UK-based engineering company Dash-CAE has unveiled what it says is a cost-effective, lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, targeting niche automotive and motorsport customers.
Tim Robathan, CEO at Dash-CAE, commented. “The TR01 chassis opens new possibilities for niche automotive manufacturers and larger international OEMs by offering an affordable, versatile, lightweight and high-stiffness carbon monocoque chassis. These programs are often incredibly expensive and the ability to use a production carbon monocoque is a huge time- and cost-saving, without compromising performance.
“Our commitment to innovation and engineering excellence makes the TR01 an industry-disrupting solution that challenges traditional carbon chassis production and makes high-performance monocoques far more accessible,” he added.
Dash says it developed the TR01 chassis to fulfill what it sees as an unaddressed market need for an affordable, high-performance, ‘off-the-shelf’ carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. As a large, single carbon component, chassis manufacture is incredibly challenging. Given the substantial growth of the hypercar market as well as motorsport demands for more affordable monocoques, the company is hopeful that the TR01 offers a compelling off-the-shelf solution.
The TR01 is described as being suitable for any two-seater vehicle requiring a lightweight and stiff carbon monocoque and, although predominantly standardized, can be adapted to customer requirements. It offers a claimed stiffness of 35,000Nm/deg, weighs only 50kg and is priced under £30,000 (US$38,000), which the company says is around 50% cheaper than comparable offerings on the market.
Customers can customize the TR01 chassis to ideally suit their specific applications, including modification of the center console design. Options to accommodate front and rear powertrains are available. The chassis was developed to meet Euro NCAP/FMVSS test standards and crash protection requirements.
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