Why not have exterior airbags?

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Aug 26, 2006 | 08:37 PM

UberNoob

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Why not have exterior airbags?

Since Lexus is going to implement radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers of the new LS to detect incoming collisions, why cant they just make some exterior airbags to lessen the damage to the car themselves?

or would the air pressure required inside the airbags be too great to be implemented?

Aug 26, 2006 | 08:46 PM

O. L. T.

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1- too many things for the sensor to confuse and deploy on.

2- the unibody is already designed with crush points to do that.

Aug 27, 2006 | 02:24 AM

flipside909

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No you don't want exterior airbags. Those whose jobs are directly related to the collision repair industry would be at a loss.

Aug 27, 2006 | 08:53 AM

RX_330

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From: Michigan

$$$$ as well.

Aug 27, 2006 | 10:24 AM

XeroK00L

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Quote:

Originally Posted by UberNoob

or would the air pressure required inside the airbags be too great to be implemented?

I think this is the true reason. Airbags that save humans only need to withstand impact from human flesh, while airbags that save cars need to withstand tons of hard steel. Huge difference and practically impossible.

Aug 27, 2006 | 10:45 AM

4TehNguyen

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exterior airbag would pop from sharp glass and metal rendering it useless

Aug 27, 2006 | 12:19 PM

Incendiary

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Quote:

Originally Posted by flipside909

No you don't want exterior airbags. Those whose jobs are directly related to the collision repair industry would be at a loss.

Haha, I wonder how many know what you really mean...

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Aug 28, 2006 | 10:37 AM

PhilipMSPT

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From: In rehab...

Other than airbags, they should also fill the car with shock-absorbing fire-retardant foam. That will help...

Aug 28, 2006 | 11:38 AM

#10

UberNoob

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From: Los Angeles/Vancouver

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT

Other than airbags, they should also fill the car with shock-absorbing fire-retardant foam. That will help...

oi oi
like in Demolition Man eh?

Aug 28, 2006 | 12:51 PM

#11

JHStrange

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From: Oregon

you mean like this?

Attached Thumbnails

Why not have exterior airbags?-exterior-airbags.jpg

Aug 28, 2006 | 01:45 PM

#12

RX_330

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nextourer

I think MB was considering exterior airbags but it was for pedestrian safety. I don't think that went through since the new S-Class doesn't have any of that sort.

'Tis true.