CARNIVAL OF CARS: A Drive Around the Auto Blog Block for Sunday, June 29, 2008
So, what happens to automakers who can't make it to 35 mpg in time to satisfy the Commissars of Climate Change in Congress?
Well,
Eric Peters points out that Porsche comes to mind first since none of its models comes even close to 35 mpg, so a world without Boxsters, Caymens and Carreras is the likely result. That's what happens when "stupefying ignorance of the engineering and economic realities" meets the power of Big Government at the intersection of politics and public relations.
UPDATE: UCLA Prof.
Stephen Bainbridge says Peters is confusing CAFE and gas guzzler taxes.
What
was Dorri thinking at
If It's Got An Engine? Yes, we've all been there, Dorri.
Mark Elias at
Leftlane.com spent some very quality time recently at Buttonwillow Raceway in the all-new Hyundai Genesis sport sedan, which by the way, features a muscular V-8. Could Hyundai be thinking of a NASCAR program?
Ever wonder what would happen if somebody took a Mini Clubman and dolled it up in a female context? Courtney Messenbaugh at
MotherProof.com has the details on a pink special that you just can't seem to stop looking at. Sort of like that accident on the freeway, you know.
Understanding why Studebaker became automotive history instead of continuing to make it probably doesn't keep you awake at night, but it is a fascinating story that is fully documented at
Hemmings Auto Blogs.
WHAT I'M DRIVING THIS WEEK: BMW One-Series
Is it just a Three with the rear end chopped off? No, it's quite possibly the most fun thing BMW makes. Son Marcus and I hopped in and tore around the Virginia countryside before heading to Richmond for the Indy car race Saturday and both of us came away giddy with delight. That's what 300 twin-turbo horses in a more compact, agile platform than the Three-Series will do for you. If Mazda made a Miata coupe with 300 horsepower, it would be an 135i. Except for the bottom-line on the Monroney, of course.
- Permalink | Comments (3)
- Posted by: Mark Tapscott June 29, 2008, 4:54 PM
- Categories:
The 1 is certainly not lacking fun, it is lacking utility, perhaps BMW will grace US with the 3 door or 5 door hatch.
Porsche will survive. Just up the pricetag to compensate for taxes and fees. That's something Chrysler can't get away with.
Everyone has had wonderful things to say about the Genesis. I'm excited.
The Studebaker article was an interesting read. I'm curious if it's applicable to Chrysler.
Miata looks good, though.