This thesis is about automotive Space Frame structures design, one of the most attractive alternatives at present.

The thesis can be divided in two Parts. The first one (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4) contains data collected during the doucumntation phase, while Part Two (Chapter 5) introduces a practical application case study .

The work carried out during the documentation phase put into evidence the main characteristics of automotive Space Frames, and presents the numerous and complex design criteria.
I tried to to approach this subject from a general point of view, with considerations about technologies and economics.

The Space Frame resulted a very promising solution, particularly for low enviromental impact and low production vehicles.

The next step was the study of a practical application: an aluminum Space Frame structure for a modular and multifunctional City Car.

The chassis layout and the static performances of the structure were investigated.

The modular layout enabled to study different versions of the City Car based on the same Space Frame structure.