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Did something change where NEVS is actually going to ship something? Doesn't seem like it. Sniff. Just had an '86 Saab 900 SPG flatnose project car hauled out
by cmrdporcupine 3y ago
Did something change where NEVS is actually going to ship something? Doesn't seem like it.
Sniff. Just had an '86 Saab 900 SPG flatnose project car hauled out of my shop after letting it rot in there untouched for 6 years because I just have too much else going on.
Those cars were special and loved for their esoteric nature and because they were on the forefront of car engineering choices that later became common. Turbo, front wheel drive, double wishbone suspension, etc.
But mostly because they were pretty no-compromise on driving. Longitudinally mounted (backwards!) engine for better balance and no torque steer. Dashboard controls at driver line of sight, no looking down and futzing. Key between the seats to prevent hypothetical stabbing injuries from the key during collisions. Lovely rounded glass for better visibility and fewer blind spots. Even extends to maintenance: Dash hood opens forward instead of up (hard to describe) so home mechanics can get more ergonomic access. "Backwards" mounted engine made it easier to get in and replace belts, etc.
The "odd" body shape wasn't just a design choice, it was all in pursuit of ergonomics for a superior and safe driving experience. Like the complete opposite of a Tesla (or many other modern cars) with their ridiculous glowing distraction machines plopped in the middle of the car.
The GM-built Saabs that followed didn't really keep a lot of the advantages that the 900 had, though they kept some of the quirks.
And honestly these NEVS concepts, they've been buzzing around for years without actually shipping anything. And I'm not sure they're "spiritually" akin to what the 900 represented.
Please someone make me an EV with longitudinally mounted motor, distraction free dash, excellent visibility & minimal blind spots, compact or subcompact or coupe body style...
But... a coupe like the 900 with an emphasis on driver ergonomics would flop on the North American market today. Not big enough to thoroughly flatten cyclists and pedestrians and terrify the drivers next to you.
Though I'd buy one.