2003-2011 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Because of the litiginous American society that we live in. SAAB used to mount real tires on their cars and let them run unrestricted. A class action lawsuit regarding 900SET and VIggen wheels bending easily put an end to that and has made SCUSA cower as a result.
Now, we'll probably never have cars in the US with wheels larger than 18" or tires any better than "high performance" M+S all season (meaning no season) tires. Meanwhile, the competition will continue to push the envelope. Common, everyday cars (Accords, Camrys, Altimas, etc etc) now have 17" wheels as standard. Even formerly staid Volvo has 18" wheels in its R series. SAAB elsewhere have 18" wheels, and summer tires. Why is SAABs largest market treated like a stepchild? You can thank suit happy customers and lawyers for that.
You reap what you sow, and you get what you deserve. Hence, we have SAABs that are governor restricted and possess tires that don't truly meet the performance of SAAB's top performing model.
Ironically, new Aero V6 is being touted as SAABs highest performing model yet. However, that performance is somewhat "neutered" by the governor restriction and the poor (IMHO) choice of tires.
The recent C&D comparo test confirms that. Not only did '06 Aero in the C&D comparo test have a governor restricted top speed of 130mph. but it also had the worst braking and poorest skidpad results of the group. I blame the tires for the latter.
Since I can't do anything (yet) about the governor, I can at least put some decent tires on the car that is commensurate with its performance (hence, Goodyear F1 GS-D3s).
posted by 70.180.12...
Aero V6 with Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires
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