Porsche 918

[emayer]

AMoore wrote:

emayer wrote:

The lack of design uniqueness nowadays stems from significant government restrictions in emissions, mileage, safety, etc.

When something unique sells, it is no longer unique.

Nonetheless, irrespective of goverment regualtions, cars are exponentially faster, more efficient, more user friendly, and safer than they were just a few years ago. As long as there is competition, cars will get better.

It is true that government regulation in the 70s yeilded garbage vehicles. That is becasue there was much less competition then.

True cars are better than in the 70s. False that there is more competition. Compared to the 70s there are now only a few automotive conglomerates with brands sharing technologies throughout. Porsche itself is one of the more recent victims. The reason this happens is simply cost containment and fleet compliance in the setting of increasing regulation. That's why Volvo engines/chassis are showing up in Fords, Subaru motors in SAABs, the list goes on. The lack of engineering/design "uniqueness" here has nothing to do with popularity.

I think Joe's points about energy are spot on. The electric hybrid movement in the end is just a form of NIMBY, passing the environmental consequences somewhere else. Natural gas may be the best option discussed so far, more so that it can be harvested here in the US.