Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - how to tackle the 'new car' issue? How can we change manufacturers minds?

320touring · 02-11-2011, 07:04 PM

euromodder,

Re the '15 yr old S class' arguement-i'm approaching this from an ECOnomics point of view.. Essentially-less than 6months repayments on a fiat500(bog stock-no toys) would get me a non depreciating asset that provides more space, safety features and is potentially MORE reliable (fiat stands for fix it again tomorrow)

I dont for a second doubt that it'd eat more fuel

Regarding the mods you suggest should be stock-i've never understood why fwd cars have such huge 'transmission tunnels'.. Surely there is scope for both weight reduction AND repackaging inside the passenger cell thst would allow easy fitment of a floorpan or a flat floor?

i also question re the the 'hdi' point whether there is an inverse relationship between exernal controls (like ecu's etc) and the gains recouped once additional servicing and manufacturing is considered?

And, just to spice it up a bit..

Is it the manufacturer or the purchaser who is ultimately in control of the desire for (and performance of) the car?

02-11-2011, 07:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
320touring Master EcoModder Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: scotland Posts: 1,434 The Mistress - '88 Bmw 320i Touring SE Team m8 Last 3: 27.17 mpg (US) Germany Beadle - '91 Mercedes 300td (estate, N/A) 90 day: 24.63 mpg (US) The Bloodylingo - '05 Citroen Berlingo Multispace Desire 90 day: 39.77 mpg (US) Shanner Scaab - '03 Saab 9-5 estate Vector 90 day: 26.19 mpg (US) Clio 182 - '05 Renault Clio RS 182 182 90 day: 31.73 mpg (US) Thanks: 90 Thanked 95 Times in 79 Posts	euromodder, Re the '15 yr old S class' arguement-i'm approaching this from an ECOnomics point of view.. Essentially-less than 6months repayments on a fiat500(bog stock-no toys) would get me a non depreciating asset that provides more space, safety features and is potentially MORE reliable (fiat stands for fix it again tomorrow) I dont for a second doubt that it'd eat more fuel Regarding the mods you suggest should be stock-i've never understood why fwd cars have such huge 'transmission tunnels'.. Surely there is scope for both weight reduction AND repackaging inside the passenger cell thst would allow easy fitment of a floorpan or a flat floor? i also question re the the 'hdi' point whether there is an inverse relationship between exernal controls (like ecu's etc) and the gains recouped once additional servicing and manufacturing is considered? And, just to spice it up a bit.. Is it the manufacturer or the purchaser who is ultimately in control of the desire for (and performance of) the car?