From: spike66 (spike66@attbi.com)
Date: Thu Feb 06 2003 - 18:35:11 MST
Greg Burch wrote:
>
> As my rant about SUVs
>
> http://www.gregburch.net/cars/suvs.html
>
> I referred to points out, I think your suggestion is a big part of it.
> I think manufacturers who can provide the same feeling of "security"
> that an SUV provides in a vehicle with better weight and aerodynamic
> characteristics will be able to succeed in tapping into this urge...
Greg, I suspect lightweight pickups and SUVs are on the
way, even front wheel drive models, which should improve
fuel economy. There are other reasons besides the security
aspect that give trucks and SUVs appeal, altho that probably
is most of it. Part of what accounts for their popularity
may be the more upright seating posture. This has its cost
in wind resistance, but as you pointed out, most drivers
live in the city, where top speeds are generally low, so
wind resistance is not that much of an issue.
A few years ago a friend borrowed my truck and loaned
me her Pontiac Fiero. I had the best handling fastest
little hotrod around for a few days. I hated the thing.
Sure I could tear around town like my ass was on fire,
and yes that was fun, but the way down seating posture
was uncomfortable, it was hard to get in and out of,
inducing claustrophobia. It wouldn't work for your
grandmother.
Also at the stoplights I felt like a cockroach down there.
Now, of course, I *like* cockroaches, but still.
Smaller, more economical cars will eventually become the
norm again, but we can be sure it won't happen while gas
is as cheap as it is. And in this country at least, we
will unceremoniously hurl out of office anyone who
threatens to tax up the price of fuel. This isn't a
comment about policy, rather a sure prediction of voter
behavior.
spike
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