bloc
SILVER Star
I've read (not sure where) that a large factor in modern full-size SUVs doing so well on mileage is the very low front fascia. This making sense is part of why I'm leery of many of the front bumpers I see.. though I fully understand that the open front wheel arches are for function (as well as form). I'm just not convinced a compromise can't be reached.
Also, in driving my rig from Austin to Houston with no windshield and most of the glass missing (rear hatch and one rear sliding window left) the thing had trouble getting to 75mph, ran hotter than normal (despite ambient temps in the 80s, vs 100+ with no issue this summer) and I got something like 7mpg. Just as an example of how a missing windshield can impact aero and subsequently mileage.
Also, in driving my rig from Austin to Houston with no windshield and most of the glass missing (rear hatch and one rear sliding window left) the thing had trouble getting to 75mph, ran hotter than normal (despite ambient temps in the 80s, vs 100+ with no issue this summer) and I got something like 7mpg. Just as an example of how a missing windshield can impact aero and subsequently mileage.
