PilotPete
Well-known member
- First Name
- Pete
- Joined
- May 8, 2023
- Threads
- 12
- Messages
- 1,578
- Reaction score
- 3,964
- Vehicles
- Porsche, BMW, M3LR on order
- Occupation
- Chief Pilot
Well, I think air bags are probably a big reason for the thickness. You look at race cars with space frames and they are actually thinner than many A pillars these days. Or even cars a few years back, and their frames were still sturdy enough not to get crushed.
I think that the standards for rollover protection has been updated Over the years. Yes, you could make them thinner, but at a cost of different (more expensive) materials and/or more expensive processes.I would still like to have thinner pillars if I could for better visibility (which is also important for safety).
What benefit is it to a manufacturer to make a larger A pillar at the same cost? If you answered nothing, then money is far and away most likely reason.
Race cars are focused on speed and weight at almost any cost. That’s why I can’t afford the same car that Verstappen drives on Sundays.
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