BACKBONE FRAME

A frame , having the cross-section of a rectangular box, that runs along the center of the car and occupies the space between the seats. This box generally divides at the front, running along each side of the gearbox and engine up to a crossmember to which the front suspension pieces are attached. At the rear a similar triangular frame encloses the final-drive housing and provides attaching points for the rear suspension . Lightness combined with high torsional rigidity are features of this frame design, made famous by Colin Chapman with the Lotus Elan.