Quote:
Originally Posted by gascort
Don't the EPA tests assume aerodynamic drag based on numbers that are furnished by the automakers?
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They do, but the EPA's highway test cycle has an average speed of something like 48 MPH. Meaning the fuel economy benefit of aero mods for the purposes of CAFE is diluted.
That 48 mph average makes it easier for the bean counters to say "nay" than "yea" when it comes to cost/benefit. The % impact on EPA tested MPG is going to be less than in the real world, where people drive 70+ mph all day long.