As the second generation Leone project got closer to completion, the experimental testing team became busier and busier performing a vast number of repeated tests and analyses in order to provide feedback data to the design team. So how many types of these repeated tests did they perform?

“In general there are three main types of crash tests. The first one is called the frontal-impact test. This involves crashing the vehicle straight-on into a fixed barrier at 50 km/h. In addition to studying the transmission of the impact through the vehicle, we also check that there is no leakage of fuel, the windshield is not pushed out, and part of the hood does not fly into the windshield. Rear collisions are tested by using a moving barrier impact test in which a moving barrier is collided with a stationary vehicle from behind at the same 50 km/h speed. We mainly check for fuel leakage in this test. Side-impact tests also use a moving barrier at a reduced speed of 32 km/h. After this test we check for fuel leakage and ensure that no objects fly into the vehicle interior. Although there is no obligation to perform it, we also carry out dynamic roll-over tests. This involves tilting the vehicle 25° to the side, placing it sideways on a moving platform, and releasing it at a speed of 50 km/h to make it roll. After it is rolled, we then check how the cabin handled the impacts and if the occupants received any damage. This test is a typical dynamic crash test, but the main static crash test involves fixing the vehicle to special equipment and rotating it like a pig on a spit in order to test static roll performance, as well as seat and seat belt mount strength. Crash test dummies are mainly used in dynamic tests and these dummies play the very important role of showing us how the human body would react when subject to the impacts during a collision. You could even say that they are very important members of our team.”

When you include vehicle interior safety tests, the total number of test becomes incredibly large. By repeating these tests over and over again we managed to provide the second generation Leone with safety that exceeded the world class level.

To be continued next week….
Extract from*Cartopia Vol. 89*(Issued September 2nd*1979)*





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