Glossary of Automotive Design - T

T

Track

The distance across the car between the base of the left and right wheels. (Like wheelbase, but side to side.)

Truck

A typically large vehicle built using frame-on-rail construction consisting of a cab and a separate bed for cargo.

Trunk

(Boot in UK) Compartment for storage of cargo which is separate from the cab.

Tube Fender

Replacement fenders found on off road vehicles designed as part of body armor for off road vehicles. Used to protect the thin sheet metal bodies from damage while off-roading.

Tumblehome (tumble home)

Generally refers to the way the sides of a car rounds inward toward the roof, specifically of the greenhouse above the beltline. This term is borrowed from nautical description of naval vessels.

Turn under

The shape of the rocker panel as it curves inward at the lower edge.