| In August 2002, Lotus Engineering announced
it had won a €52mn ($63mn) client contract to undertake the first
stages in the development of a radical range of niche vehicles. This represents
the first realisation of VVA technology, a revolutionary approach to niche
vehicle engineering.
VVA embraces advanced technology through the latest materials and processes know-how |
|
 |
VVA technology applies to the full design and development of a family
of up to 5 niche vehicles, each with the capability of being produced
at the rate of around 10,000 units per annum.
The versatility of the approach and of the technology allows each variant
to occupy very different niche markets. The current programme, for example,
accommodates variations between front- and mid-engine configuration, options
for front- and rear-wheel drive, and two-, five- and six-seat vehicles.
VVA is the embodiment of uncompromising versatility.
VVA exploits Lotus Engineering’s well-known expertise in joining
technologies, its capabilities in steel, aluminium & composite body
engineering, and its innovative approach to vehicle structures.
The choice of materials, manufacturing processes and joining technologies
is dependent on the client’s preference, based on its requirements
from the programme. For the current programme, for example, the project
team presented three alternative material/process sets for the client’s
consideration:
Aluminium castings, extrusions, and sheet as per the original concept.
Steel pressings and roll forms utilising latest steel material technologies.
Aluminium castings, extrusions, pressings and roll forms.
VVA was conceived in response to specific clients who required an economical
way of developing exciting niche vehicles to counter spiraling vehicle
development costs.
VVA dramatically reduces development costs through commonality and versatility
of key elements of the vehicle architecture. Structural components common
to each family member are arranged in different configurations in each
variant around ingenious corner nodes. In parallel to this architectural
versatility, platform systems such as suspension and steering components
are designed for application across the variant range.
The most significant time and investment burden is borne during the first
vehicle phase. Development of subsequent variants is more rapid and economical.
A full VVA programme can reduce the overall investment burden by 35% compared
to individual development programmes.
|
|
