Vehicle Systems

Ricardo’s vehicle engineering capabilities extend from quick turnaround concept design and demonstrator vehicle builds, through to full turnkey volume passenger car programmes, including full production design, prototype build, development and release responsibility. Our focus is on the optimum use of digital tools to deliver high quality vehicles using the latest available technologies in the quickest possible time and at lowest cost.

The Ricardo vehicle systems engineering service includes the following:

• A comprehensive vehicle programme delivery capability
• Chassis and vehicle dynamics
• Powertrain packaging, installation and systems integration
• Electrical systems integration
• Vehicle passive and active safety systems
• Advanced structural design for performance, durability and crashworthiness
• Use of advanced materials, composites and lightweight structures
• Thermal systems development and optimization
• Vehicle noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) optimization
• Total vehicle fuel economy optimization
• Prototype vehicle build and low volume manufacture

Key benefits of the Ricardo service:

• State-of-the-art fast-track product development processes using a structured quality gateway approach
• Strong focus on use of advanced CAE tools, minimizing the need for physical prototypes and hence reducing development time and cost
• Cost-optimized investment approach to low volume or niche vehicle development as Ricardo is not locked into mainstream tools, processes and materials
• Integrated vehicle systems approach to design enabling cost, weight and fuel consumption optimized vehicle development
• A flexible and collaborative approach providing tailored, innovative and imaginative solutions on a global basis, including technology transfer and training, and on site engineering support