Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A two piece fiber reinforced composite wheel includes a molded inner rim portion defining an outboard engagement surface and a molded outer rim portion defining an inboard engagement surface. The inner and outer rim portions are conformed so as to interlock together and are adhesively bonded. The inner and outer rim portions engage forming a plurality of spoke sections having substantially box shaped cross sections. The spoke sections are further connected with fasteners.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body including inner and outer body panels. The inner body panel and the outer body panel form at least one cavity therebetween. A structural cross woven fiber material is applied to the cavity formed between the inner and outer body panels in order to increase rigidity of the motor vehicle body. The cross woven or unidirectional fiber is fiberglass carbon fiber or other structural fibers which, in combination with resin (in fiber or powder form), becomes an integral part of the motor vehicle body structure when heat is applied.

Abstract: A vehicle body panel having an outer skin and an inner skin. The inner skin and outer skin are connected by an intermediate spacer. A urethane foam is provided between the intermediate spacer and each of the inner and outer skins.

Abstract: Uni-directional fibers are wrapped in tension around vehicle body panels to place the body panels in compression. A compressive load on the inner body panels, coupled with the actual load on the uni-directional fibers in tension contribute to a vehicle structural body that has increased stiffness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the reducing the lift and drag of a soft top passenger vehicle having a soft top having first and second edges in which the point at which flow over the vehicle separates is determined by conventional techniques and an aerodynamic deflector is provided and attached to the roof of the vehicle forward of the separation point at a position that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: A wheel for a lightweight plastic automobile includes a unitarily-molded outboard plastic rim defining an inboard-oriented engagement surface and a unitarily-molded inner plastic rim defining an outboard-oriented engagement surface. The engagement surfaces are conformed alike so as to interlock together, and the surfaces are adhesively bonded together to establish a strong, compliant wheel. Rivets further connect the rims to prevent the rims from peeling apart. The wheel is mounted on the automobile by a plurality of lug nuts, each of which is integrally formed with a washer having a large surface area. The large surface area of the washer permits firmly tightening the lug nuts while avoiding "scalloping" of the plastic wheel when the washers are tightly urged against the wheels.