Bror Jace -
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bror Jace
...
I like the idea that a gauge that tells you your real-time fuel economy become mandatory ... which reduces people's ignorance ... and we can't have too much of that. After all, waste is (mostly) caused by ignorance at many levels. I liked jamesqf's comment about the reason people buy SUVs is following a current fad. Far too many people I know buy them and when you ask them, most shrug their shoulders and say "I dunno." 
We deal effectively with those blighters and we're more than halfway there! 
Cars WILL get more aerodynamic in the coming decade and with Cds of .28 and less, the real-world differences between 55mph and 65mph will all but disappear ... and it will take 2 more decades before the politicians, paid for by the insurance companies (who will be lobbying for a 45mph national limit by then), will even consider raising it back to 65mph so we can get across the state line in less than a 3-day weekend.
... |
I agree with the economy gauge because the information is "already there" in the ECU/PCM, and it's already featured in some cars. If the car comes with any kind of ECU/PCM controlled LCD, the implementation is a no-brainer.
I am not sure about the aero difference, though. Would the real-world difference all but disappear, or would the increased aero all 55 MPH to maintain a meaningful lead? I don't know the answer. I am guessing it would depend on the weight of the car, i.e.
f=ma, where the higher mass would bias the car to maintain lower top speeds for better MPG.
CarloSW2