GM designer John Cafaro says any good designer "has aerodynamic solutions in mind" the moment they begin work on a new project. Lift and down force are particularly important at higher speeds while too much drag can greatly reduce performance and fuel economy at the same time. GM has taken a number of steps in designing the new 2013 Malibu to reach a coefficient of drag of 0.29, equal to some of the world's best sports cars. These include rounded bumpers and front fenders, improving air flow around the grille, and slightly smaller side mirrors.
Minivans are the most functional carryall vehicles available, and most buyers purchase one because they need it. Their interiors can carry up to eight people with seats that can be folded up and configured in various ways. Models available on the market today include Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Nissan Quest, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna with pricing for most around $30,000.
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity as consumers consider climate worries and escalating fuel prices. Technology advances have improved their range and power, but electric vehicles are not for everyone. Buyers will face a higher purchase price and must add the cost of a home charging station as they consider their willingness to pay to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on oil. Battery range may convince those who face a long commute they are better off with a hybrid or conventional fuel-efficient vehicle.
Nissan Motor Co. says it is the first automaker to have a new safety system working on its vehicles that links its cars with roadside sensors to warn drivers of dangerous intersections and blind spots. The goal is to reduce traffic accidents and congestion. Originally 1,000 roadside sensors were planned for Japan, but recent budget cuts scaled back implementation to 15 sites. Using sensors posted on poles around high-risk intersections, cars approaching the intersection are monitored and information is sent to the car's navigation computer. Collision risk is calculated, and drivers are warned as needed.
The technology for fully automated cars that drive themselves is closer to reality, and they are expected within the next decade. Appearing much sooner than driverless vehicles are "connected cars" equipped with sensors and onboard computers that enable them to dodge moving vehicles or stationary objects. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that connected vehicles could reduce accidents involving unimpaired drivers by 80 percent. The autos would rely on devices with a monitoring range of about a quarter mile, reading signals sent out from other equipped cars, plus units placed at traffic lights or stop signs.