Some Upfront News About Cabs
Forward-Looking Cars
|
 |
Cab-forward designs compared with traditional profile cars
nbsp;
 |  |
 | |
| Cab-forward cars have a sleek, more sporty appearance. (ABCNEWS.com) | |
By John Morel
Special to ABCNEWS.com
If you’ve been watching TV over the last five years or so, no doubt you’ve seen a Chrysler ad touting its “cab-forward” design. (If not, either you’re not in any of their target demo groups—unlikely—or they need a new ad agency.)
In a cab-forward design, the wheelbase (the center area of the car between the wheels) is usually longer in proportion to the overall length of the car. The windshield and the backlight (the rear window) are typically more steeply angled. The appearance of a cab-forward car is more sporty and “aggressive” than the typical car. Many also think it looks more futuristic.
| |
Is all this good? Well, that depends on your priorities. A cab-forward car usually has a very spacious interior. In addition, many of these cars have styling that is considered to be industry-leading. Personally, I think the Chrysler 300M/LHS/Dodge Intrepid family represent about the best looking sedans around.
There are drawbacks, though. These cars can have a strange feel for the driver. The cab-forward design necessitates a very long dash with large, steeply-angled A-pillars (the pillars at the front of the car next to the windshield) and a big expanse of glass. The position of the A-pillar and the point where the roof meets the windshield are both close to the driver’s line of sight. Being so far forward, they may make some feel uncomfortable. At the very least, it is a much different view than that from most other cars. The additional space in the cabin area means more capacity needed for heating and cooling systems, adding cost. The longer wheelbase can give a smoother ride and add stability at higher speeds, but it can also widen the turning circle, making parking more difficult.
In the end, it comes down to the emotional side as well as the practical. Do the cars look hot to you? Well, to help you answer the question, we’ve included some examples. Let us know what you think.
