What does that mean?
There may be some funny sounding words, or strange acronyms that are puzzling you. This is why you are here!
Fascia – Front/Rear Fascia – Front/Rear bar – The front or rear part of the car that is usually made of molded plastic which encompasses the bumper.
Air Dam – Located under the front fascia to improve aerodynamic efficiency by guiding air around the sides of the car, reducing drag and lift.
Backlight – The glass area at the rear of the car.
Decklid/Boot lid – The closure of the boot opening usually referenced for sedans (or similar style of boot)
Beltline – A crease, line or area that joins the body side to the bonnet/decklid/canopy.
A Pillar, B pillar, C pillar – Structural members that connect the body of the car to the cant rail and roof.
Cant Rail – The structural member that connects the A/B/C pillars to the roof.
Canopy/Glasshouse – The area that encompasses the windshield, roof, cant rail and pillars etc.
DLO – Day Light Opening – This is in reference to the window area between the pillars (part of the canopy/glasshouse).
Wheelbase – The distance between the center of the front and rear wheel.
CHMSL – Center High Mounted Stop Lamps ‘Chimsel’ – An additional brake light usually located on the decklid or behind the backlight/rear glass.
Parcel Shelf – The top surface that is behind the rear seats to separate the cabin of the car from the boot space. Often rear audio speakers or a CHMSL can be mounted here.
Light Catcher – A surface (usually facing upwards) that has been designed to capture light as part of a design feature or in areas that do not ‘catch’ light. The differences between light and dark surfaces create a more of a contrast and can increase the appearance of form and shape.
Spear – The shape of a shadow or light catcher that forms the appearance of a spear head.
Fender – Front/Rear Fender – The side panels of the car that are part of the wheel arch (the parts that are not doors).
Rocker – The horizontal lower skirting below the doors.
Center Line – The theoritical line that follows the side profile of the car.
Great website! Love the overlay sketches on top of the cars. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words George! I had a look at your website too, Interesting stuff! Take care!
i am a slave to good design and i am loving the look and feel of the blog. As well as the visual & verbal analysis of car’s body lines – the overlays are spot on and really show a what a difference little things can make. Keep up the good work
Hey Linzi, Thanks for the kind words! Are you a lover or contributor to design? if so, what areas?