| babydriver |
11-25-2014 09:59 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by torqdork
(Post 2034978)
I'm still speculating that a de-contented, lightened spec version like they have in Japan will make it's way over as a 2016 edition. With no other changes, dropping 200 lbs. would roughly equal a 15 hp gain. Seems doable with more aluminum throughout like doors, smaller wheels, suspension and brake components and driveshaft to start.
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That's an interesting idea and the aluminum pound for pound seems more resistant to denting than the sheet steel used now. All you have to do is breathe on the fender extra hard and it will dent. Case in point: About three weeks after I took delivery on my FR-S, I happened to trip and fall right next to the driver's front fender. Out of reflex I stuck my left hand out on the way down. Hurt the hell out of my knee, but when I stood up I also noticed a hand-shaped dent in the top of the fender. Now I weigh about 230 and am 6'1", but there is no way that I ought to be able to put a sizeable dent in the car's fender by falling down and striking it only with my hand. :eyebulge:
The hood is aluminum and despite being very light seems to be rather sturdy. Certainly more than the fender is. So why doesn't Toyota/Scion/Subaru convert more body panels to aluminum? Next year the fleet AVERAGE for all car manufacturers will need to be 34 mpg in the United States. Ford is converting to aluminum panels for most of their new pickup trucks next year to get the average up. It seems like a no-brainer to me. The current steel panels are so thin that I expect to see "Budweiser" written on the inside of the fenders if removed.
P.S. Got the hand-shaped dent fixed using a paintless dent removal service; $337 dollars later it once more looked like new. I am ever so much more careful now with the fenders, doors and quarter panels!
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