Blobcat
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- #21
People want to pay less VED so manufacturers "met" the rules and made cheaper VED cars, customers then complained they can't get the MPG and governments complained because they're losing out on revenue...No. The “real world” tests you suggest would then require:
a) if a test track, way more availability than it has, as environmental emissions test chambers are used pretty much solidly and test tracks ditto.
b) if a disused runway, someone to take over and pay for the surface upkeep and maintenance, then see a) above.
c) if a road, then other traffic will have to be managed off it for the duration of the tests.
The reality is that the test chambers are by a very long way, the best way of actually delivering variables- minimised results in accordance with the test requirements as specified by the supra- national standards agencies. The problem isn’t with tests being done in “lab” conditions by eeeebil carmakers (well, unless you’re VAG). It’s how those tests are proscribed by the authorities that the carmakers must comply with. One plays the game by the letter of the rules (again, unless you’re VAG) and therefore the carmakers are free to explore any avenue within those rules to improve their performance claims.