Fast Track To The World’s First Supertruck grounds and major development centres across the world. The linking of the MIRA’s know-how in furthering the potential of the computer to advance both automotive design and styling with TTT’s successful use of carbon fibre in trailer-making is expected to lead to a supertruck that will be stronger, lighter and more durable, enabling it to carry heavier loads to reduce the number of large trucks needed. Carbon fibre and other lightweight materials and structures used in road supercars, Formula 1 racing cars and aerospace will figure in an initiative to speed the development of the world’s first “supertruck”. Fast tracking such a vehicle is the planned outcome of collaboration between the Motor Industry Research Association of the UK - now known simply as MIRA - and The Team Technology (TTT) company of Germany. The agreement brings together the MIRA’s skills as the automotive industry’s top consultancy in vehicle design, development and certification with the trailer and materials expertise of TTT based in Hamburg. A MIRA spokesman in London said: “Supercars and F1 racers deliver their astonishing performance because they are constructed from the best materials available - and, soon, heavy goods vehicles will be too. This exciting development could deliver lower emissions, higher fuel economy and greater potential for heavy cargo. 24 Forum
The move would actually reduce the number of trucks on the road, easing congestion.” Of the link-up between MIRA and TTT, the spokesman added: “The deal signposts the future of commercial vehicle design, and sets out the framework by which the parties will explore exciting new tractor and trailer units, using advanced lightweight structures and aerospace materials. MIRA and TTT plan to develop conceptual design solutions for carbon fibre vehicles. Once support from the European Union has been confirmed, these will revolutionise the commercial vehicle sector.” At the official signing of the collaborative agreement in Hamburg, John Petersen, head of MIRA’s global marketing, said: “It is an exciting time for commercial vehicle design and we invite all the stakeholders across Europe to share our vision of the future.” The MIRA, which in 2006 celebrated 60 years of vehicle engineering, will bring a wealth of expertise to bear on the supertruck of the
future. The company’s heritage dates from the foundation of the UK Institution of Automobile Engineers in 1899. Today, it is a truly international organisation with teams that have designed and developed automotive products for clients in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the United States. At its 307-hectare (760-acre) development centre at Nuneaton in the English Midlands, more than 450 experts exploit the findings of 32 major test facilities that use advanced design and modelling techniques to reduce development timescales and the need to build costly prototypes. The MIRA provides particular expertise in occupant and pedestrian safety, aerodynamics, thermal management, vehicle noise and vibration dynamics, electrical/ electronic systems, powertrain integration and all aspects of durability. It is also responsible for the design and construction of numerous other proving
A TTT spokesman said: “Carbon fibre composite is a great support material to make products safer and to protect life. There is no racing car whose chassis it not equipped with carbon fibre. Aviation and space travel would not be so successful without textiles made from carbon fibres. More goods can be delivered more easily by using less material and weight because of the truck being lighter, secure of twisting and rustproof. And, incidentally, this material is easier to produce, it is not dependent on expensive energy sources and proves its quality.” The collaboration is expected to see the MIRA’s muchacclaimed Optimus truck sleeper-cab design concept become a reality. Optimus was formally launched at the UK Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham in April 2006 when its innovation was claimed to set new standards for Europe. The Midlands design experts said that truck manufacturers adopting the concept’s modular digital and computer-aided design