2008 model cars feature BIGGER ENGINES! MORE POWER!

[eppur_se_muova]

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/future.of.cars/ Click on the second "Gallery" to see these 3.6 and 4.8 litre abominations. ON EDIT: requires JavaScript

Nissan now makes *5* models of SUV.

[rumpel]

1. note the poll next to it - no category

for fuel efficiency or alternative fuel....

[progdonkey]

3. I think that's what they mean by "economy"...

Granted, that's pretty ambiguous (fuel economy or "economical"?), but since they already have "price" listed, I assume by economy they mean fuel economy. :-)

[rumpel]

6. could be coal powered...

for all their lobbying...

:rofl:

[NickB79]

2. Even a lot of small cars are getting boosted engines

One of my favorites, the Scion lineup, for example. My 2005 xA has a 108 HP engine, while the xA's replacement, the xD, has a 128 HP engine. My xA is rated at 38 mpg highway, and I can get over 40 mpg if I set the cruise control to 55 mph. I doubt the new model will come close to that, and unless future models go hybrid, I'll buy a Honda or Yaris instead.

The boxy xB that has done so well is going from 108 HP to 160 HP! The 108 HP model currently is rated for 34 mpg highway. I wonder how badly the 160 HP model will do, shaped like a brick on wheels and all.

[depakid]

4. Hit the gas when you're headed for a cliff....

or a collapse....

Americans richly deserve their fate.

[Bamboo]

5. An Amish in the White House

Before you point the accusatory finger please disclose the horsepower and miles per gallon of your vehicle.I have a 1991 Honda CRX HF which has sixty two (62) horsepower and gets 47.5 miles per gallon.These sedans are the modern version of the "doctor's car".Perhaps the problem is not the sedans but the people who drive them.My doctor got a Porshe and I asked if I should be concerned that he has a getaway car.Doctors seem to be concerned about public health except when it is time to use a turn signal.Painting your doctor's car rainforest green or squid ink black is like priestly robes hiding an interior of sin.My house has one bathroom so I plan to vote for the candidate with the lowest electric bill.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/7474.shtml

[Dead_Parrot]

7. 4.8l !? Jeez...

My first car was an old-style mini - 0.85l, carried 4 people and would reach 100mph without a problem.

for 4.8l, I'd want a car that could carry 4 people at 564 mph, and/or carry 22 people at 100 mph.

(and with 4 people @ 100mph, it got ~30mpg, BTW)

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Yes, but they can accelerate to the legal speed limit in under 6 seconds!

And you know how absolutely vital that is. :sarcasm:

Oh, I missed the 6.1 l job.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. Ummmm... yeah... well...

I have known people in the dim past who refused to buy a Honda because they couldn't imagine having a four cylindar engine. Tough enough to get them into a V-6.

The attitude hasn't changed, and regardless of how many fingers are pointed at car companies, people just aren't buying "underpowered" cars. Give 'em a larger engine option and they'll grab, it no matter what the gas mileage.

'Twas a time not long ago when every econobox came with a small 4 and a five-speed and even bigger ones, like Accords, Saturn L's and Mercedes would start you off with a four if you wanted it. My 2000 Saturn LS1 has reasonable acceleration and gives me a little over 35mpg highway with an automatic. And that car is Taurus-sized! But, I think that was the last year they sold the 4 in the big ones.

Now, it's tough to get an economical drivetrain-- 6's and 8's in everything.

Honda still sells an Accord 4. Anyone buying it? Or will they eventully drop the four altogether, like Mercedes and BMW did? Same with Camry.

[One_Life_To_Give]

10. Americans Think they want Power

So they chase that mystical HorsePower Rating, but what most really crave is Torque. Oblivious that their high power engine only generates those numbers at 6000rpm and they are too scared to drive at over 2000. Certain that should they exceed 3000 the motor will spontaneously destruct.

Actually what americans want is very difficult to design for. A high torque engine that is fuel efficient. Very difficult to get the responsiveness of high torque without big cubic inches and/or manual transmissions. Hence the need for hybrids, to supply that torque boost when needed, while only requiring an efficient motor for cruising. Which is allot simpler than trying to change the way americans drive.