pow

IMO, current CAFE regs don't dictate product mix. Consumers will continue to choose what types of vehicles they want. It's more about having better fuel economy across the board for each of these vehicle segments through technology and engineering tweaks. There will still be trucks and full-size SUVs, since manufacturers of those vehicles have a lower MPG target than one that makes small cars, but they will have aero tweaks, lower resistance tires (which don't ruin performance, by the way), direct injection, 6+ speed transmissions, etc.

The fact major automakers would rather abide by CAFE than pay the fines is telling enough. Improving fuel economy to 26 "new" MPG by 2016 is hardly as difficult or expensive as initially thought. And I think most consumers would rather pay an additional $300 for 10% better fuel economy - savings that will add up in the long run - than a dubious tax that has no immediate benefit to them. Further, costs of any new technology, green or not, are amortized more quickly when you have economies of scale. Not investing in better fuel economy only puts you at a competitive disadvantage. And as for ignoring CAFE, that would give a brand such a crappy image... nobody wants to buy from a company that has to be dragged kicking and screaming into making technological improvements. Soichiro Honda allegedly said that if higher efficiency standards are proposed, Honda would 50 more engineers to tackle the challenge whereas GM would hire 50 more lawyers. Whether that's true or not, it certainly helped them sell Hondas...

Not a giveaway... it's always been that way. It wouldn't be fair to automakers if their efficiency improvements were erased each time the test procedure changed and got harder. What's more important is the percentage improvements each year. I would estimate the actual 2016 CAFE goal to be 25 "new MPG" city/highway combined.

CAFE uses the raw score obtained from the original EPA driving cycles: Furthermore, in 2008 the EPA added additional driving cycles, which further widened the gap between the raw EPA number used for CAFE and the figures consumers actually see.

This article is poorly researched as it doesn't take into consideration two important facts: CAFE uses the old EPA driving cycle raw measurements, not the adjusted consumer MPG; and the new CAFE uses an attribute-based system supported by the industry, which sets lower targets for manufacturers of larger cars and trucks. Wrong. The 22/33-mpg Camry, the typical large family sedan, already averages 35 mpg in CAFE-speak. With the 19/31-mpg 305-hp Mustang, Ford has managed to average 30 mpg CAFE using simple improvements (VVT, electric steering, six-speeds), even without EcoBoost, lightweight materials, or stop-start assist. The Cruze is 30% more efficient than a five year old Cobalt, while being one of the safest cars ever tested by Euro NCAP. There have been lots of opportunities to improve fuel efficiency cheaply, but manufacturers are only really focusing now because of CAFE. These efficiency mandates may increase vehicle prices by a few hundred, but their implications on the national energy picture are far greater. As to improving vehicle safety, an arms race to higher curb weights isn't the answer - it's more about vehicle crash compatibility, road design, and driver training. Heavier vehicles handle more poorly, rollover more frequently, and when it comes to a head-on crash with a semi, you're still screwed.

Agreed. The Volt E-REV may be the car for rich early adapters, but GM should at least make a hybrid car for normal families looking for a little extra. Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and even Hyundai offer hybrid cars (non-truck). Why not GM?

Except maybe Kia. Damn that Optima looks good. Sportage ain't bad either.

FWIW, our second-gen Ody has carried 4x8s flat before. Vans rule for that purpose. You can't do that in an Acadia crossover or Sequoia SUV, according to an Edmunds comparo, but you can with an Odyssey minivan.

Is there supposed to be a crease down the middle of the steering wheel? Hey now. Zac Efron drives one as well. I've always thought the Alero looked good, btw. Nicer than the equivalent Grand Am.

Making a Harlequin Jetta?

Up until I was eleven, we were a Volvo family, so I thought turbocharged bricks were the coolest things ever. Then my parents got a 5-series, based on my recommendations (thank you, Car and Driver), and I became a BMW fanboy ever since. My dream car as a teen was the E39 M5:

Traveling to Beijing... hopefully it won't be freezing cold.

Fusion Hybrid uses an Atkinson cycle engine... not sure if that makes the difference or not. As far as Duratec vs Ecotec, it really depends on the application. The 2.0L DI turbo motor in the Cobalt SS seemed pretty smooth, but the 2.2 in the normal Cobalt I rented was pretty intrusive.

Subaru

Perfect.

sandwich

For 2010, they replaced the polished alloy wheels on the 2LT four-cylinder with "Chrome-Tech" covers. The cheapest Malibu without ungodly plastic draping its wheels is the $27,675 LTZ I4.

At first it does seem odd that VW's most award-winning car, the GTI, is selling in such low volumes... but supply for them in the US is limited. Same with all the TDIs. That's good for residuals but difficult for bargain hunters.

The only way Toyota can solve these problems is to make their vehicles exciting and sporty and unsuitable for geriatrics. Having an average buyer age of 103 certainly isn't helping them. I propose a line-up of only Celica, FT-86, Supra, FJ Cruiser, and diesel Land Cruiser - all with mandatory clutch pedals. That should do it.

Thanks for the review. It seems like Kia's latest products are 90% there - not 100% mechanically refined or polished, but they offer enough value, equipment, design, and quality to make up for it. I recall being very impressed by how nice and substantial the $15K Soul's interior was (I liked it better than the Fit's) but being unimpressed by its vague gearbox. The new Sportage, btw, is a genuinely good and interesting looking car. The chief Kia designer used to work for VW and did the TT and Beetle.

Same, sometimes it's nice being close to the equator for once.

[quote name='Oldsmoboi' date='12 July 2006 - 07:17 AM' timestamp='1152717420' post='165714'] <!--QuoteBegin-Paolino+Jul 12 2006, 02:17 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Paolino @ Jul 12 2006, 02:17 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Granted all of the designs were complete in the Opel brand and just shipped over, they see that it'll be a success here. [right][snapback]165642[/snapback][/right] <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd--> by "all" you mean 1 and 1/2 right? Vue = GMNA Aura = 1/2 GMNA 1/2 Opel Astra = all Opel Outlook = GMNA Sky = GMNA Relay = GMNA [/quote] The old L-Series was 1/2 Opel, too... it shared much with the old, old Vectra. AURA was purely a GM NA design, even though it resembled the old Vectra. TEAM WAGONER!!!!! btw

http://jalopnik.com/5491612/pussy-wagon-stars-in-new-lady-gaga-music-video If you have ears you've probably heard a thousand Lady Gaga songs. Or at least you've heard one song a thousand times. And because her very NSFW video "Telephone" co-stars the "Kill Bill" Pussy Wagon you'll now know another song. This could be the actual Silverado SS Pussy Wagon from the Kill Bill series or a detailed replica, but who really cares as long as it's P***Y Magnet Yellow?

The new Forester's perceived structural rigidity might not be good, but its structure holds pretty well in crashes. Its roof is among the strongest in the segment, which is surprising considering its relatively slim pillars.