Future cars: Could you live by going a max speed of 40 MPH on the highway?

Question

I think the earth would be very nice if we had this.

Small, high tech gasoline or diesel engine that can have 200 MPG. But there's a hitch, you have to got a max speed of 40 MPH.

The only problem would be slow speed. what do you guys think?

Answer 1

Theres endless evidence to support free energy, high powered vehicles that the oil companies suppresed starting in the 30's - as early as the 20's. So 40 is ludicris when much higher speeds have alredy been done. VW just came out with a vehicle that gets 317mpg and does over 150. Though if it ever hits the road - whe'll surly see pigs fly ;)

Answer 2

that'd never happen

Answer 3

We would have more people falling asleep at the wheel due to boredom.  This happened during WWII here in the states.  Gas rationing was put into effect and the speed limit reduced to 35 mph.  Drivers would fall asleep at the wheel and drive off the road and crash.  At least today's cars provide more occupant safety in the event of a crash.  At 40 mph many of the trips people currently take would be eliminated due to excess time of travel.  Then more people would travel by plane, adding to the current congestion travelers encounter at an airport.  

I am sure everyone would agree there is no easy quick solution other than riding a bicycle or walking.  Sadly most areas are just plain dangerous for a bicyclist.  Our society is not geared to respect the rights and safety of a bicyclist.  That rider may just be trying to get to work on time.  Perhaps they are running an errand.  But we have such a huge population of terribly unskilled drivers that are so incredibly impatient and down right dangerous.  These drivers should be thankful someone like me is not in charge.  I would be yanking the privilege of driving from lots of people for the dangerous driving decisions I see committed each day.  BTW, I have had no accidents in 30 plus years of driving.  No accidents equals no injuries or property damage.  My Dad had a spotless driving record when he worked for the Phone Company.  Safe driving runs in the family.

Answer 4

I wouldn't like it but I could deal with it. I use a bicycle for most of my transportation in town now, so slow speeds are usual. If we only went 40 mph on the highway I would just have to leave earlier. It actually may be could for people to slow down. Slow down and enjoy life. stop and smell the flowers. What is the big rush anyways ? What we don't get done today we can do tomorrow.

Answer 5

thats to slow and will clog all the roads and freeways.... ever heard of GRIDLOCK?

The only way to increase highway capacity is more lanes or a higher speed... the same road as above will handle double the cars at 70 mph

Answer 6

Whats the point of having a car then?  40mph would kill me inside.  I cant do it.

Answer 7

Only problem is that those cars cannot be safely put into use because of the people that drive like maniacs, the huge trucks, etc.

Answer 8

40 lol....... i find like 150 slow......

1 time my friend took his honda to the max needle it was like 220 and the engine was smoking and **** man... holy s**++

Answer 9

The maximum designed capacity of a typical highway in the US is 3500 vehicles/hr at 35 mph past a given point...With traffic density at saturation levels in many metro areas, the average speed is at or below the 35 mph benchmark...The 200 mpg goal looks very attractive...However, a change should be made to the speedometer that would show a 0-50 scale with a redline between 45 and 50...That would tend to make it a bit more palatable.

Answer 10

No need to....check out the Opel Eco-speedster, it's a four cylinder 1.3 liter turbo-diesel that gets 113 mpg and a top speed of 155 or the Eliica...a Japanese built 8 wheel drive electric car that does 230 mph. And the 10 million dollar X-Prize coming up for anyone who can design a  car that gets 100 mpg, 200 mile range, seats four and has four wheels that can be mass produced right away.

Or the Aptera commuter car...

There's plenty of technology to get much higher fuel economy with designs we have today.

Answer 11

Slowed speed shouldn't be a problem.

It amazes me. There was a time when it took months to cross the Atlantic. Now people can't stand to wait in line at the bank.

Slowing down would do us all some good.