In the interest of fuel economy (and the all-important, stand-out factor) I've been seriously considering undertaking a project to replace my side view mirrors with small video cameras and interior flat screens.
The existing mirrors could be chopped off and replaced with two small digital video cameras mounted inside small recesses where the mirrors used to be. A clear bit of plexyglass could then be fitted over the cameras to keep out the elements.
The cameras could then be wired to small (~6" or so) screens mounted on the pillars inside the car. The existing gimbal that is used to rotate the mirror could be used to mount the cameras so that the mirror control inside the car would now move the cameras around instead of the mirrors.
The overall effect would be to completely eliminate any bulge from the side of the vehicle thereby improving fuel economy. I don't know exactly what the potential fuel savings might be, but I'd guess it would be around ~1-2 mpg per mirror for a total savings of ~2-4 mpg. It might look a little funny at first, but that's probably just because we're all used to seeing cars with side mirrors! Once we get used to it, I'm guessing it'll look pretty sweet!
As a side note, if Ari (or any other photoshop gurus) finds themself bored one day at work and wants to brush out the mirrors on a midnight blue P5 so I can see what it would look like, that would be awesome!
Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has thought of this before and if so, if anyone can suggest any reasons why this might not work, or have any constructive suggestions. Potential legal problems?
The existing mirrors could be chopped off and replaced with two small digital video cameras mounted inside small recesses where the mirrors used to be. A clear bit of plexyglass could then be fitted over the cameras to keep out the elements.
The cameras could then be wired to small (~6" or so) screens mounted on the pillars inside the car. The existing gimbal that is used to rotate the mirror could be used to mount the cameras so that the mirror control inside the car would now move the cameras around instead of the mirrors.
The overall effect would be to completely eliminate any bulge from the side of the vehicle thereby improving fuel economy. I don't know exactly what the potential fuel savings might be, but I'd guess it would be around ~1-2 mpg per mirror for a total savings of ~2-4 mpg. It might look a little funny at first, but that's probably just because we're all used to seeing cars with side mirrors! Once we get used to it, I'm guessing it'll look pretty sweet!
As a side note, if Ari (or any other photoshop gurus) finds themself bored one day at work and wants to brush out the mirrors on a midnight blue P5 so I can see what it would look like, that would be awesome!
Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has thought of this before and if so, if anyone can suggest any reasons why this might not work, or have any constructive suggestions. Potential legal problems?