Mary Barra on aerodynamics

[NeilBlanchard]

The point is the aerodynamics; not the aesthetics. Mary Barra is completely wrong-headed by equating low aero drag with ugly.

The Tesla Model 3 is the lowest drag vehicle sold at the moment, and people accept its differences - and most think it is great looking.

The Tesla CYBRTRK is (probably) the lowest aero drag pickup to be built in a factory, and it's range performance looks to be at the top of what is possible; at a given price point.

The electric pickup truck market has finally begun. Rivian was the first to show a viable vehicle - and they have had to lower their target price, in reaction to the CYBRTRK. Bollinger, and now Ford and GM (and possibly Lordstown Motors, and others) are all making serious efforts to get into this important market.

[redpoint5]

As I said, GM has to retain their existing customer base. Even if they engineer an aero truck that looks good, it can't be too radical a departure from their existing aesthetic or they risk alienating their customer base.

I've got practically no knowledge of business strategy, but I always thought it would have been smart to spin off another brand for the EV line. That way you free up the brand to be innovative and not have to worry about existing customer base. Also, there'd be no confusion as to which vehicles are electric, and which are not. It would be divided by brand, not by fine-print.

[freebeard]

Possibly their not stellar attempt with en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Corporation?

Score-and-fold was quick and easy for the prototype. I wonder what might be different by the time the production line rolls. Hydroforming comes to mind. I watched this, this morning:

SpaceX Pops Out Starship's Buckled Steel (Time Lapse).

IDK if rolling the longitudinal edges would help or hurt the re-attachment of the vortexes that control the airflow.

[redpoint5]

I don't know what distinguished the Saturn line that caused GM to want to spin it off. Plastic body panels?

Anyhow, EV is enough different that it deserves its own brand. At least, it has to be more different than whatever set the Saturn line apart from other GM brands. Heck, GM needs to retire some of their brands like Buick and GMC.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The point is the aerodynamics; not the aesthetics. Mary Barra is completely wrong-headed by equating low aero drag with ugly.

The Tesla Model 3 is the lowest drag vehicle sold at the moment, and people accept its differences - and most think it is great looking.

The Tesla CYBRTRK is (probably) the lowest aero drag pickup to be built in a factory, and it's range performance looks to be at the top of what is possible; at a given price point.

The electric pickup truck market has finally begun. Rivian was the first to show a viable vehicle - and they have had to lower their target price, in reaction to the CYBRTRK. Bollinger, and now Ford and GM (and possibly Lordstown Motors, and others) are all making serious efforts to get into this important market.

But as pointed out, the model 3 is downright normal looking. It's the best aero because it doesn't need cooling. Make the 2015 Chryler 200 and EV, block the grille off and I bet it's super close size and aero to the model 3. I do agree it is good looking, I have long thought the 2015 Chrylser 200 was the best looking car Chrysler had put out since at least the 50s.

[NeilBlanchard]

Right - aerodynamics are separate from styling. Barra's argument is a bit of a straw man.

[freebeard]

I have long thought the 2015 Chrylser 200 was the best looking car Chrysler had put out since at least the 50s.

The Magnum has the better roofline and rear hatch, IMHO.

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The Magnum has the better roofline and rear hatch, IMHO.

Well I'm picky as to a Chrysler being a Chrysler. A agree there have been a lot of good looking Dodges, and going back to the 70s even better looking Plymouths.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Nobody does 100% of things wrong

Tell Mom!

[freebeard]

Xist's Mom: Xist really tries, bless his heart.