Car safety isn't just about crumple zones, structural solidity and air bags. The greatest safety feature of any car is its driver. If the driver is getting the flow of information to retain control of the car under all conditions, then it is inherently a safer place to be.
We think that the greatest safety feature of any car is that it communicates its speed accurately back to the driver. We have owned cars that have been very quick but simply didn't feel it (e.g. a Subaru Impreza Turbo). We like my sports cars to feel fast when they are going fast. It's the most fundamental feedback mechanism and a direct link to your survival instinct. Inappropriate speed is THE biggest killer on UK roads.
There are other passive safety features that you might want and expect in a modern sports car. Driver feedback and involvement are essential tools in judging the level of grip available for given surface and road conditions. Equally important is progressive handling characteristics that give you plenty of warning and reminders, as you creep up to the edge of the performance envelope.
A car like this is also inherently safer through its ability to rapidly accelerate, brake and change direction.
T.B.C.
None planned.
The plan is to have anti-lock brakes as standard on the OSSEV®.
The OSSEV® will have to generate an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) sound to alert other road users to its presence and this will only be audible outside of the EV. UK law requires that system must work up to speeds of up 12mph and whenever the car is reversing. The sound produced must be at least 56db and must not exceed 75db, which is the equivalent to a conventional car. The mandate also states that it must be a continuous sound and it should help pedestrians and cyclists to identify the driving behaviour of the vehicle. This means the sound should vary in volume and pitch to indicate the different movements of the car.
These will be designed into the chassis and bodywork.
The side mirrors will feature bright warning lights to remind the driver that the indicators are on.
This will also be designed into the chassis structure and bodywork.
Not planned.
This is currently being researched as a desirable option.
Not planned.
Not planned.
The car will have extensive data logging for the owner to inspect if required.
The sports EV will have a strong, integrated roll-bar that is tall enough to protect the driver, even when wearing a helmet.
6-point harnesses are simply awesome for restraining the driver and offer much better load distribution than standard seat belts. These will be an option, with mounting points being part of the initial design.
Traction control will be a feature of the car and will be enabled or disabled based on the selected driving profile.
The car will be fitted with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Provision for both front and rear facing cameras will be included in the design.