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Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

arstechnica.com

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Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#71

Post by zamadatix »

ocdtrekkie wrote: post #24
zamadatix wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Fit's estimated top speed is 115. Applying logic to the problem I'd say it goes to 140 because it probably supports switching to km/h mode (e.g. if you need to drive through Canada) and 140 km/h = ~85 mph which as you say is probably the reasonable limit to take the vehicle

Most speedometers have a second ruler specifying the km/h speed. It would add a lot of unneeded complexity to change the speedometer's movement rate depending on mph vs. km/h: It's a lot easier to just use a different guideline on the existing dashboard.

That's not really an indicator of if the car supports switching the primary or not, I've had plenty of rentals with both on the speedometer while still having the ability to switch the primary.

I agree that either way it's easier to use a single speedometer with a different overlay.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#72

Post by userulluipeste »

Although 180 km/h looks reasonable, I'm not convinced this kind of solutions is the way to go. Speed limiters are not new and were sold on the idea that are improving the efficiency of the engine, burning the fuel better. To do the same thing in regard to safety however, is a bit humiliating or at least patronizing. People already are required to jump through non-trivial hoops in order to legally get behind the driving wheel and all that is to make sure they fully understand the implications of driving a high speed vehicle and accept the implied responsibility. We already took care of setting the proper speed limits through road regulations on the society level, and we do further limit those speeds by choice on the individual level on each driving session. This artificial limitation from the automakers is more akin to fearmongering based marketing stunt, something not derived from rational discernment but from tackling one's lizard brain fears.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#74

Post by Shorel »

I would love if all cars had a cruise speed mode where I could say, I want the top speed to be 60, and it never goes faster.

The difference here is that I would choose this speed, instead of it being set only by the manufacturer.

It is also OK if the car had both limits, a manufacturer max and a lower max speed configurable by the driver.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#76

Post by throwawayst808 »

mrguyorama wrote: post #65
throwawayst808 wrote: post #31

Just out of curiosity, am I the only one that's tried the top speed of every car I've owned? German cars have limiters at 130 or 155mph, and the first time I hit the 130 limiter was a surprise (suddenly lost acceleration, thought I had an engine problem, then realized I just hit the limiter). Surely I'm not the only one? Intended out of real curiosity

Many places in the USA, passing a cop while hitting the limiter would result in at least a night in jail, instant driver's license loss, and lots and lots of money. The vast majority of Americans cannot afford even a basic speeding ticket, let alone that kind of expense. So no, you aren't the only one, but certainly experiencing that kind of risk is a massively luxurious thing that the vast majority of people cannot…

Oh I feel so bad now. And I like the way you made it a class thing (used cars go just as fast as new cars by the way).

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#77

Post by clairity »

jbob2000 wrote: post #25

I've always wondered why the government sets speed limits but then doesn't enforce them on manufacturers. You can solve 99% of speed "crime" by making it illegal to sell a car that can break the speed limit.

maybe because speed limits are arbitrary, inconsistent, and they change. why not just remove speed limits if your goal is to "solve 99% of speed 'crime'"? that's easier and a more consistent solution.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#78

Post by rhombocombus »

userulluipeste wrote: post #72

Although 180 km/h looks reasonable, I'm not convinced this kind of solutions is the way to go. Speed limiters are not new and were sold on the idea that are improving the efficiency of the engine, burning the fuel better. To do the same thing in regard to safety however, is a bit humiliating or at least patronizing. People already are required to jump through non-trivial hoops in order to legally get behind the drivi…

I don't think it's fearmongering, especially when you consider that children are allowed to drive (at least here in the US, and with minimal training). This isn't about being a nanny state or keeping folks from driving fast cars (I imagine there will always be cars you can take on the track), it's about keeping everyone on the roads safer. Not one single time in my highway driving life have I encountered a NEED to drive that fast in any traffic maneuver. People die in high speed crashes all the time, I don't think anything about this decision is fearmongering, it's about the health and safety of those around you.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#79

Post by thatfrenchguy »

chasingthewind wrote: post #5

There is no circumstances under which a maximum speed of 112 would bother me. I drive a Honda Fit. I don't think I have ever driven it over 85 miles per hour (137km/hr). I'm not comfortable driving faster than that. What makes me mad is that my speedometer goes up to 140mph! Why?! The only answer I've ever seen that makes sense is that it's a marketing tool, but who honestly buys a Honda Fit and thinks to themselves…

There's a sizeable number of people on german highways driving at 180kph though. There's a lot of good arguments against it though.

Re: Volvo is introducing a 112mph speed limiter to all its new cars

#80

Post by rmason »

We already have systems that can read speed signs. What I'd like to see is image recognition systems that recognize a school bus and when it is stopped.

Couple of times a year I see drivers blowing by a school bus as kids are getting off and trying to cross the street right in front of them. Be nice if the car decided for the driver that it was stopping.

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