INNOVATION
Safety
Third impact absorption structure on the 308: optimised body structure
The 308 is structurally designed to dissipate the energy of an impact in a programmed manner. It incorporates a number of developments such as the presence of a triple impact absorption structure, to achieve higher safety objectives.
Accordingly, the front structure comprises:
- The addition of a new lower structure to transmit forces. This lower structure duplicates, through the adoption of two extenders added onto the engine subframe, the conventional upper structure formed by cant rails, a principle based on the 407 technology;
- The design of a third structure, formed by stiffeners located above the front wheel arches, extending the windscreen pillars and the door frieze panel stiffeners, giving improved impact absorption.
Accordingly, in the case of a frontal impact, for example, the energy is distributed for 3/5th on the main structure, 1/5th on the lower structure and 1/5th on the third structure. The triple impact absorption structure will then describe an absorption strategy determining the stacking of forces to transmit them, by pre-established "paths", toward areas designed for resistance: the firewall, the subframe and the body side panels. This provides maximum protection for the passenger compartment (and its occupants), limits the consequences of an impact with a pedestrian and facilitates repairs; which obviously has a direct influence on the cost of car insurance for the user.