Quote:
Originally Posted by CFECO
I can agree with the "parts bin" factor, much easier to use what is already designed and built. For the most part rear drive vehicles handle better and have better weight transfer than front drive layouts. Rear engine cars can have great traction due to weight distribution, as can front drive, but due to moments of inertia, mid engine is better overall. Too bad the existing "packages", due not have low profile arrangements to allow them to be installed mid-mounted, below usable spaces.
|
Rear engine cars only handle better at the hands of experienced drivers. Anyone else taking them to the limit will have a much greater chance of lifting off mid turn and spinning into oblivion. FWD cars are economical, predictable and ubiquitous.
This is not a racing car. It's a 4 person commuter sedan. Besides, with active camber it should handle pretty well regardless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arragonis
This is assuming the aim of this project is to make a practical car.
|
That's exactly what it is. Something that you or me or your aunt could drive and get great mileage in. It's meant to be an everyday sedan exploiting aerodynamic principles to greatest effect. I have no interest in designing a supercar. There are far too many supercars already and frankly, they get old. I went to an Italian car show with no less than ten Ferraris, and found myself checking out a FIAT 850 Spider.
Practical, high-production, bread-and-butter cars will have a greater impact on the world than niche, hand built specials.
The point of this project is to design a vehicle that posts better MPG numbers than a Prius at a lower price, using a non-hybrid gas or diesel powertrain. I guess it could be electric too but that would defeat the cost part. Doubling 10% of the populations's mileage would IMO do a lot more good than making 0.5% of cars ZEV's. Plus you wouldn't have all the post-use battery disposal/"recycling" issues.
Also, Kachi, you've seen the blue box around the model. That's a Scion xB. I'll do an overlay to appease the masses :P