quote:...but apparently the prancing donkey engineers & the engineers full of bull don't think there's any advantage, or they'd be doing it, wouldn't they?
Well, I wouldn't conclude such.
Everything's a compromise in engineering especially when it comes to engines. One certainly can not assume that Ferrari's or Lambos don't compromise performance for other things important to passenger cars or public perceptions of "refinement" and quality. Production cars have an even more complicated set of conditions and trade-offs. The original manufacturer and badging on the car doesn't exempt them from US government regs or the need to make trades. This certainly is not limited to the induction systems. Examples?
- Are their exhaust systems designed for optimal performance? No, they have catalytic converters and meet noise and emissions standards. Doesn't mean I would select it for my car. More tractors than police on the roads I drive.
Tires? -A street/performance compromise.
Suspension? same.
Cammed for performance considerations only? Nope.
Weight? Yup, you guessed it...compromise; radios, air conditioners, sound supression, crash impact tolerance, etc.
And on and on. Having said all that, I see a lot of Ferrari and Lambo bashing. I don't agree. They are fine cars. The fit and finish are of a high standard, and even in street trim the over square 12 cylinder engines have great range, are very predictable, and that makes them easy to drive. "Refined" if you will. Wind'em up tight and they'll go. But I routinely see modestly modified Vettes exceed many Ferrari's in club racing.
Cheers,
Kelly