I visit the WIENERMOBILE!! - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bennelson · 10-09-2009, 03:22 PM

The Oscar-Meyer Wiener-Mobile was at my local grocery store today!

I got to talk to "Tori Toppings" and "Dijon John" about the car.

Of course, I drove the Electro-Metro there and was showed that to John after he asked about it.

OK - here's the weird part. The Wienermobile drivers say that it has GREAT aero-dynamics. Well, not quite like an Insight, but they did say that it has NO PROBLEMS being passed by semi's or being in a cross-wind.

And yes, it does have a backup camera.

And a huge trunk.

I will post photos and video tonight.

-Ben

bennelson · 10-09-2009, 09:42 PM

Here are the PHOTOS!

That's right, today, the Metro and I visited the Oscar-Meyer Wienermobile.

It's quite an interesting custom vehicle.
The first thing I wanted to ask about was the specs on it - how big? what engine? Sweet or Dill relish?

Fortunately, they had a sign with all that information on it already.

See all the photos at:
PHOTO LINK
The female "Hotdogger", Torri Toppings, informed me that the sign was wrong, and it's actually a 350HP (NOT 300) engine.

Of course I was interested in the aerodynamics. Supposedly, the Wienermobile design has gone through a few wind-tunnels.

I was also interested in the front windshield.
Notice how curved the glass is? Think they can use standard windshield wiper blades on there? Nope! They have to custom bend them to fit!
The whole "nose" of the bun, under the windshield is mostly hollow, to make the shape. The Wienermobile is actually a Cab-Over-Engine design, so the engine is back farther than you might think.

The "hotdoggers" get special training to drive the Wienermobile. They learn to drive using the outside mirrors.

There is also a backup camera in the tail of the Dog.

In the photo, it's the middle black rectangle. The higher dark rectangle is the third brake light.

On the right of the dashboard is the backup camera monitor. On the far left of the driver is the automatic transmission gear selector.

I asked if there has been any talk about a hybrid or electric Wienermobile. I was told that there has been talk of a Hybrid, and also pointed to the photo of the "Mini" Wienermobile - built on a Mini-Cooper frame.
(Bottom center of the photo sign)

My favorite historical Wienermobile is from 1940 - very much a WWII fighter plane style.

The entire vehicle is all custom, made from a Chevy frame and GM parts. (Will it still be in the future?)

Now if only the bun and hot dog separated, like the ENTERPRISE in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION......

I would definately drive the bun. That thing is cool.

Piwoslaw · 10-10-2009, 05:51 AM

Thanks for the write-up, Ben

While reading I had the Oscar Meyer song in my head:
"I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner
That is what I truly wish to be
cause if i were a oscar mayer weiner
everyone would be in love
oh everyone would be in love
everyone would be in love with me."
That's the PC version, my Step-Dad still remembers the first version from long ago ..."all the girls would be in love with me."

I'm guessing that the aerodynamics aren't so bad b/c the fronal area of that thing is smaller than for a truck o the same height and width. Too bad they didn't let you drive it...

brucey · 10-10-2009, 06:08 AM

With the very round front, minimal frontal area, and smooth surface overall I do believe it has very good aerodynamics for a vehicle its size. If the hot dog itself pointed down, it'd almost be the start of a kammback to minimize wake too!

But then it would look like a sad wiener.

bennelson · 10-10-2009, 10:39 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iya9RgKhP4s

aerohead · 10-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Without the Viagra,and in a flaccid state I believe the Wienermobile would post surprising numbers in a wind tunnel.I realize they'll never do it but it's been a fun thought experiment for me for decades.-----------Any composite monkey-wrenchers out there that want to have some mischief?