Abstract: A method of assembling either an electric motor powered car or an internal combustion engine powered car along a single assembly line. The method comprises providing a car chassis having a general block shaped drive system receiving area and, selecting a drive system from a group consisting of an electric motor drive system and an internal combustion engine drive system. The method then comprises connecting the selected drive system to the chassis in the drive system receiving area.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system having a rack and pinion housing, a steering shaft assembly, a driven rack assembly, and an idler lever. The housing has a unitary idler lever mount. The steering shaft assembly has a pinion gear located in the housing. The driven rack assembly is operably connected to the pinion gear and extends out of the housing. The idler lever is pivotally mounted to the housing at the idler lever mount. The driven rack assembly is attached to the idler lever.

Abstract: A car is disclosed having a chassis, an engine, a drive axle assembly, and an engine mounting system. The engine mounting system includes a front engine mount and a rear engine mount. The front engine mount has a first load bearing tie member pivotably connected to the chassis and directly rigidly attached to the engine block. The rear engine mount has a second load bearing tie member directly attached to the drive axle assembly and directly rigidly attached to the engine block. The engine block and two tie members form a rigid unitary assembly.