I'd like to know how much these pedestrian safety systems improve the chances of anyone surviving being hit by a car. I find it hard to believe these things are going to do much other than perhaps focus injuries on other parts of the body.
It's like jumping off a skyscraper and orienting yourself so that your legs hit the ground first instead of your head. You're dead just the same, it's just that the mess your body makes looks a little different. #nissangtr
@MaWeiTao: Its estimated that active pedestrian safety systems like these reduce the collision force by 75 percent. Its significant when you think about it and the tonnage that a human body is subject to when hit by a car.
In Europe, 15% of all road fatalities are from automobiles hitting pedestrians. By 2011 pedestrian safety regulation go into full effect for Europe, and systems like these will become more common.
These active pedestrian safety systems are relatively new technologies, and they are still incredibly expensive. Especially if its installed in a low-volume car like the GT-R. The Jaguar XK's Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System (PDBS) which uses a similar aluminum bonnet is equally as expensive to fix.
...and much like your airbag system they can go off on non-collision situations. In fact, deployable hood systems are more sensitive because most pedestrian collisions occur below 40kph (25 mph).
The car performs like a $175K car but costs half that. That leaves lots of room for crack-ups like this. If rich bachelors want to avoid repair costs on electromechanical toys and nannies, they should buy a "simpler" car. #nissangtr
Wow. Today's the day where we explore how Money Doesn't Buy Competence. Ferrari chairman can't keep his expensive products between the ditches. Bugatti unterseeboot captain can't keep his car dry. Now everyman-friendly Nissan is ready to give pedestrians the equivalent of a midcrash reacharound - sure you're getting hit by a car, but we're going to make it look like running into you made it blow the hell up! Seriously, the hood pops up? Time that a little wrong and it throws the poor guy back into traffic.
But more importantly, there's a boatload of money sunk into this car, and the schlub behind the wheel can't stop in time. Gigantic monster brakes don't make a bit of difference if you're following too close! #nissangtr
@Elhigh: The lift-up hood is part of the UK's pedestrian safety standards. Pretty sure all new cars sold there are required have this pop-up hood feature. #nissangtr
If I was an engineer that had to design to this asinine pedestrian requirement I would do my best to convert the "pedestrian safety system" into a pedestrian launching catapult. Pop the hood up to 90deg. should do it. #nissangtr
This must also include the transmission replacement. It's a standard wear item that gets swapped out at each service, so they probably just forgot to mention that. #nissangtr
In GT-R ridiculous-service-costs are-unjustified update, I found out that someone has created a better, cheaper version of Nissan's $114 a quart GR6 transmission fluid: [www.gtrblog.com]
At $73 a quart, it's still expensive as hell, but I bet you the price on this stuff will drop like a rock as DCT's proliferate.
The good thing about this sort of $18K repair bill insanity is that after they have spent their time in the clutches of rich d-bags who can't turn a wrench, cars like this will (by necessity) make their way into the hands of wily shadetree mechanics who can work out the kinks for a minute fraction of what the stealership charges.
Nissan are doing what console manufacturers have been doing since the beginning of time. Selling the console (car) for cheap, and making the real bucks on the games (service). See, they even got Polyphony Digital onboard to help out! #nissangtr
@FTGDWolverineEdition'09: That's the safest of them all. The person gets gently knocked to the ground, then the truck cleanly straddles their body. #nissangtr
11/16/09
It will look like many a 30-year-old American beast with a pre-popped rear hood edge.
Think of it as theft-resistance. #nissangtr
11/16/09
It's like jumping off a skyscraper and orienting yourself so that your legs hit the ground first instead of your head. You're dead just the same, it's just that the mess your body makes looks a little different. #nissangtr
11/16/09
In Europe, 15% of all road fatalities are from automobiles hitting pedestrians. By 2011 pedestrian safety regulation go into full effect for Europe, and systems like these will become more common.
These active pedestrian safety systems are relatively new technologies, and they are still incredibly expensive. Especially if its installed in a low-volume car like the GT-R. The Jaguar XK's Pedestrian Deployable Bonnet System (PDBS) which uses a similar aluminum bonnet is equally as expensive to fix.
...and much like your airbag system they can go off on non-collision situations. In fact, deployable hood systems are more sensitive because most pedestrian collisions occur below 40kph (25 mph).
11/16/09
I was preparing for a good point-and-laugh session, but now I just feel sorry for this poor-schlub... #nissangtr
11/16/09
It's intentionally a one-time use system.
It's a "system", unlike Shelby's GT500KR hood.
It's a halo car. No whining allowed.
The car performs like a $175K car but costs half that. That leaves lots of room for crack-ups like this. If rich bachelors want to avoid repair costs on electromechanical toys and nannies, they should buy a "simpler" car. #nissangtr
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But more importantly, there's a boatload of money sunk into this car, and the schlub behind the wheel can't stop in time. Gigantic monster brakes don't make a bit of difference if you're following too close! #nissangtr
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Another good reason to drive 'em old. I love being grandfathered around excessive requirements that add weight, complexity and cost.
And the absence of an airbag makes me keep my alertness where it ought to be: on the road. #nissangtr
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[www.gtrblog.com]
At $73 a quart, it's still expensive as hell, but I bet you the price on this stuff will drop like a rock as DCT's proliferate.
The good thing about this sort of $18K repair bill insanity is that after they have spent their time in the clutches of rich d-bags who can't turn a wrench, cars like this will (by necessity) make their way into the hands of wily shadetree mechanics who can work out the kinks for a minute fraction of what the stealership charges.
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Do those bearings come with piston pull-back springs? I hear those are expensive too. #nissangtr
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-sincerely, suburban American driver #nissangtr
11/16/09
@Amalgamated Stainless Headers, est.1978: And what do you mean pedestrian safety? #nissangtr
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