Side view cameras/mirrors

What is the possibility of integrating sideview cameras or even mirrors into the rear of the wheel fairings? Seems like it would possibly be slightly more aerodynamic and maybe meet the side mirror requirement in some jurisdictions. I'm completely assuming that wheel fairings are visible from a seated position for the mirror option, the camera system would work. Obvious downside I can think of would be the addition of unsprung mass and part complexity. I'd like to think the difference would be minimal.

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6 Comments

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OceanDragon

May 10, 2021

In the 70's, it was popular to put the side mirrors on the front fenders in Japan. These were mostly on sports cars and sedans like the Fair Lady (240-Z). Many had a slightly convex curvature, similar to what you find on our right sided mirrors. My 1962 XKE roadster still has the fender mounted Raydyot mirror.

Ken Kobayashi

May 12, 2021

Replying to

Actually all cars sold in Japan used to have hood-mounted mirrors because of an archaic law that required it. Imported cars were allowed to have door-mounted wing mirrors starting in the late 70s, and domestic cars starting in the mid 80s. After that, every single manufacturer switched to door-mounted mirrors. (Except a couple of Toyota limousines, because they are designed to look old-fashioned.) Hood-mounted mirrors do have less of a blind spot, but the image in the mirror is tiny because the mirror is so far away. It can also be distracting because you can't look away from it without taking your eyes off the road.