There’s been word circulating that the German government could introduce new top-speed limiters on all new production cars, drastically reducing the top speed vehicles can achieve from the factory. This comes with the news that the same German government is thinking about removing the unrestricted areas of the Autobahn and introducing stricter speed limits. Most Germany car companies are likely not happy about this. ALPINA, though, is very displeased.
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According to ALPINA Boss, Andreas Bovensiepen, who recently spoke to Which Car, these rumors of stricter regulations are bad news for everyone. “The rumours of speed limiters and the end of de-restricted autobahns are getting louder for 2025; I hope this is far from us now,” Bovensiepen told Which Car.
He admits that it would hurt performance car makes first but that would ultimate taper off. “Initially we’d expect a dip in sales [if such restrictions become reality]. In the first place it will hurt every fast-car manufacturer… but I think ultimately people will still want to buy performance cars.” Which is true, a lower top speed won’t completely ruin the sports car market. Plus, a simple tune could likely unlock all of a car’s performance potential if such restrictions do become real.
Though, Bovensiepen also thinks that there are some other factors that have been overlooked. For instance, with a much lower top speed, German automakers might get lazy in their suspension tuning. Why tune a car’s suspension for triple-digit Autobahn speeds if its not allowed to get anywhere near that? “If there are speed limiters I think the majority of cars will get a much lower quality in suspension.” said Bovensiepen.
Same goes for tire tech. With less need for tire grip and a focus on efficiency, automakers will likely focus on low rolling resistance and hard compounds, making cars slightly less safe. Maybe that’s a bit extreme and but his concerns are plausible.
[Source: Which Car]
It has been circulated more than once but never came. The people i know that argue pro speed limit mostly don’t have a car or even a driving license. All pro arguments are pointless. It wont save the climate because too few people actually drive fast. The safety argument is my favourite. Every country with a comparable road quality and driving education has similar or even more fatal crashes to offer. The Autobahn is relatively safe. What isn’t safe are people texting while driving. A speed limit doesn’t change that.
Thank you for that. Especially in the US it’s so bad…what it needs, is a different mindset and more driving school time.
More prison time so they can be driven.
We could have smaller engines if the top speed was limited. 100 mph is fast enough especially in a high riding truck. Some of these cars going over 200 mph, I would rather be in a plane. One improfection in the road would cause you to become airborne.
100 is enough?! You are American I guess. I can go 200km/h with cruise control easily for a very long time, especially in the evening/night. It’s not even exciting, it’s just relaxed driving. If you are not able do that, fine, but let others decide that for themselves.
I am Trauma physician. Speed and alcohol over and over again. Multiple same offenders killing good citizens. Speed does kill. Most deaths occur at night even though less drivers. Fatigue, alcohol, and speed. One million people die every year worldwide from vehicle crashes. That is why we need self driving as common sense does not exist.That’s what i say. Alcohol isn’t bad unless people start driving under influence. Even 50km/h can be too much in a dense populated place. It’s always a small fraction that ruins the fun. Putting millions in under nanny control will create a lot of pissed off people and there will be still accidents. If saving lives is so impprtant then why do the americans still allow guns for the public? Why is alcohol, tobacco and junk food still allowed?
The governments are forcing auto makers to do something. Citizens will not have a say. It costs governments/insurance companies billions of dollars because of deaths and chronic injuries. Vehicles will become prohibitively expensive for anyone to purchase. Less traffic congestion and more greenbelts where parking lots exist.
Germany is the only country without a speed limit, and compared to all other countries worldwide it is, after Switzerland, Norway and a few other, the safest in terms of road deaths. Like I said, you are american, you apparently have no clue about the facts and statistics. Just looking around you, that might be true. Ive been in the US some time and I saw a lot of bullshit on the streets, also in China, but not in Germany. Autobahn is usually a very very safe place. COuntryroads and city roads are much worse. Most people die there, as pedestrian and motorcyclists..
Just get your facts right.
Looking at the last few elections either for Europe or locally in Germany there is an increase in green party sympathy. But if you look even closer the opposite side is groing just as much. We do have parties here that clearly oppose a nanny state and we have cheap atempts from conservatives trying green party appeasements – not realizing this is going to piss off some of their traditional voters. It is complicated. Americans and their guns are also something that is discussed highly emotional. Wen have the autobahn which is quite a safe road compared to most roads our neighbours offer. Also nobody talks about the real reasons accidents happen. I bet most fatal accidents with younger people speeding were a result of drugs but our police is quite blind on this topic.
Where did you study that they didn’t teach you to Type? Or are you on Speed and alcohol over and over again?
As driver assistance systems become cleverer, and more commonplace, I’d hope the need for tighter speed restrictions to diminish.