REVIEW #7
The 70's & 80's Wedge
In the Late 1960's & early 70's, there was a new trend in the making for 'Wedge' shaped cars.
With the likes of Alfa Romeo's Carabo (1968) and Lamborghini's Countach (1971) concepts being shown to the astounded public. This was the next 'Big Thing', the space age.! A leap away from the 50's & 60's post war struggles and basic transportation.
With the likes of Alfa Romeo's Carabo (1968) and Lamborghini's Countach (1971) concepts being shown to the astounded public. This was the next 'Big Thing', the space age.! A leap away from the 50's & 60's post war struggles and basic transportation.
The designer of Bertone's 'Carabo' (above), was also responsible for Fiat's X1/9 which entered production in 1972. Other 'Wedges' soon followed, Lotus' Elite (1974), Maserati's Khamsin (1974), Triumph's TR7 (1975) and Lotus' Esprit (1976).
For this article, I've tried to pick out cars that followed in the X1/9's footsteps. The Elite, Esprit & Khamsin are sports-cars that are in a Higher class (Larger, more powerful, faster) than the little X1/9. So, i've kept the TR7 and added two later 1980's Wedge's for comparison. Those being Toyota's MR2 (1984) and Pontiac's Fiero (1984). The line-up shown below -
During this period, there became an increased interest by manufacturers in the co-drag efficiency of their cars. The co-drag (Cd) is a measurement of the cars shape and ability to move through the air with less drag (Being smooth & wedge shaped was meant to increase a cars performance in speed and fuel economy). Having a old car shaped like a box with the Cd of a brick wall, was ..and still is for the most part in today's motoring, a 'No-No'.
The lower the Cd figure ...the Better.!
The lower the Cd figure ...the Better.!
The Stats: