Dash-CAE, a company based in Abingdon, U.K., specializes in manufacturing carbon-fiber parts for high-performance vehicles such as Formula 1 race cars, aerospace, and defense industries. In a recent announcement, Dash-CAE unveiled its latest product, the TR01 carbon monocoque chassis. This chassis is designed to serve both road and race cars and is available to low-volume manufacturers at a competitive price starting from below £30,000 (approximately $38,470). Dash-CAE claims that this price is almost half the cost of comparable solutions offered by its competitors.
The decision to launch the TR01 chassis was prompted by the rapid growth of the hypercar market and the increasing demand for affordable monocoques in the motorsport sector. According to Tim Robathan, the CEO of Dash-CAE, the TR01 chassis will provide niche automotive manufacturers and larger international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with an affordable, lightweight, versatile, and high-stiffness carbon monocoque chassis.
It is worth mentioning that Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), previously the technology division of the Williams F1 team, also introduced an electric hypercar platform called the EVR. This platform features a carbon monocoque and can support power outputs of up to 2,212 horsepower. The launch of the TR01 chassis further indicates the growing demand for high-performance vehicle components and the need for lightweight and structurally strong chassis solutions.
Dash-CAE’s TR01 chassis is specifically designed for two-seat vehicles and is capable of accommodating gas, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. The chassis weighs less than 110 pounds and complies with global crash safety standards, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
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One of the key factors contributing to the reduced cost of the TR01 chassis is Dash-CAE’s comprehensive in-house approach to its development. The company handles every aspect of the chassis’ development, including engineering and design, manufacturing (including additive manufacturing), tooling, and more. By eliminating the need for outsourcing and relying on external suppliers, Dash-CAE is able to keep costs low without compromising on quality or performance.
While Dash-CAE has not disclosed whether it has secured any customers for the TR01 chassis, the affordability, versatility, and high-stiffness offered by this carbon monocoque chassis make it an attractive option for both low-volume manufacturers and larger OEMs. The TR01 chassis opens up new possibilities for vehicle manufacturers, enabling them to create high-performance road and race cars without the added cost and complexity associated with developing their own chassis.
Furthermore, Dash-CAE’s expertise in carbon-fiber manufacturing and its experience supplying parts to the motorsport, aerospace, and defense industries position the company as a reliable and trusted provider of carbon-fiber chassis solutions. This expertise ensures that every TR01 chassis meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and safety.
In conclusion, Dash-CAE’s launch of the TR01 carbon monocoque chassis is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and providing cost-effective solutions for the high-performance vehicle market. By offering an off-the-shelf chassis option at an affordable price, Dash-CAE aims to revolutionize the industry and provide manufacturers with the tools they need to create exceptional road and race cars. With its lightweight design, versatility, and compliance with global crash safety standards, the TR01 chassis is set to become a game-changer in the automotive industry.
