235 MPG Car From VW In 2010

[Brad Kenney]

Just read Jon's post on a 100+ MPG car from here in Ohio, and wanted to drop the news (via Wired) that, although it doesn't get the same horsepower output as Jon's find, German automaker Volkswagen has plans to offer as early as 2010 a car that was designed back in 2002, and that gets a staggering 235MPG.

How'd they get there, then? New applications in automotive aerodynamics (a coefficient of drag half of the average) and ultralight materials for everything from the motor to the steering wheel, among other innovations.

According to Britain's Car magazine, the capacity goal is modest, at least initially, as production will be kept in the prototype stage:

"With assistance from key systems suppliers, the 300kg featherweight is likely to be assembled in VW´s own prototype shop, which has a maximum capacity of no more than 1000 units per year."

Interestingly, the article also notes:

"That lightweight body means there's no need for bulk-adding niceties such as power steering and power brakes, while air-con will be optional. So Friends of the Earth types should not only bring lots of cash, but also a powerful deodorant."

Isn't the point of so-called "Friends of the Earth" types that they don't wear deodorant?

Maybe they'll get by on the sweet smell of money saved.

[JimWisc]

I read about some of these lightweight vehicles being developed and wonder how they can possibly pass required crash tests for sale in the United States.

[Jon Burger]

I read about some of these lightweight vehicles being developed and wonder how they can possibly pass required crash tests for sale in the United States.

Yeah, I'd agree with this thought. Even if the manufacturing of these super-lightweight vehicles were to come to pass (which isn't economically feasible right now), I'd hate to be in one these on the same roads as some of the yahoos I see out there. Especially if they were driving a "standard-weight" car.

Plus I'd rather spend cash to not have to smell the "Friends of the Earth".

But hey, making vehicles lighter is definitely a good way to go, even if they aren't made of balsa wood and kite fabric.

[rbrooku]

Originally Posted by JimWisc

I read about some of these lightweight vehicles being developed and wonder how they can possibly pass required crash tests for sale in the United States.

Mass times velocity etc. Less mass requires less strength to stay in one piece on impact. Also, some lightweight materials, like carbon fiber and kevlar, are very seriously impact resistant. It may require a bit more weight and a bit less fuel efficiency to achieve it but it is not technically impossible.

[geester]

My orders in for 1...