On 7/19/2017 11:38 AM, trader_4 wrote:
On Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 1:42:49 PM UTC-4, Mad Roger wrote:
On Wed, 19 Jul 2017 13:36:23 -0400,
wrote:

I would tend to look at the drivers who over-size their wheels
and conclude that it is _not strange at all_ that the mods
are based solely on image ..

I'm having a hard time fathoming that there are zero performance benefits
from putting a one-inch larger diameter tire-and-wheel assembly.

Most things done for "looks" have a semblance in reality, I thought.

Why would that be? I see lots of things done for styling and eye
appeal that are just for that purpose.




For example, low-profile tires give better steering response, so, that's
why (I presume) I see SUVs with super low profile tires (because they want
to look like a better steering vehicle).

How many people looking at a stylish SUV think that those wheels look
like they steer better?




Likewise a wing in the rear has a genesis in actual aeordynamic theory so I
understand that people want the look of a fast car (although at 60mph, a
wing is probably just for looks).

Same with dual exhaust, or a hood scoop, both of which allow the engine to
bring in and shove air out easily (which is essentially what an engine
does).

So the whole performance-look thing is a bit confusing to me.

Unlike the examples above where the look is to replicate situations where
there is actually a performance gain, if there are no performance gains to
larger wheels, then how does the *look* of larger wheels look like you get
performance gains?

Who ever said that it did?


My father once told me a story about meeting a tire tread designer for
one of the big tire manufacturers. He said she was a little old lady who
could draw pretty treads. Admittedly, this was probably 30-40 years ago.