|
Good Points Jyden and yes you are very correct. Cars today are heavier on average with similar foot prints. However I believe they over come some of the weight penalty with better aerodynamics. Speed and aerodynamics definitely go hand in hand when trying to achieve superior fuel economy.
The Fiat 600 with its estimated .5 coefficient of drag is double what our first gen insight was at .25. This point I find interesting in trying to understand the Shells Eco marathon designers thoughts. Maybe they did not place a big importance on this piece of the fuel economy puzzle. As we know at low speeds aerodynamics and coefficient of drag is not as critical. My question is though how much of a difference could say the Honda Insight aerodynamics at a CD of .25 made on the little Fiat's 304mpg?
I would be curious to find out what the Fiat 600 frontal area is. Anybody out there know this figure by chance?
GH
|