When you’ve experienced the fun of driving a bumper car at an amusement park, you’ve likely taken note of its distinctive feature: the bumper. These rubber bumpers are designed to absorb impact and protect occupants from harm, whether in recreational bumper cars or passenger vehicles.
The evolution of passenger car bumpers took a significant turn with the implementation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard “Standard No. 215” in 1973. This regulation required automakers to ensure their cars could withstand a 5-mph front collision without sustaining damage, prompting a design revolution.
Even iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Countach were not spared from the bumper modifications required for U.S. models. The addition of unattractive bumpers to meet regulations altered the aesthetic of the supercar, much to the dismay of enthusiasts.
The ugly side of bumper evolution
While Standard No. 215 was met with resistance, it necessitated a design shift in the automotive industry. This regulation both hindered and accelerated the development of bumper technology, paving the way for innovative solutions.
General Motors’ VP of Design, Wayne Cherry, reflected on the impact of the 5-mph bumper law, stating that it disrupted the ongoing trend of integrating bumpers seamlessly into the overall vehicle design. The regulation spurred the advancement of flexible materials and pushed bumper design evolution to new heights.
Between 1973 and 1982, vehicle weight increased due to the addition of heavy bumpers. Subsequent amendments to the bumper standard by the NHTSA in 1983 resulted in revised guidelines for front and corner collisions, signaling a new era in bumper design.
In today’s automotive landscape, bumpers are concealed behind fascia layers for both aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency. Vince Galante, Vice President of Jeep Design, highlights the functionality and modularity of modern bumpers, showcasing examples like those on the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator.
Today’s bumpers
Jon Ruud, senior manager of Safety Performance Engineering at Nissan Technical Center North America, explains that bumpers have evolved to prioritize advanced engineering over visibility. Nissan’s design incorporates a combination of a plastic fascia, energy-absorbing foam, and a metal bumper beam to enhance crash protection.
Ruud emphasizes that safety standards and design approaches have evolved in tandem, with a focus on balancing safety, durability, and customer expectations. While traditional metal bumpers may not be as visible, their impact-absorbing capabilities remain crucial in protecting occupants during collisions.
In a thought-provoking piece on Jalopnik, journalist Jason Torchinsky advocates for a renewed appreciation of bumpers as essential safety features. He emphasizes the importance of bumpers that can absorb minor damage and protect the vehicle’s bodywork effectively.
While bumpers deserve recognition for their role in vehicle safety, opinions may differ on the aesthetic appeal of certain designs, such as the rubber bumpers on the Lamborghini Countach.
This article is part of Popular Science’s Ask Us Anything series, where we explore intriguing questions and provide insightful answers. Have a burning question? Feel free to ask us.
