Vehicle Design

Vehicle Design

The body

The Freelander2 body is manufactured like a conventional monocoque. Two monosides are welded to the floor, roof and bulkheads, creating a strong, single structure. Dual Phase (DP), and Bake Hardened (BH), steels are used in the side panel reinforcements. DP steel is also used for the rear of the front side member, for added strength in front and side impacts. The roof structure can accommodate a roof opening panel. When a sunroof is not fitted, the outer roof panel is a single large steel pressing with styled swages to add strength and prevent booming.

The safety of the driver and the passengers is paramount for every body design. There are two key safety aspects in the body:
^ Safety passenger cell
^ Crumple zones

Safety passenger cell
^ Stable pillars, rocker panel and door profiles.
^ Side impact protection in the doors.
^ Doors are designed to open even in the event of extreme deformation.

Crumple zone
^ Dynamic absorption of deforming forces.
^ Protection of the passenger cell.

Vehicle Design