<VV> Modern Corvair vs. mundane FWDs

[Charles Lee]

Good point about the FWD domination today !

The Corvair's problem was that was alone and distinct which made it an easy target.

When FWDs started in the US, it was the expensive Eldorado and Toronado, but they didn't really succeed because they were different with no real advantage.

So-o-o-o, "they" decided to inundate us with FWDs so (a) we wouldn't have a choice, and (b) we'd eventually get used to them and (c) most people don't know the difference anyway.

>From a handling perspective, FWD is "safer" due to its understeer, which means people don't get in trouble as fast.  (Sure now they go off the outside of a curved road instead, but even that is less startling since FWDs are hard to spin out, which is what makes driving so much fun.

(By "spin out" I mean 180s and 360s, not STOP : "Squeal Tires On Pavement")

Corvairs are harder to spin out that FE/RWD cars, but FWDs are nearly impossible, which I think makes them "safer" 

Mechanics love them too, because all the expensive stuff is up front taking the impact of pot holes, etc with complex CVJs and steering ear in a very vulnerable position, so lots of $$ to be made fixing them !

I think FWD is what makes all new cars so mundane, IMHO.

Charlie;

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: jvhroberts at aol.com 
  To: Chaz at ProperProPer.com ; tkalp at cox.net ; virtualvairs at corvair.org 
  Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 1:29 PM
  Subject: Re: <VV> Modern Corvair


  In a lot of ways, the Volt is even more step out than the Corvair was. The first true plug in hybrid, the first truly mass produced car with a fully electrical drivetrain, and they're betting the bank on a battery technology, which is extremely close to success, isn't quite ready for prime time. 

  A rear engine car, designed for today's market, is a fascinating concept. Not sure how GM would do it, then there's the issues of how radically different rear engine cars behave compared to FWD cars, which, unlike in the 60s, is now the norm. I can see the lawyers now, wringing their hands in anticipation! 

  From a technology standpoint, the Corvette transaxle appears to be close enough to what's needed to be the basis for a perfect rear engine transaxle. Heck, all it really needs is an integral bellhousing at the rear and hollow mainshafts! 

  But there really isn't an engine in the bin suitable for this. It's a shame they sold their share of Subaru! The new 3.6L engine would be marvelous in such a car!! 



  John Roberts




  -----Original Message-----
  From: Charles Lee <Chaz at ProperProPer.com>
  To: tkalp at cox.net; Virtual Vairs <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
  Sent: Mon, Jan 18, 2010 3:30 pm
  Subject: Re: <VV> Modern Corvair


Maybe if the Chevy "Volt" was rear-engined with advanced suspension and low
center of gravity, plus the styling of the Corvair, now THAT would be a
winner !

However, I think GM proved they are NOT up to the challenge of a "new
Corvair" as advanced as the Corvair was then, by the actions they took then.

Unfortunately, the Corvair, as great a car as it was (and is), still has a
stigma as a result of GM's inability to take a stance against Nadir (sic), 
as VW
did when Nadir went after them !

Still it would be a cool idea to have a contest of some kind, to see what
the Corvair might have been ?

Charlie

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <tkalp at cox.net>
To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Modern Corvair


>
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 1:43 PM, Charles Lee wrote:
>
>> No one bailed out the Corvair !  ... and they wrote songs about the
> Part of the problem in creating a true "today's Corvair" is while the
> Munstang, Camaro, Challenger are noted for their appearence rather than
> engineering excellence.  To capture the true soul of the Corvair, the
> new Corvair would have to capture the excellent styling of the Corvair
> but to be an engineering breakthrough also . . . don't know if GM is up
> to the challenge.
>
> tkalp
> wichita, ks
>
>
>> Corvair - "Tough Little Buggy" and "Corvair Baby" to name two, plus
>> more
>> than one group named "The Corvairs" ...
>>
>> Where would it be today ?  Has anyone here designed "today's" Corvair
>> ?
>>
>> After looking at the "new" 1968 Retro-Mustangs, Camaros ("Camaroes" ?)
>> and
>> Challengers, I'd think the Corvair would go over quite nicely !
>>
>> Charlie
>>
>
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