Mary Barra on aerodynamics

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

My theory is as good as anyone else's.

Your theory isn't as good as anyone else's. There's very little that's done haphazardly in the automotive world. A reason must exist for a design decision to be reached. We've heard from engineering experts who say that the design may reduce the cost to manufacture. Your pipe dream theory is not as good as that theory.

It remains to be seen if the design has merit, or will prove to be a disaster. My guess is that it will have some strengths and some weaknesses, just like anything else.

[Hersbird]

It looks like it has the same frontal aera as a standard 1500 US pickup. Bigger than the compacts, smaller than the commercial 2 and 3 tons.

[freebeard]

The basis of it's strength is two triangular trusses buttressed by four monocoque box abutments. It's built like a bridge.

The exterior cladding is superficial. And low-cost.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Your theory isn't as good as anyone else's. There's very little that's done haphazardly in the automotive world. A reason must exist for a design decision to be reached. We've heard from engineering experts who say that the design may reduce the cost to manufacture. Your pipe dream theory is not as good as that theory.

It remains to be seen if the design has merit, or will prove to be a disaster. My guess is that it will have some strengths and some weaknesses, just like anything else.

I thought Tesla did things differently, like haphazardly stoned texting and running amok of the FTC.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

I thought Tesla did things differently, like haphazardly stoned texting and running amok of the FTC.

I'm right there with you on the Trumpian type Tweets. Musk and Trump have some serious character flaws, but they have some incredible character advantages too. Perhaps I have sympathy because I share some characteristics where I'll blurt something out and spectacularly fail. Perhaps being willing to put yourself out there is a prerequisite to spectacular success.

Nobody does 100% of things wrong, and for their successes they should be commended.

[Tahoe_Hybrid]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I think tesla and Nissan proved people want regular looking cars although the leaf is kinda funny looking.

that little mouse car?

they should just call it the Nissan Mouse

[Tahoe_Hybrid]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

But you could add that easy to the traditional designs without the dunce cap look of the Cybertruck.

The most detailed models of the Cybertruck and all it's projected greatness show it to be exactly the same as a 2019 Ram 1500 at best. Musk himself said it would take a ton of work to get it to .3 which is only marginally better than the current .36 a Ram has. Certainly a lot of work on the Ram could also hit a .3 as well, and yet still look like a Ram.

GM has .34 SUVs since 2008 hybrid trim only*

0.34 was standard on the '15+ model

[Tahoe_Hybrid]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I think I misinterpreted what oilpan was saying. Perhaps he was saying Tesla sells well because it is conventional looking (as opposed to what?).

The Model 3 looks way different from the front though.





My guess is the rear end of a vehicle leaves less on the plate for design when aerodynamics and utility are top priorities.

they all have the same honda civic 2007 design
like a van but a car

[Grant-53]

I sold auto parts for 10 years with many farm accounts. There are fierce loyalties around truck brands based on performance. Towing capacity, off-road prowess, and fuel mileage are chief talking points. The Cyber truck is not considered in the same bracket as the 3/4 ton models. It reminds me more of the 4 cyl. Dodge Rampages based on the Omni/Horizon models. The CdA is the number to compare. I expect to see diesel electric hybrids as the competition in the truck markets intensifies.

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by Tahoe_Hybrid

that little mouse car?

they should just call it the Nissan Mouse

I don't care what they call it. It was cheap doesn't need gasoline or oil changes.