Glossary of Automotive Design - S

S

Scoop

Inset or protusion that implies the intake of air. May be functional for cooling/ventilation or purely ornamental. Also Shaker scoop.

Scowling headlamps

Headlamps styled along a V-shape as viewed from the front, giving the impression of a scowl.

Shooting-brake

Once a vehicle designed to carry hunters and sportsmen; now a station wagon or vehicle combining features of a station wagon and a coupe.

Shoulder line

The line or "shoulder" formed by the meeting of top and side surfaces extending from hood/fender shoulder to boot-lid/quarter-panel shoulder. The strongest example of this feature can be found on more modern of Volvo Cars.

Sill

The body section below the base of the door openings sometimes called the "rocker panels", or "rockers".

Sill line

Imaginary line drawn following the bottom edge of the greenhouse glass.

Six line

A line extending from the C-pillar down and around the rear wheel well.

Softtop

a convertible top which is made out of flexible materials like PVC or textile.

Spats

side covers for wheel arches, hiding the wheel - usually rear only. Also called Fender skirts.

Spoiler

A raised lip or wing which is used to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across the body. Some designs are more functional than others.

Staggered wheel fitment

The front and rear wheels are different widths. On sporty rear wheel drive cars, the rear tires are usually wider than the front.

Strake

Crease in the sheet metal intended as a "speed line" styling feature. Exemplified in the doors of the Ferrari Testarossa.

Suicide door

rear-hinged type, opening from the front of the car. If accidentally opened while driving at a high speed, doors would be blown backward.

Swage line

Crease or curvature in the side of the body used to create visual distinction. Sometimes the crease is functional and improves rigidity of the outer body (interchangeable with character line).