stiffness under
static torsion, in which torque of 1,000 Nm is applied between the front
and rear axles, is 0.8 milliradians.
This excellent
result can be attributed largely to the reinforced front and rear pillars,
the floor cross-members and the central roll cage. This high stiffness
contributes to the excellent road holding of the C5 and the longevity of
the body.
Stiffness under
dynamic torsion is 40 Hz, indicating excellent vibration characteristics.
Road noise and vibration are considerably reduced.
The body shell
weighs 293 kg unfinished and 463 kg with all doors and opening panels.
The total weight of the body shell has been reduced notably by adapting
the steel thickness and grade to individual components, and by making widespread
use of aluminium. For example, the bonnet is 7 kg lighter than a similar
design in steel.The use of bonded welding techniques to assembly the body
panels to the substructure has brought a weight saving of 3 kg while maintaining
excellent stiffness and endurance. Finally, the use of stamping blanks
of varying thicknesses avoids the need for local reinforcement, thereby
saving an additional 1.5 kg.
The C5 sells with
a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and a 3-year paintwork warranty.
The result of many years of testing, this warranty is based on feedback
and extensive in-the-field observation of vehicle ageing in everyday use
and under static exposure to saline environments. Overall, 94 % of the
body shell by weight (including opening panels) is galvanised.
|
