the first gen G35's have a CD of .26. Thats pretty damn good.

 

if you guys really want lighter cars, one thing you'll have to give up on, is leather. it's NOT light (unless it's so thin that it's crappy).

safety equipment (like loads of air bags, plus braces, beams, etc.), dozens of sensors, multiple computers, and extremely rigid chassis have all lead to weight increases. even things like putting an exhaust on each side at the back adds weight.

exotic materials are too expensive to mass produce cars from so, something fundamental will have to change to reduce weight (besides vehicle size), perhaps some new system to replace the half dozen plus airbags and sensors.

 

I agree that heavy aerodynamic cars don't make as much sense as light aerodynamic cars

 

I've always wondered how they've managed to create such a low CD rating for the new E class and E class coupe given the new European Union laws about pedestrian safety - which require the snouts of new cars to be raised and somewhat "flat" in front, if I remember correctly.

Impressive engineering and design nonetheless. Less drag also means a quieter ride because of less wind noises.

 

There are some interesting points in this thread and I agree with many of them. Weight is definitely an issue, but there are two other factors I also can think off, maybe even even a third.

First, it is not quite clear yet which engines Mercedes will send over with the E class coupe. It would be nice if they sold a smaller V6 or even a 4 cylinder in the US as well as some diesels for this car. I can see a market for these things as there are plenty of people who want the car, not the engine. Living in Europe and driving a Mercedes E230 has taught me a lot about this. Before this I wouldn't have hesitated to go for an E350 or E550 had I been living in the US. I would never have suspected that a model lower than the E350 would be as agile and adequate in daily driving.

Second, I think most Americans believe they can achieve good fuel economy if they buy a car that is advertised as delivering good fuel economy. The truth is that the personal driving style of people also affects fuel economy. It is one of the most of important aspects in this category. All to often I have ridden with friends who are still on the pedal when the light ahead is red and they should be slowing down. A few meters before the line they literally do an emergency stop. Not only is this is not good for the car (wear and tear on components) but valuable gas is consumed. Little things like this are also factors in fuel economy, but it is a shame that these things aren't taught in driver's ed. Think of all the fuel we could safe if people just knew how to drive properly and efficiently and not act like morons behind the wheel.

Third, and this is probably also a problem, is the tire pressure factor. This is often overlooked by many owners and as air escapes the tire, the tire begins to change shape becoming flatter at the ground. Tests have shown that this affects fuel economy in an extremely negative way and also increases wear and tear on the tire(s).


Just a few pointers that come to mind.