Abstract: Known self-supporting body shells provide a floor area in the vehicle center which is formed by an engine transmission support, on which floor area the transmission case is fastened which is connected with the engine. A passenger car body shell is provided with connection arms constructed as profile pieces in the area between the side members and the engine transmission support. The connection arms are tension and pressure cross members. In the event of a crash, a deformation of the vehicle body is prevented in this area as well as a rotation of the engine and of the transmission which otherwise leads to an undesirable deformation of the vehicle body in the driver's and front passenger's area.