By that time, mass models began to appear in many brands, the production of which was sought to be made cheaper and simplified, among other things, by reducing material consumption and simplifying assembly technology. The then widespread designs with a frame chassis and bodies on a wooden frame did not have this, and, despite the higher price of steel, the body building was reoriented from wood to metal.
Bodies began to cook from stamped metal parts. The designers, who had at their disposal the technology of stamping frame parts of the desired profile and strength, had only to strengthen the spatial structure of the body to the extent that it could carry the components and assemblies of the entire car.
By that time, the calculation methods and metalworking technologies had reached the level when it became possible to achieve a small weight and sufficient rigidity of a three-dimensional system in mass production.
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Lancia Lambda Torpedo 4 Series 1922-1924
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Opel Olympia 1935-1937
So, in fact, the load-bearing body of the car was born. The first frameless mass-produced cars were the Italian Lancia Lambda (1922) with an open "torpedo" body. Then there were compact Opel sedan Olympia (1935) and the front-wheel drive Citroen 7 Traction Avante (1934), which later became legendary. They showed that a frame for a mass passenger car is not at all necessary. But these cars were akin to today's Tesla or BMW i8. Everyone knew about them, but very few had them.
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fracture
By the middle of the twentieth century, another significant advantage of an all-metal load-bearing body over frame structure. The public began to care about the passive safety of vehicles. Crash tests have shown that cars with a spar frame are dangerous in the most common collisions - frontal ones.
A too rigid frame did not allow the “front end” of the car to deform and absorb the impact energy to the right extent, as a result, passengers in the cabin received fatal injuries from hitting interior parts.
With a frameless car, it turned out to be much easier to calculate the deformation zones for the most "popular" types of collisions and ensure the safety of the "inhabited capsule". The load-bearing body also allowed the designers, with its significant collapse from a frontal impact, to direct a heavy power unit under the bottom, and not into the cabin, as often happened with a frame structure closed from below with rigid spars.
Thus, a whole complex of reasons was formed that led to a departure from the widespread use of frame structures:
1. The emergence of technologies for the production of load-bearing bodies of small mass and sufficient rigidity;
2. The struggle to lighten cars;
3. The desire to increase the usable volume of the body;
4. Desire to improve vehicle handling by lowering the center of gravity;
5. Increasing requirements for the passive safety of the car.
Nash car 1942. Body reinforcements are highlighted in the figure.
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Ford Crown Victoria police interceptor
For these reasons, frame structures lasted in the American auto industry until 2011, when the factory that produced the last of the full-size Mohicans, the Ford Crown Victoria, which we all know from American action movies of the 1990s and 2000s, was closed as the main police transport.
The car was durable, hardy and comfortable, although by today's standards, with significant dimensions (5.4 x 2.0 x 1.5 m), it could not boast of the corresponding space in the cabin. The next police officer Ford - the Taurus Police Interceptor sedan (we wrote about it in an article about) - is already made according to an all-supporting scheme.
What about off road?
Things were not so simple in the off-road car community: it turned out to be more difficult to deprive them of a frame without significant losses. At least because driving on bad roads or off-road one way or another involves frequent "hanging out" of the car - its diagonal skew.
In order to ensure the preservation of the geometry of the load-bearing body, it is necessary to significantly strengthen it with additional scarves, struts, and more powerful beams. Otherwise, distortions of openings with the inability to open or close the door, and even fatigue cracks in the most loaded places are inevitable. The situation is aggravated by the fact that most SUVs have large five-door bodies, which are even more difficult to provide spatial rigidity.
In general, completely "pick up" the frame from large SUVs the designers could not - they made it integrated. In other words, the lightweight parts of the conventional frame were built into the power frame of the body. First of all, these were longitudinal spars, developed to a three-dimensional shape in certain "regions" of the body. So did the creators of the third generation Land Rover Discovery (2004) or Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005) second generation.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Land Rover Discovery
And he was one of the pioneers of the integrated frame among uncompromising SUVs. At birth in 1966, "Volynyanka" received a light open body, in the bottom of which a spar frame of longitudinal and transverse beams was welded. More about the history of this amazing car we have already written.
It should be noted that losing the frame, representatives of the glorious tribe of harsh "rogues" risk losing the opportunity to have many close "relatives" - a certain number of variations of bodies and models. After all, it is the frame chassis that facilitates the creation of "
They are really getting smaller. Others have not been radically updated for decades, experiencing only light restyling. Such cars are still mostly frame, with an enviable ground clearance and high-torque diesel engines.
One of the hallmarks of a real fighter is a powerful transmission with transfer case, downshift and hard differential locks. A car with such a transmission can rightfully be called an SUV. Many manufacturers, emphasizing the remarkable all-terrain qualities, indicate not only the magnitude ground clearance, but also the depth of the ford to be overcome.
Guided by common sense, we included in the review cars whose price in the basic configuration before the onset of 2015 did not exceed two million rubles.
Pickups were not considered - they are a separate issue.
Kia Mohave (points 1 and 6)
Frame. Gasoline, 275 hp; diesel, 250 hp; automatic transmission. Ground clearance 217 mm.
SsangYong Kyron (1)
Frame. Gasoline, 150 hp; diesel, 141 hp; box: manual or automatic. Ground clearance 199 mm.
Frame. Diesel, 146–186 hp; box: manual or automatic. Ground clearance 206–247 mm, depending on modification.
Suzuki Jimny (1)
Frame. Gasoline, 85 hp; box: manual or automatic. Clearance 190 mm.
UAZ Patriot (1)
Frame. Gasoline, 128 hp; diesel, 114 hp; mechanical box. Fording depth 500 mm; ground clearance 210 mm.
Lada 4×4 (2)
Bearing body. Gasoline, 83 hp; mechanical box. Fording depth 450 mm; ground clearance 220 mm.
Bearing body. Gasoline, 80 hp; mechanical box. Fording depth 450 mm; ground clearance 220 mm.
Suzuki Grand Vitara (2)
Bearing body. Gasoline, 140–168 hp; box: manual or automatic. Ground clearance 200 mm.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (3)
Frame. Gasoline, 163–282 hp; diesel, 173 hp; box: manual or automatic. Fording depth 700 mm; ground clearance 220 mm.
Land Rover Discovery 4 (3)
Bearing body with integrated frame. Diesel, 211 hp; automatic box. Fording depth 700 mm; ground clearance 210 mm.
Jeep Wrangler (4)
Frame. Gasoline, 286 hp; diesel, 200 hp; automatic box. Fording depth 489 mm; ground clearance 210 mm.
Mitsubishi Pajero (5)
Bearing body with integrated frame. Gasoline, 178–250 hp; diesel, 200 hp; box: manual or automatic. Fording depth 700 mm; ground clearance 225–235 mm.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (5)
Frame. Gasoline, 222 hp; diesel, 178 hp; box: manual or automatic. Ground clearance 215 mm.
Chevrolet TrailBlazer (1)
Frame. Gasoline, 239 hp; diesel, 180 hp; box: manual or automatic. Ground clearance 220 mm.
SUVs are cars that are not afraid of mud, snow, or Russian roads. Cars of this series are popular with motorists. On the market, frame SUVs are a success. They have a large resource, powerful power units are often installed on them, a high view makes it easier to manage. There are also disadvantages. These include greater "gluttony", due to the increased mass, controllability decreases, the cost of consumables increases.
The review presents frame SUVs presented on Russian market in various price categories.
Domestic UAZ Patriot
Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant presented updated UAZ Patriot. The update affected how appearance, and the interior of the car. First of all, optics equipped with running lights and consisting of LEDs. The radiator grille resembles the letter "V" and gives the car a serious look. The rear sets of headlights have increased in size, a brake light repeater is now installed on the fifth door. Rear-view mirrors are equipped with repeaters. Bumpers are not attached to the frame, as before, but directly to the car body, it looks much better than its predecessor.
Serious changes have also affected the interior. The driver and passenger seats are now supported, a multifunction steering wheel has appeared. The 7-inch on-board computer screen is a convenient means of navigation, full control of the car and shows everything that the driver wants to see on the road. There is a lot of space in the cabin, both front and rear.
In addition, if you fold the front seats, given the dimensions of the car, there are two full beds. A noticeable change is the handout with electronic control. Four-wheel drive is no longer connected manually, it is enough to squeeze the clutch and turn the controller at neutral speed. The electronics do the rest. Of the useful improvements - pre-heating and a rear-view camera.
As for cross-country ability, the car retained the features of its predecessors. The Patriot feels great both on the track and on the fields washed out by rains. Stabilizers roll stability do not allow the car to “throw” on the highway at high speeds.
Taking into account possible discounts, the lower bar is 589 thousand rubles, for the maximum, with alloy wheels, winter training, radio station and diesel engine will have to pay 859 thousand rubles.
Frame Nissan Patrol
Nissan SUVs are different large sizes, but the new Patrol has fantastic dimensions - five meters long and two wide and high. At the same time, the driver’s landing is high, such dimensions do not interfere with handling. The interior is upholstered in leather, the space between the driver and front passenger is divided by a console. In any configuration, a multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch screen for the driver are available.
Surround and rear view cameras are preinstalled. On the second passenger row there is a DVD player, a refrigerator, air vents. In the third row, there are seats for passengers with seat belts, without additional options. Trunk volume - 500 liters. Gas engine a volume of 5.6 liters produces 405 "horses".
The car does not drive along the highway, but floats like a ship, thanks to the frame structure. Noise isolation is made in such a way that even the noise of the wheels and the engine is not audible. The automatic gearbox works smoothly, the speed is gained quickly and imperceptibly. Off-road driving options are:
- stones
- sand
- track
Fuel consumption is increased, which is not surprising for such a machine. Ideally, you will get 17 liters per 100 kilometers, in practice this is hardly feasible.
Buy Nissan Patrolit is possible from 3550 thousand rubles to 3900 thousand rubles. Cars are sold with one engine and gearbox option, the only difference is additional equipment for the convenience of the driver.
Frame SUV Mitsubishi Pajero
The Japanese company Mitsubishi presents new version famous Pajero. The appearance is made in the corporate style for the company. The car has increased in size, the body has become 90 mm longer, the roof has become 5 mm longer. Overall dimensions: 4.78 m long, 1.8 m high, 1.81 wide.
The car in a new body is equipped with a 2.4 diesel engine, has 181 liters. With. and 430 Nm of torque. Instead of a 7-speed, a smooth 8-speed automatic is installed. The manufacturer claims 15% fuel savings and reduced CO emissions. It is worth noting that a little later the Japanese promised to release a variant with a gasoline engine.
Prices have not been officially announced, but are rumored to be around 4 million rubles. Sales will start from the beginning of 2016. Surprisingly, in Russia they will be one of the first to start, and new Padzheriki will be assembled at the Kaluga plant.
Frame Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Standing apart is the Mersedes-Benz G-Class, known to us as the "gelik". The appearance of the 2016 lineup has not undergone any changes. A classic in fashion for years to come. Cosmetic changes have been made. Obvious leather interior, multifunction steering wheel, all the possible amenities that you can imagine - this is already there by default. The driver is offered assistance in driving, in any configuration there is ABS, ASR, EBA, EBD, ESP. Not to mention dual-zone climate control and on-board computer, in a car of this class, the absence of such things cannot be imagined.
The Germans presented four engine options:
G350 - 3 liter diesel, 245 horses
G500 - 4 liter diesel engine 422 hp
AMG versions:
5.5 liters, V8 engine, 571 hp
6.0 liters, V12 engine, 630 horses and 1 KNm of torque (!).
The car deserves only accolades. Excellent off-road qualities, the most modern filling, ageless appearance - this has long won the special love of car enthusiasts around the world. Only one minus, although it may seem insignificant to someone: the price.
You can not ignore the Chinese SUVs. Although there are many complaints and complaints about them, in general they have successfully occupied the niche of inexpensive cars. We note in advance that using them for real off-road trips is a bad idea. Chinese SUVs, even if frame ones, are suitable for driving on the highway and in the city.
The Chinese company Great Wall Hover is a popular brand in Russia
The Hover H5 model has a tolerable interior, the appearance is the merit of Japanese engineers. Build quality is normal. The car is equipped with climate control, multimedia system, rear view camera and heating front glass. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable and heated. Noise isolation is not at the highest level, the sound of a running engine is heard in the cabin. Versions with automatic and "mechanics" are presented. "Ponizhayka" can be turned on only on a car with a manual transmission. The cross-country ability of this frame SUV better than a crossover, but you should not take risks and intentionally storm off-road on this car.
It is supplied with engines of 2.4 l (136 hp, gasoline), 2.0 l (150 hp, diesel) and with a five-speed manual or automatic. The price will be about 900 thousand rubles, the direct competitor of the new UAZ Patriot.
Frame Haval H9
Haval H9 - the flagship of the company Great Wall. Appearance from afar resembles Toyota Prado, in dimensions corresponds to "adult" SUVs - 4.8 × 1.92x.19.1 m. The clearance height is 230 millimeters. No complaints and decoration, made of quality materials. Like the Nissan Patrol, the car is equipped with three rows of seats. We can say that the car represents the Chinese version Japanese Toyota Prado. Independent suspension, 8-speed automatic, three-zone climate control, entertainment for passengers, leather trim - this positions the Haval H9 as a business class car at an affordable price.
Equipment in Russia - a two-liter engine with 218 hp and a 6-speed "automatic" You can buy this "Chinese" at a price of 1.3 million rubles.
The niche of inexpensive frame SUVs is confidently filled Chinese manufacturers. But I would like to warn potential buyers: these cars are not the best choice to travel away from settlements and complex terrain profile, although their quality is getting better from series to series.
An unequivocal answer to the question "which SUV is better to buy?" no and cannot be. Everyone picks up a car for themselves. For someone for fishing and daily driving, a good UAZ Patriot for the Russian manufacturer is quite suitable, and someone can afford the Gelendvagen maximum configuration. For a family, one will choose a hefty Nissan Patrol, while the other will purchase inexpensively chinese jeep and will be quite happy with the purchase. In any case, the car market is growing and developing, and make the final choice after studying various offers.
To answer the question "What does a frame SUV mean?", It should be noted design features such vehicles. These are those cars based on the design of which is a metal frame. Attached to the frame chassis and SUV body. The main advantage of this design is its strength. This principle plays a significant role, taking into account the conditions in which these vehicles are used. Also, due to durability, frame SUVs are relatively painlessly restored after traffic accidents.
Other advantages are high comfort and relative control accuracy due to the attachment of all the most important components to the frame. The frame allows you to level a significant amount of noise and vibration. Thanks to the high landing, the frame SUV gives the driver an excellent overview.
Outstanding specimens
In this part, we will try to at least approximately compile a rating of frame SUVs.
The first frame SUV list opening will be Toyota Land cruiser. Only this model deserves to open our impromptu review of frame SUVs.
Japanese frame SUVs have largely become popular thanks to the efforts of Toyota. Many domestic and foreign connoisseurs automotive world It is rightly recognized that the Land Cruiser is perhaps the most reliable frame SUV in the world.
The Kruzak began to victoriously ride around the world already in the early 60s. But the real sensation came in 1987, when the release of the LC 70 started.
This machine marked the development vector of the entire family for a long time to come. It was from this model that those features began to be traced for which car owners love Toyota all-terrain vehicles - excellent cross-country ability, a reference level of comfort, and most importantly, phenomenal durability and reliability of the car.
The LC 80 greatly strengthened the success of the previous model, and the LC 100, the famous "100", has become a cult car in Russia and other countries. As mentioned earlier, motorists appreciate the reliability of these cars.
On the secondary market there is such a paradox that the supported "cruisers" practically do not lose in price, and the copies of the "100" model in excellent condition are also becoming more expensive.
The famous American all-terrain vehicles were originally used in the military field, where they became famous for their cross-country ability, speed and utility. It goes without saying that such a machine became available to civilians over time. "Demobilized", "Hammer" did not lose its combat skills and remained a passable and powerful vehicle.
Over time, GM released a completely "civilian" version of the H2, which became famous for its enormous size and comparable price. While the H2 was a bulky treasure chest, it was able to retain what the H1 made its name on - frame construction, solid axles, bulky powerful motor. There was also a younger brother - a more compact and sane frame crossover H3 in terms of dimensions. The connoisseurs of the brand revere the "H1 alpha" model, which was assembled in 2006, the last in the history of H1.
Our list of SUVs continues with another "Japanese". Respect "Patrol" no less than Toyota's "Land Cruiser". Like many "frames", the brainchild of "Nissan" bears military roots. The first copies of "Patrol" appeared in 1950. And from the very first generation, the designers have remained true to two things: an easy-to-maintain engine, a strong frame and solid axles.
"Patrols" were for a long time one of the main vehicles of the UN mission, and were also operated by many armies.
Now the Nissan Patrol is an eight-seater comfortable "frame" with a very powerful engine, which does not save and off-road. Infinity produces a luxury version of Patrol under the QX index.
The legendary "British", famous for its cross-country ability and reliability. The British have been making The Defender since 1983. For 30 years, its design and appearance have hardly seen any changes. This is a passable jeep with a high-torque motor.
Mistakes in ergonomics, excessive rigidity, poor sound insulation and mediocre comfort are attributed to the disadvantages of the Land Rover. However, this was not what the Defender made a name for itself, but the ability to wade through incredible jungles and be reliable in harsh operating conditions. This frame SUV has not conquered the peaks.
He is also "Gelandewagen", he is also "Gelik". According to the degree of lust, this device will give odds to the most beautiful woman. The dream of any male aged 15 years and above. And, it began, as elsewhere - military needs. Since then, "G-Klasse" has not parted with the frame, rigid axles and high-torque motor. Nevertheless, "Gelik" managed beyond measure to realize the status of an expensive, prestigious and pretentious car.
Another SUV on a frame from Japan. Mega has been popular in our homeland for all four generations of production. The Russians especially fell in love with the second incarnation of the Padzherik, which rolled off the assembly line until 1999. "Ramnik" from "Mitsubishi" was made under license in many parts of the world and was valued everywhere for its cross-country ability and unpretentiousness. If we recall reliable frame SUVs, then Pajero is one of the first in a number of associations.
The standard of American jeep construction: heavy, frame, floating on the road and devouring oceans of gasoline. In the Russian-speaking part of the planet Earth, he is famous for the second generation. "Tahoe" is loved for its impressive dimensions and impressive 6-liter power unit, as well as mechanical box, rare for "Americans". A long-wheelbase version of the Suburban is also available.
Not all frame crossovers are listed here, but this short list allows you to understand what the best frame SUV should be.
If you are thinking about buying
The modern car market in its bins will find for you a variety of instances of frame SUVs. Prices for frame SUVs can fluctuate in different ranges - depending on the configuration, the availability of additional equipment and the manufacturer. New frame SUVs appear on sale every year.
One of the plausible purchase options are Chinese frame SUVs. Their two advantages have strengthened the competitive chances, they are cheap and relatively time-tested. As a rule, Chinese frame SUVs are assembled under a license purchased from the Japanese, which guarantees relative quality. An example is Great Wall cars. Their lineup includes the Deer and Hover families - licensed copies of the Toyota 4Runner and Isuzu Axiom, respectively.
The cost of frame SUVs
When studying prices for new frame SUVs, you need to be prepared to shell out a substantial amount. As a rule, a new frame SUV is an expensive, well-equipped car.
The table of SUVs, shown in the form of a bulleted list below, will help you navigate the prices for popular models frame SUVs:
- Uaz Patriotfrom 559,000 rubles;
- Nissan Pathfinder from 1,930,000 rubles;
- Land Rover Defender from 1,504,000 rubles;
- SsangYong Rexton from 1,579,000 rubles;
- Toyota LC 200 from 2,998,000 rubles;
- Great wall hover H6 from 749,000 rubles;
- Mercedes G-Klasse from 4,380,000 rubles.
If you want to buy a multi-purpose car suitable for the whole family and adaptable to many conditions, then look for SUV frame cars in this segment. Frame SUVs truly give the driver a lot of opportunities. We hope our review material will help you choose the best frame SUV.
Greetings, my dear readers! In this publication, friends, we will understand the features of the body structure cars, their varieties and find out what is better frame or load-bearing body.
If you're the owner of a classic SUV built to tackle the toughest obstacles, then you'll understand why it has a frame. Of course, this article will be of interest to those who want to deepen their knowledge about cars, who want to start from the basics - from their frame, skeleton.
To start in in general terms denote that there is a frame. In its simplest form, these are two parallel metal beams (spars), interconnected by a plurality of crossbars.
A suspension with wheels is attached to this structure, an engine is installed, and then a body is hung from above. And nothing prevents developers from hanging different bodies on the same frame - this is one of its advantages.
Frame as a basis vehicle appeared from the very beginning of automotive technology and has been actively used in this role for many decades. What is the reason for this longevity?
The point is the banal imperfection of technology, due to which other variants of the skeletons, for example, load-bearing bodies, were heavier and more difficult to manufacture. But time passed, new alloys appeared, conveyors improved and safety requirements increased.
All these factors pushed the frame frames in the passenger car segment into the background, giving way to load-bearing frames. In fairness, it must be said that the frames are not completely forgotten. High-passable SUVs and trucks are still being created on their basis, because where there are high loads, such car frame structures have advantages.
Evolution and diversity of frames
And yet, what is better a frame or a load-bearing body ... If about frames, then frames are quite diverse in their execution. There are such types:
- spars;
- spinal;
- spatial.
The spar frame is a fairly simple and popular design. Two parallel spars with crossbars providing rigidity, which can be located both in the same plane and change their profile. This type of frame frame is used today in the production of trucks, as well as SUVs.
spinal frame
The spinal view is less popular, one might even say that it is now a rarity. The basis of such a core is one beam located in the middle, and crossbars are attached to it, like ribs. One of the features of the spinal frames is the suspension, which in this case can only be performed according to an independent scheme. The main carrier of such a frame were Tatra trucks.
Spatial or frame frames
What can unite buses and sports cars? As it turned out - spatial frames. These frames, more like load-bearing bodies, are like a 3D model of a car, but without body panels.
Frame and load-bearing bodies: confrontation
Well, friends, it remains for us to find out why, despite their simplicity, frame frames have given way under the sun to load-bearing bodies.
One of the main reasons was their low passive safety- when developing a car with a frame frame, it is almost impossible to create so-called deformation zones. In addition, the body itself, where the driver and passengers are located, is more vulnerable, and if we start to strengthen it with different elements, we will end up with a very heavy car, which is also unacceptable in modern realities.
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