Whatever Happened To Visibility?

TruthAboutCars.com ^ | January 17, 2011 | Edward Niedermeyer

[central_va]

So, to the designers and engineers in the house we ask: how important is reducing the amount of glass in a vehicle improve safety test performance? To what extent does this issue drive design? And to the consumers we ask: are you really asking for ever-tightening greenhouses in the name of fashion? Can you identify a point at which introducing more glass to a design makes a car look dorky but creating a tighter greenhouse hurts usability (and possibly even active safety)?

[central_va]

Ok, I haven't bought a car in awhile but recently I purchased a new '13 Mustang. I've owned 2 other Mustangs in the past. This is a good car,but my least favorite of the 3. I figured out why, it is the dang "beltline" being to high and the small windows. I just don't feel right in it. Like I am a Lilliputian.

Almost all the new cars are getting the gansta bling wheel look now. For those who drive on of these high beltline cars, will I ever get to like the interior feel?

[antidemoncrat]

I’ve often wondered in an emergency how easy it would be to get out of one of those cars with the tiny windows.

[central_va]

I’m starting to hate the whole trend. Seems stupid.

[cripplecreek]

[central_va]

Good viability there!

[central_va]

I feel like I need a tanker helmet.

[Delta 21]

Even uglier from the front!

But you didnt have many blind spots !!

[cripplecreek]

Its just an overinflated Gremlin.

[Paladin2]

Try driving a tank (or a submarine).

[Paladin2]

[cripplecreek]

I had a friend who cut one down and made it into a truck. It was even 4 wheel drive. Bronco II frame I believe it was.

[Secret Agent Man]

With mustangs if anyone is in the back they just cut through the roof and peel it back.

[onyx]

[central_va]

My grandpa drove an impala like that, except it was black.

[Paladin2]

There’s nothing like a wrap-around windshield.

[Delta 21]

I never really understood the need for visibility while I was driving a tank, after all Im DRIVING A TANK!

The laws of gross tonnage apply !!

[central_va]

No 6 inch wide ‘a’ pillar, how nice!

[Paladin2]

Driving one of these felt like driving from the back seat. Definitely weird.

[jjotto]

Yes, high-beltline bathtub cars (almost all of them) are for safety reasons.

The impossible-to-see corners and impossible-to-see-out-of rear windows are for aerodynamics. Everything on the road is going to be Prius-shaped. Rear view cams will be standard.

[central_va]

It is not possible for me, so far, to drive my Mustang with confidence. I have to know what is around me or i become unsure which is not enjoyable. I cannot drive a bathtub with authority. Sucks to be me.