I wonder if the days of thunder are going to be the last, will CAFE regs kill the V8

[rai]

I am not too happy about getting 14 mpg anyway, but I did order a M3 as I can afford the gas. But looks like future CAFE regs will force automakers away from any GG status.

I know premium cars people will pay extra, but the M3 is on the line with being a volume car. I mean if it's selling 10K cars per year in the US (?) won't that drag the CAFE way down with it?

So likely we'll see other types of performance such as turbo or hybrid etc. but the V8 14 mpg may be the beginning of the end and maybe years and years from now this will be one of the glory days much like the late-60s early 70s was for US muscle cars.

[rvacha]

V8s ARE the basics!

[skierman64]

It didn't happen in the 70s and it won't happen now. Long live the V8. The manufacturers will just find innovative ways to make the engines more efficient.

[ScotyH]

I don't seem to remember any decent muscle from the late 70's.

Remember the Mustang II ?

[skierman64]

But now the V8 is back. I remember 1982 when Ford Introduced the Mustang GT, it was a big deal. It wasn't much by today's standards but it was the beginning of the comeback of the V8.

It will happen again as technology increased the fuel mileage without decreasing the power output of the V8.

[scollins]

This is why direct injection and forced induction are going to become more prevalent in the future. You can achieve higher power output with improved fuel economy with a smaller displacement engine.

And, as the M cars sell more with each successive generation, it starts impacting their CAFE score. That is probably why they are talking about the next generation of M cars may have FI.....

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by scollins

This is why direct injection and forced induction are going to become more prevalent in the future. You can achieve higher power output with improved fuel economy with a smaller displacement engine.

And, as the M cars sell more with each successive generation, it starts impacting their CAFE score. That is probably why they are talking about the next generation of M cars may have FI.....

Boys, one word for you: Hydrogen. The 7-series has it and its not a fast car, but give the technology time and you will be getting 4.1 0-60 and 12.5 1/4 without any petroleum in your car other than the oil lubricant.

[Deathboy]

Originally Posted by e46e92love

Boys, one word for you: Hydrogen. The 7-series has it and its not a fast car, but give the technology time and you will be getting 4.1 0-60 and 12.5 1/4 without any petroleum in your car other than the oil lubricant.

Yes Hydrogen is the future! it is the most abundent Resource in the Universe!