The 1973 Chevrolet XP-898: A Revolutionary Concept Car - AllCarIndex
Support our project
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
In 1973, Chevrolet introduced the XP-898 concept car, a stunning two-seater sports coupe that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. With a frameless fiberglass foam sandwich body and chassis, the XP-898 offered a unique look at alternative design and manufacturing techniques for the future.
The entire body of the XP-898 was made up of four lightweight fiberglass outer body panels, along with the floor pan, firewall, upper front, and upper rear sections filled with rigid urethane foam. This innovative construction method allowed the body to be assembled using just four molded outer skin sections. By injecting liquid urethane between the panels in a foaming mold, the body was bonded into a single, rigid sandwich structure in just fifteen minutes.
The result was a vehicle body that was virtually free of squeaks, rattles, and vibrations, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience. The suspension, drive train, hood, and doors were all bolted to reinforcing plates that were bonded to the fiberglass panels, creating a solid and reliable frame.
Powering the XP-898 was a front engine, rear-wheel-drive design that utilized components from the Chevrolet Vega. With a 90-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 166 inches, the XP-898 was a compact and agile sports car that promised an exhilarating driving experience.
One key advantage of the XP-898's sandwich construction technique was its improved crash worthiness. Engineers were able to simulate crash conditions for the vehicle at speeds up to 50 miles per hour without catastrophic failure to the structure, demonstrating the durability and safety of this innovative design.
The 1973 Chevrolet XP-898 was truly a revolutionary concept car that showcased Chevrolet's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. Its futuristic design and advanced construction techniques set it apart from its contemporaries, making it a standout in the world of concept cars.
