Billp, are you saying that there is no metal "beam" inside all those plastic covers?

 

I've not taken it apart, but it looks like it could all be plastic.

If you look at the rear suspension pdf, it appears that the strut is bolted to the "frame/body" and that there is a crossbar under the body, nothing is in the cabin.

 

see is not hollow
http://www.evo-r.net/product/Z-Rear-Cover/index.htm

I wish it was though. I hate that thing.

 

I take long road trips a lot and because of work I need as much space as I can get once in a while. When buying, I asked several people the same question as it was the one thing that bothered me about the Z. Sales people didn't have a clue if it could be removed safely. After reading up on it, I understoond why the design of this car needed it.

I've learned to work around the strut and it is no longer a problem except for large boxy objects which I now avoid.

 

All those pieces cover the actual metal that provides the bracing. You couldnt remove the metal underneath without a torch.