Interesting ideas,
I'm not really one for the automated driver or major technological controls, definately go for the lighter stronger materials though.
My thoughts were more along the lines of reducing the dependance on ground contact by using active aero controls in conjunction with the ground controls.
Reduced rolling resistance was mentioned, but this usually goes hand in hand with friction/traction/braking, so if we go with skinier tyres, then braking suffers, could a flip up spoiler/wing/bucket be incorporated as an additional braking device. We already rely on power assisted brakes, and most people would not realise how hard you used to have to push the brakes in the older vehicles, so what' the difference having power assisted aero braking as well?
This type of aero effect could also be used to improve steering function as well as other vehicle functions.
it takes HORSEPOWER to create aero lift so you would be replacing a small- really small- amount of rolling resistance with a large amount of lift induced drag and not only that, the handling characteristics would be so peculiar and unpredictable that this thing would be a death trap. People can barely handle controlling a vehicle in two dimensions, let alone three. The one thing I could see as having at least a shred of utility is aero assisted braking, but if one isn't driving like a doof hard braking is generally not needed and we're not going fast enough for it to really work anyway.
Try lining up a small airplane with a runway in a vicious crosswind, or taxiing, taking off, and landing and you'll see how interesting things get when a vehicle has light contact with the ground.
The four most important factors for high efficiency cars as I see it, in order from most critical to less critical is:
1) Drivetrain efficiency
2) Aerodynamics
3) Weight
4) All other rolling friction
Those are the design issues that we need to focus on. Other things outside of design are planned obsolescence and changes like styling for the sake of change. Also, the number of models needs to be based on actual functional choices.
All companies should use the year that a vehicle is sold as the model year. This takes the pressure off of making change for changes sake. It also (hopefully) will reduce the prevalence of planned obsolescence; and increase the durability and the recycle-ability of the materials used. All these things would greatly lower costs over the long run.
All design changes should be based on functional improvements. Imagine it: higher and higher reliability, better and better efficiency, continuous safety improvements, more and more recycled materials, design changes based on owner’s needs — what a concept!
Several months ago Autoline Detroit the TV show hosted a similar topic.
They said the days of youth wanting a car more than anything else is gone.
They said the days of owning a Tahoe year round for two weeks of vacation a year will soon be gone.
The future of cars seemed to be pointed in shared, loaned or rented for a specific purpose and limited amount of time. Think of those bicycles in Paris and other cities which you can rent out.
A discussion based on individual ownership is pretty much pointless. At least that's what the experts say looking past a decade or two.
However, really short cars may save on parking space, and even the amount of space they take up in a traffic jamb. Packing them in will be a key to managing congestion.
__________________ George Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects
1977 Porsche 911s Targa
1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck
1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft
Several months ago Autoline Detroit the TV show hosted a similar topic.
They said the days of youth wanting a car more than anything else is gone.
They said the days of owning a Tahoe year round for two weeks of vacation a year will soon be gone.
The future of cars seemed to be pointed in shared, loaned or rented for a specific purpose and limited amount of time. Think of those bicycles in Paris and other cities which you can rent out.
A discussion based on individual ownership is pretty much pointless. At least that's what the experts say looking past a decade or two.
However, really short cars may save on parking space, and even the amount of space they take up in a traffic jamb. Packing them in will be a key to managing congestion.
Materials. I feel that at some point we're going see vehicles made out of something other than steal for the body (engines are largely aluminium for some time now). Vehicles made out of recyclable fibre reinforced plant based plastics. Basalt fibre looks promising. Basalt fiber - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
They claimed the ipod generation (Millennials) seek out experiences over possessions, and shared experiences (with others) over single or alone experiences.
Car pooling in a Zip Car is perfect for Millennials, they might even want the car to drive it's self so they can surf the net or text other friends while in transit.
__________________ George Architect, Artist and Designer of Objects
1977 Porsche 911s Targa
1998 Chevy S-10 Pick-Up truck
1989 Scat II HP Hovercraft
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