Quote:
Originally Posted by Big time
IMO we won't see any production cars, nor even limited production cars, with both front and rear fender skirts like those you see in movies about the future unless cars get some active suspension to compensate their narrower track (width among tire centers).
Even a small decrease in track can have hugely detrimental consequences on handling, comfort and even safety.
Smaller wheels would not be feasible IMO as current and future economic crises result in poorly maintained roads all over the world.
Probably they will even need an active suspension capable of leaning into corners.
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Rear skirts have already been included in production automobiles for decades.And articulated front 'spats' are currently in service with production intercity buses.Las Vegas,Nevada has a 'Cervis' bus(I believe it's called) with the articulated front spats.Hucho's book depicts some which have been in service in Europe.
If auto shows and car clinics are bombarded with money-toting consumers who scream for these things I suspect that we'll see them sooner than later.
They're also a potential path to the more challenging CAFE standards which are upcoming.