Quote:
Originally Posted by CFECO
I said REAR DRIVE cars handle better,
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Oops, misread it. RWD cars do handle better. Traction circle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFECO
Better, I think not , if the goal is an aerodynamic car with the best all around dynamics. Start with the template or similar shape, place 4 passengers in the front where the body is the largest, if going for FWD then there is only realistic room for maybe an electric motor above the foot well.
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The goal is an inexpensive car with great mpg. Most people won't push their car to the limit even if they have a sports model. It's not worth the money, not to mention packaging penalties of a longitudinal engine, transmission and driveshaft, to make it RWD.
The only realistic place for an engine is right where it is in every other FWD car on the road. That's where I'm putting it. It's going to be FWD and that's the last word. It will be FWD. 110%. Definitely.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Arragonis
I'm glad you are trying to design a mass market car rather than a niche one, it has more impact to more people. If you are looking for a compact and cheap engine then the one in my car may be an option.
3cyl 1.0 and weighs 68 kilos. I have read of one guy using it to replace the 4 cyl alloy unit in his rear engined Hillman Imp because of its lower weight. It was also international engine of the year in the sub 1litre category taking over from the Honda Insight IMA unit in 2007 and beaten this year by the FIAT TwinAir - which is not all that impressive according to real world tests.
The big plastic box on top is the air filter, the engine itself is underneath. The nose is also quite short as shown here
and it could even be a little shorter if the tiny radiator is moved to the side. |
That looks about perfect! Do you know of any good photos and/or measurements of the engine so I can package it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
Given that an electric drivetrain would be almost 3X more efficient, and require far less (almost no?) cooling air flow, have you considered this?
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It would be tons more efficient but until batteries become much, much less expensive it's not economically viable with this particular design. One of my two goals is to make it affordable, and electric cars, though I love them, are too expensive because of the batteries.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
Drive a "dustbuster" GM minivan to see what a really far away windshield is like...
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That, the EV1, Prius, basically anything FWD and aero minded. I see it as a necessary evil. I looked inside an EV1 yesterday and it really doesn't seem all that bad. The problem is GM didn't style the instrument panel to conceal the great depth. Toyota did a great job of that with the Prius, though.
(concept)
Whoa!!! Maserati Boomerang, anyone?
Quote:
Originally Posted by kach22i
My Trans-Sport story:
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While I see where you're coming from, I could also insert Toyota Avalon, Cadillac DTS or Buick Park Avenue and the story would still make complete sense.
