How they determine max speed limiter setting? (insurance, vehicle, convertible)

[victimofGM]

Vehicle makers have an electronic speed limiter on their new vehicles. Some are set in the area of 110 mph while sportier vehicles are set to a much higher limit. How does a maker decide what to make the limited top speed of a vehicle and should some vehicles have a lower top speed limit and others a higher?

[Stonepa]

Tires, brakes, local regulations, insurance rates which could limit sales, liability, etc.

[trlhiker]

Most likely the tires and the type of vehicle. You don't want to do 120 mph on tires not designed for that speed nor would you want to do that in a full sized SUV or pickup..

[pknopp]

Ouija Board.

[cdelena]

Primary decision is based upon opinion from legal department. My Camaro convertible is limited to 155 but the hardtop is limited to 180.

[Quietude]

IME, there have been many models limited by the OEM tire rating. Euro models are often faster.

[somebodyfromnc]

Most of it is due to the speed rating on the tires.

[Axxlrod]

Plus the intent/focus of the vehicle when it was designed. A 4 door-econobox was not designed/engineered for high-speed like something like a corvette or mustang was.

[ddm2k]

Originally Posted by somebodyfromnc

Most of it is due to the speed rating on the tires.

118 MPH and not a penny more!

[mikeyyc]

I'll take the Calvin and Hobbes approach. The drive the car as fast as they can, until such a time as it explodes and crashes. The limit the top speed to 5 below that number.


For those that don't get the reference: Calvin and Hobbes Dad explains science | s-anand.net