Pop-Up Headlights: Where Did They Go?

[Rob]

Pop-Up Headlights: Where Did They Go?

Dead-End Technology.

BY TONY QUIROGA
November 2009
Car and Driver Magazine

As the automobile has evolved, certain technological advances that were heralded as marvelous innovations have nevertheless died out for reasons of changing styles and tastes, high costs, new regulations, or a general lack of interest. In hindsight, we have to wonder what appeal many of these dead-end features had in the first place. Here’s one of them:

Full Story: Pop-Up Headlights: Where Did They Go? - Feature - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver

 

[NORTY]

"Pop-up" headlights went away because GM wants to sell Corvettes in Europe.
A C6 throws out 130% of the light a C5 does...

 

[Rob]

"Pop-up" headlights went away because GM wants to sell Corvettes in Europe.
A C6 throws out 130% of the light a C5 does...

If that's true, then how do you explain that Ferrari and Lamborghini did away with Pop Up Headlights and Porsche - never had them?

 

[redvett]

Can you spell aerodynamics. GM needed to improve the areo on the C6 and the pop ups went away.

 

[muddywaters]

I believe weight reduction was the issue.............

 

[Zohhh6]

I believe weight reduction was the issue.............

And manufacturing cost!

 

[Tuna]

All the above: Aero, Cost, Weight and Europe requlations. Maybe a few other considerations as well.

 

[Ruby Fan]

Also, style. Cars are a styling trend like jeans and dress hemlines. Color is another factor that changes, the only ones that stay the same are black & white.

 

[82ColEd]

All i'm saying is DRL's.. At some point in the future Europe might require DRL's by law. But, i dont believe thats the only reason GM took Pop-Ups off the board. I agree with Tuna, a mix of all of the above as well as making it easier, hardware wise (service and building), cost effective etc etc...

Re Europe: You guys gotta remember that we had all sorts of either Special Euro Version Vettes or Imports brought into this country, and there is no problem with the pop ups or flip overs. But GM has put headlight washers on the C5 Euro version because of regulation (as well as modded other stuff to comply). They want to sell cars here and will create a Euro Version if needed.



-Stefan

 

[njlouc]

they look great when closed but not too great when opened.
How about:
snow/ice; daytime lane change/warning flash, cost, reliability.
BTW plastic gears??

 

[ProfessorBlaze]

cost, reliability.
BTW plastic gears??

gm has been using plastic gears for so long. brass isn't much more expensive and so much nicer too. always the first to go.

 

[NORTY]

If that's true, then how do you explain that Ferrari and Lamborghini did away with Pop Up Headlights and Porsche - never had them?

Thanks Rob for buttressing my point...

 

[vett boy]

they look great when closed but not too great when opened.
How about:
snow/ice; daytime lane change/warning flash, cost, reliability.
BTW plastic gears??

All good points .I always thought that they we're ugle when on .Many states require lights on when wippers are on also.

 

[njlouc]

IMHO.... The Euros really couldnt use them due to the vehicle laws. In so many driving situations there is a requirement to flash headlights. If closed they would have to either drive open all the time or wait til open then flash. It is not too sporty in practice.
In so many instances the problem exists here too. they are great for shows but not for the road.