First of all, a modern car is a true work of art. Looking at a brand new car just off the assembly line, one can feel aesthetic pleasure. But besides the fact that its appearance pleases the eye, inside it is so technically perfect that it seems it could not be any better.
Nowadays, the most modern materials are used in car production. It is no longer that heavy cast iron or steel – plastic is becoming more widespread, which designers could not even dream of before. The idea that plastic parts are brittle, not heat-resistant, and require a lot of time to manufacture has become a thing of the past. The chemical industry now supplies products with excellent technical qualities.
In addition to formed steel upholstery, elastic bumpers and radiator grilles, plastic is used to make instrument panels, air filter housings, fuel tanks, wheel covers. On some Mitsubishi models, for example, you can even see plastic carburetors. Some Mitsubishi Galant parts and other models are also made from this material.
The well-known automotive brand Volkswagen has also replaced a significant part of its metal parts. On some models, engineers have developed driveshafts with high-strength graphite-plastic. Thermoplastic can be used to make front fenders, and polyurethane reinforced with fiberglass – the hood, front fenders and bumper are combined into a single unit. And leaf springs for Chevrolet have been made from fiberglass since the 1990s. Significantly lower weight, complete absence of corrosion, casting or pressing of parts without additional machining – all these advantages attract the attention of car manufacturers.
The enthusiasm for plastics has reached the point that Mitsubishi, which has always been distinguished among others by all sorts of technological innovations, offers as a car of the future a stylish model with translucent door panels – where plastic also reigns. As for the design of a modern car, there is a whole sea of interesting novelties. By the way, Toyota's luxury offspring offers the Lexus car, whose interior is designed in a 'techno' style. This car can be washed with a hose both outside and inside, since the seat upholstery is made of waterproof material. And on the floor of the cabin there is a hole with a plug for draining water.
In the projects of the American company General Motors today is the production of the supercar Cadillac Cien, which will be made of carbon fiber. Externally, it resembles the Stealth invisible aircraft. The car is designed to combine breathtaking dynamics with the economy of an ordinary large sedan. In the American view, 'big' is one that has as many as 12 cylinders. And another small 'pleasantry' of this car is that the doors open upward.
Volkswagen, on the other hand, offers its own approach to what a modern car for family trips and travel should be in the near future. It not only has an original roof luggage-boat, but also a special trailer. It has everything needed for camping – a stove, a bed, and even a toilet. The trailer resembles a small cozy room.
By the way, the designers of modern cars think not only about efficiency, but also about environmental friendliness of cars. And that is already wonderful.