Quote:
Originally Posted by 87GNX
The new platform will most likely be smaller. Cars today are big, CAFE laws will pretty much determine the size of them in the very near future. Cars were smaller in the 90's with 15"-16" wheels being the norm. Now 18"-20" is the norm. I think we will see both a smaller size Camaro and mustang next generation.
|
Only making a car smaller is not going to help significantly with CAFE standards. The CAFE regulation formula includes footprint and, though there is still a mathematical benefit to decreasing vehicle size vs the inherent weight loss associated with decreasing exterior dimensions, the bigger the car the lower FE standards are. Advanced materials, specialized manufacturing processes and other means of reducing weight will be at the forefront as well as advances in transmission and engine technology. Just making a bunch of tiny cars isn't going to cut it.