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wheelbase

wheelbase

6 4.6
The distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels of a vehicle
  • noun
  • /ˈwiːlbeɪs/
  • Specialized
: distancia entre ejes
  • The 1994 900 enjoys the benefit of a longer wheelbase and is slightly wider and taller.
  • wheelbase length
  • longer wheelbase

Next, remove up front in the Ventega Azure Extended Wheelbase First Edition.

Examples

  • The new five-door Mini will have a longer wheelbase and two short, conventionally hinged rear doors.

    Blog text (25)
  • The new Mini five-door will have a longer wheelbase, but its overall length will still be under 4 meters.

    Blog text (25)
  • The lightweight design and short wheelbase make for a nimble ride.

    Blog text (19)
  • Similarly, a longer wheelbase will increase the rearward tip angle and increase the rolling resistance.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Ford will offer both standard and extended-wheelbase versions, along with two powertrain options.

    Blog text (27)
  • The LS normal size clocks in at 200 inches long, with the extended wheelbase adding 5 inches to rear legroom.

    Blog text (27)
  • The fore and aft position of the seat determines where the center of gravity falls relative to the wheelbase.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The Transit Connect Wagon will be offered in both short, 5-passenger and extended wheelbase 7-passenger configurations.

    Blog text (27)
  • Based on wheelchair rearward stability, many clinicians choose the longer wheelbase format, believing it to be in the safest interests of the client.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The truck's wheelbase measures 160 inches, providing stability on the road.

Surface Forms

wheelbase singular
wheelbases plural

Morphology

wheelbase = wheel + base (semi-transparent) = wheel + base

The components 'wheel' and 'base' are clear, but the technical sense 'distance between wheel centers' is specialized and not an obvious general meaning of 'base' for all learners.

Etymology

Wheelbase is a simple combination of wheel and base, where base means 'foundation' or 'bottom'. So wheelbase is the 'base' or space that sits between a vehicle's wheels, which is why it refers to the distance between the front and rear wheels.