Date:         Wed, 20 Jan 1999 22:19:39 -0600
Reply-To:     Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Blue Eyes <lvlearn@MCI2000.COM>
Organization: Vexation Computer
Subject:      Re: 133 mph WB?? BUNK!
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Helmut reported:
"I got reports, that a Eurovan with 200 hp speeds up
to 200 kph, the Eurovan with the 150 hp TDI is specified by
Volkswagen to 180 kph."

Two questions:
Could someone report a URL address for this performance statement about the 150
hp TDI Eurovan?

We have a CD (Coefficient of Drag) estimate of .44 attributed to a VW
representative repeated in the early Road & Track Vanagon Test Report, a copy
of which is repeated in the List archives.  Has anyone found a CD figure for
the Eurovan?   If so, what is it and where may others read it?

I've long suspected that extending the Vanagon's front windshield attack angle
further forward in the sheet metal, which approach subsequent wind tunnel
tested vehicles adopted, might improve that high .44 CD.  Not long ago, one of
the List members (David Marshall?) mentioned that he had inherited something
like "nose extending sheet metal" or something like that.  I for one, would
welcome a discussion of any demonstrated techniques to reduce the
Vanagon/Westy's poor CD.

I'm NOT interested in hearing how to spend mega-bucks on cosmetic enhancements
with big vendor claims about drag reduction, which is completely different from
ANY user reports that say something like:

"On our previous total highway fuel usage averaged xx.x.  But now, with the
only change being the supposedly CD improving alteration described, we are
averaging zz.z mpg."

I know we can't approach the new Passat's amazingly good .27 CD, but when it's
as high as .44, incremental improvements should be comparatively easy.
John