| So what do you think?
End of an Era?
I personally don't think so. I liked what Lutz said in the article about how even at the height of vegetarianism, stores were still selling New York strips.
Eventually V8s might be gone, but there are vehicles that prove you can go fast on different or more fuel efficient engines. Turbocharged or supercharged small displacement engines. Hell, even the Tesla Roadster is one quick car, and it's pure electric power calculated to roughly be around 100 mpg (taking into consideration recharging the batteries from an outlet).
I think technology will prevail. Technology is coming out for wireless communication of control systems and sensors, along with numerous other technologies that will lessen the weight of vehicles. Design changes that the public will accept with better aerodynamic characteristics will also help. Too many people want to immediately blame engines, when the weight/design of the vehicle is also a huge contributing factor.
I also think this article is confusing V8s in light aerodynamic cars to those in trucks when they are very different in fuel efficiency. I know 'Vette owners that'll get almost in the mid 20's cruising on the freeway at the speed limit. That's kinda hard to do in a truck.
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'08 Caliber SRT-4 |