> > I just wanted to help you out here after reading your response to Curtis's (Csakima) email. What I believe he was trying to say is simply this. SUV's do not have to be the gas guzzlers that most of them are to day. That they could be engineered to be much more fuel efficient than what they are today. And he is ABSOLUTEY correct. He never said that they could be made to be more fuel efficient than smaller lighter vehicles.
- This is a valid point, however the question of "why" remains. I believe that the sooner the death of the SUV arrives, the better. I would hazard a guess that if the SUV became uncool, virtually SUV owners would be quite content with a lower, sleeker vehicle that, because of the inherent power draw of the 4wd drivetrain and bigger wheels, got better mileage. Few SUV owners really "need" an SUV. The ones who do don't necessarily want a watered down version. If people are content with the low ground clearance of a sleeker SUV, the aerodynamics of a wagon type body, the reduced rotational mass of smaller, lighter tires, I ask - what's the point? By trying to make the vehicle more car-like, you are making it more car like. The current trend of CRV, Rav 4, Kia, etc, is proof that people don't need a real 4wd. They need a subaru station wagon. > I did not see where Curtis ever stated that he had better knowledge of engine theory than most automotive manufacturers. But who are you to infer that he does not? The fact is they already know how to do this they just don't. It cost more money to make them more fuel efficient. - Perhaps I was out of line. However, I personally think that automakers are doing a great job of offering people what they want. If there was demand for fuel efficient cars that are all wheel drive and get awesome mileage, they would make some. If everyone just work up and stopped buying these useless SUVs, and decided to get good little cars, we would have a lot more choice. J-L Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://archive.nnytech.net/ Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
