Assignment No.

3
Aim: Assignment on automobile or vehicle specifications and its systems in passenger car

Q. No. 1 What is automobile or vehicle? Explain the classification of vehicles

An automobile (or automotive) is a vehicle that is capable of propelling itself. Since seventeenth
century, several attempts have been made to design and construct a practically operative automobile.
Today, automobiles play an unimaginable role in the social, economic and industrial growth of any
country. After the introduction of internal combustion engines, the Automobile industry has seen a
tremendous growth.

Classification of automobiles:
Automobiles can be classified into several types based on several criteria. A brief classification of
automobiles is listed below:

Classification of Automobiles
1. Based on purpose
2. Based on capacity
3. Based on fuel source
4. Based on type of transmission
5. Based on number of wheels
6. Based on side of drive
7. Based on load
8. Based on body [Doors]
9. Based on position of engine
1. Based on purpose:
A. Passenger vehicles – These automobiles carry passengers – e.g: Buses, Passenger trains, cars
B. Goods vehicles – These vehicles are used for transportation of goods from one place to another.
e.g: Goods lorry, goods carrier
2. Based on capacity:
A. Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) – Large and bulky motor vehicles – e.g: Large trucks, buses
B. Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) – Small motor vehicles – e.g: Cars, Jeeps
C. Medium Vehicle – Relatively medium sized vehicles – e.g: Small trucks, mini buses

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 3. Based on fuel source:
A. Petrol engine vehicles – Automobiles powered by petrol engine – e.g: scooters, cars, mopeds,
motorcycles
B. Diesel engine vehicles – Automotives powered by diesel engine – e.g: Trucks, Buses
C. Gas vehicles – Vehicles that use gas turbine as power source – e.g: Turbine powered cars
D. Solar vehicles – Vehicles significantly powered by solar power – e.g: Solar powered cars
E. Hydrogen vehicles – Vehicles that have hydrogen as a power source – e.g: Honda FCX Clarity
F. Electric vehicles – Automobiles that use electricity as a power source – e.g: Electric cars,
electric buses
G. Steam Engine Vehicles – Automotives powered by steam engine – e.g: Steamboat, steam
locomotive, steam wagon
H. Hybrid Vehicles – Vehicles that use two or more distinct power sources – e.g: Hybrid buses,
hybrid cars like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight
I. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) – Automobile that uses both Internal Combustion Engine and
Electric Power Source to propel itself – e.g: Jaguar C-X75
4. Based on type of transmission:
A. Automatic transmission vehicles – Automobiles that are capable of changing gear ratios
automatically as they move – e.g: Automatic Transmission Cars
B. Conventional transmission vehicles – Automotives whose gear ratios have to be changed
manually
C. Semi-automatic transmission vehicles – Vehicles that facilitate manual gear changing with
clutch pedal
5. Based on number of wheels:
A. Two wheeler – Automobiles having two wheels – e.g: Scooters, motorcycles
B. Three wheeler – Automotive having three wheels – e.g: Tricycles, Auto rikshaws, Tempos
C. Four wheeler – Vehicle having four wheels – e.g: Car, Jeep
D. Six wheeler – Automobile having six wheels used for heavy transportation – e.g: Large trucks,
large buses
6. Based on the side of drive:
A. Left hand drive automobile – Vehicle in which steering wheel is fitted on the left hand side –
e.g: Automobiles found in USA, Russia
B. Right hand drive automobile - Vehicle in which steering wheel is fitted on the right hand side
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 – e.g: Automobiles found in India, Australia
7. On the Basis of Load :
(a) Heavy transport vehicle (HTV) or heavy motor vehicle (HMV),
e.g. trucks, buses, etc.
(b) Light transport vehicle (LTV)
e.g. pickup, station wagon, etc.
(c) Light motor vehicle (LMV),
e.g. cars, jeeps, etc.
8. On the Basis of Body
On the basis of body, the vehicles are classified as :
(a) Sedan with two doors
(b) Sedan with four doors
(c) Station wagon
(d) Convertible, e.g. jeep, etc.
(e) Van
(f) Special purpose vehicle,
e.g. ambulance, milk van, etc.
9. On the basis of Position of the Engine
Engine in Front :
Most of the vehicles have engine in the front.
Example : most of the cars, buses, trucks in India.
Engine in the Rear Side:
Very few vehicles have engine located in the rear.
Example : Nano car.

Q. No. 2 Explain the function of vehicle chassis and explain its different parts.

What is An Automobile Chassis?

It is the backbone of vehicle on which total load of vehicle is applied. The components of vehicle
like power plant, transmission system, Axils, wheels, electrical system are mounted on chassis. It is
the main mounting for all the components including the body so it is called carrying unit of vehicle.

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 Chassis is the main support structure of the vehicle which is also known as ‘Frame’. It bears all the
stresses on the vehicle in both static and dynamic conditions. In a vehicle, it is analogous to the
skeleton in living organisms. The origin of the word Chassis lies in the French language. Every
vehicle whether it is a two-wheeler or a car or a truck has a chassis-frame. However, its form
obviously varies with the vehicle type.

CHASSIS FRAME AND BODY

The components of the vehicle like Power plant, Transmission System, Axles, Wheels and Tyres,
Suspension, Controlling Systems like Braking, Steering etc., and also electrical system parts are
mounted on the Chassis frame. It is the main mounting for all the components including the body.
Types of Car Chassis

 Ladder. A ladder frame car chassis is a common type of frame used as a base for vehicles,
creating a solid base from the shape that the name suggests.
 Backbone. A substantial central component is necessary for a backbone car chassis,
connecting the front and rear of the entire frame.
 Monocoque
 Space.
 Combination.

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 CHASSIS FRAME AND BODY
Q. No. 3 Explain the functions of major components of an automobile.

FUNCTIONS OF MAJOR COMPONENTS OF AN AUTOMOBILE

Chassis and Frame :
The chassis is formed by the frame with the frame side members and cross members. The frame is
usually made of box, tubular and channel members that are welded or riveted together. In addition to
this, it comprises of the springs with the axles and wheels, the steering system and the brakes, the
fuel tank, the exhaust system, the radiator, the battery and other accessories. Along with this the
frame supports the body.
Engine or Power Plant :
The engine is the power plant of the vehicle. In general, internal combustion engine with petrol or
diesel fuel is used to run a vehicle. An engine may be either a two-stroke engine or a four-stroke
engine. An engine consists of a cylinder, piston, valves, valve operating mechanism,
Carburetor (or MPFI in modern cars), fan, fuel feed pump and oil pump, etc. Besides this, an
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 engine requires ignition system for burning fuel in the engine cylinder.

Transmission System (Clutch and Gear Box):

The power developed by the engine is transferred to the wheels by transmission system.
Transmission system must do three jobs :
(a) It must provide varying gear ratios. Number of gear ratio are equal to number of gears in a
vehicle.
(b) It must provide a reverse gear for moving vehicle in reverse direction.
(c) It must provide a neutral or disconnecting arrangement so that the engine can be uncoupled from
the wheels of the vehicle. In a conventional transmission system, there is a clutch, a manually
operated transmission (gear box), a propeller shaft and a differential or final drive.
Clutch :
The purpose of the clutch is to allow the driver to couple or decouple the engine and transmission.
When clutch is in engaged position, the engine power flows to the transmission through it (clutch).
When gears are to be changed while vehicle is running, the clutch permits temporary decoupling of
engine and wheels so that gears can be shifted. In a scooter, the clutch is operated by hand where as
in a car the clutch is operated by foot. It is necessary to interrupt the flow of power before gears are
changed. Without a clutch, it will by very difficult.
Final Drive :
Final drive is the last stage in transferring power from engine to wheels. It reduces the speed of the
propeller shaft (drive shaft) to that of wheels. It also turns the drive of the propeller shaft by an angle
of 90o to drive the wheels. The propeller shaft has a small bevel pinion which meshes with crown
wheel. The crown wheel gives rotary motion to rear axles. The size of crown wheel in bigger than
that of bevel pinion, therefore, the speed of rear axles (or crown wheel) in lower than the speed of
pinion. Final drive is of two types, i.e. chain type and gear type.
Braking System :
Brakes are used to slow down or stop the vehicle. Hydraulic brakes are generally used in
automobiles, where brakes are applied by pressure on a fluid. Mechanical brakes are also used in
some vehicles. These brakes are operated by means of levers, linkages, pedals, cams, etc. Hand
brake or parking brake is known usually mechanical brake. These are used for parking the vehicles
on sloppy surfaces and also in case of emergency.
Gear Box :
Gear box contain gearing arrangement to get different speeds. Gears are used to get more than one

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 speed ratios. When both mating gears have same number of teeth, both will rotate at same number
speed. But when one gear has less teeth than other, the gear with less number of teeth will rotate
faster than larger gear. In a typical car, there may be six gears including one reverse gear. First gear
gives low speed but high torque. Higher gears give progressively increasing speeds. Gears are
engaged and disengaged by a shift lever.
Steering System :
In front wheels can be turned to left and right by steering system so that the vehicle can be steered.
The steering wheel is placed in front of driver. It is mechanically linked to the wheels to provide the
steering control. The primary function of the steering system is to provide angular motion to front
wheels so that vehicle can negotiate a turn. It also provides directional stability to vehicle when the
vehicle moves ahead in straight line. Now-a-days, many vehicles are equipped with power steering
which uses pressure of a fluid to reduce steering effort. When driver turns the steering wheel, a
hydraulic mechanism comes into play to provide most of the effort needed to turn the wheel.
Front Axle :
A part of the weight of vehicle is transmitted to the wheels through this axle. The front axle
performs several functions. It carries the weight of the front of the vehicle and also takes horizontal
and vertical loads when vehicle moves on bumpy roads. When brakes are provided
on front wheels, it endures bending stresses and torsional stresses. It is generally made from steel
drop forging. It is robust in construction.
Suspension System :
Suspension system of an automobile separates the wheel and axle assembly of the automobile from
its body. Main function of the suspension system is to isolate the body of the vehicle from shocks
and vibrations generated due to irregularities on the surface of roads. Shock absorbers are provided
in the vehicles for this purpose. It is in the form of spring and damper. The suspension system is
provided both on front end and rear end of the vehicle. A suspension system also maintains the
stability of the vehicle in pitching or rolling when vehicle is in motion.
Q. No. 4 Explain the relative positioning of engine and drive axle layout of an automobile.

Your vehicle’s drive train works with the engine to deliver power to the wheels. The most common
types of drive trains are front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), four-wheel drive
(4WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
Front-wheel drive

The majority of vehicles on the road today are powered by front-wheel drive systems. In this

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 system, the front wheels provide the power. All of the drive train components are located in the front
of the vehicle which increases traction in the front wheels. Vehicles with front-wheel drive are
typically lighter, helping to improve gas mileage.

Rear-wheel drive

Once the industry standard, a rear-wheel drive system relies on the rear wheels to deliver the power.
Commonly found on trucks and performance vehicles, RWD gives needed traction with heavy loads
and optimal handling on performance cars. One drawback of rear-wheel drive is reduced traction on
slippery roads; this might not be ideal for snowy climates.

Four-wheel drive

A four-wheel drive system features two drive shafts and a transfer case to deliver power to all four
wheels. Today’s 4WD systems are either full-time or part-time. In a full-time system, the vehicle
automatically switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive while a part-time system requires
the driver to manually engage the four-wheel drive system. 4WD shines in heavy snow and off-road

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 situations.

All-wheel drive

AWD delivers power to all four wheels. Most all-wheel drive systems are always on, using sensors
to determine which wheel needs power. However, be aware that systems vary and some all-wheel
drive setups stay in two-wheel drive most of the time and only go into all-wheel drive mode when
the sensors detect the vehicle is losing traction.

Q. No. 5 Explain the specifications of passenger car.

. General Information:

 Brand
 Model
 Generation
 Engine
 Year of stopping production
 Year of putting into production

2. Engine:

 Power
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  Model engine
 Position of engine
 Engine displacement
 Maximum engine speed
 Torque
 Fuel system
 Turbine
 Valve train
 Position of cylinders
 Number of cylinders
 Bore
 Stroke
 Compression ratio
 Number of valves per cylinder
 Engine oil capacity
 Coolant
 Fuel type

3. Performance:

 Acceleration
 Fuel consumption
 Emission standard
 CO2 emissions
 Permitted trailer load with and with brakes

4. Coupe:

 Coupe type
 Seats
 Length
 Width
 Width with mirrors folded
 Width including mirrors
 Wheelbase

5. Off-road Specifications

6. Drive train. Brakes and suspension:

 Wheel drive
 Number of gears(automatic transmission)
 Number of gears(manual transmission)
 Front suspension
 Rear suspension
 Front brakes
 Rear brakes
 ABS
 Steering type
 Power steering
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  Minimum turning circle(turning diameter)
 Wheel rims size
 Tire size

Specifications of Mahindra Gusto [Two Wheeler]

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 Specifications of Maruti 800 [Four Wheeler]

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