CAFE Is Ruining Cars

Let's just clear the water.  Yes, I believe it's important for cars to meet more stringent fuel and emissions requirements.  Yes, I understand oil is a finite resource and that future cars will need to adopt alternative fuel sources.  Now that we understand each other, we can dig into the real problem...CAFE is ruining cars!

Let’s get the ball rolling with the new M5.  Perhaps this is an extreme example, but this represents exactly what I'm talking about.  The E60 M5 was known for its howling V10.  Five minutes on YouTube will quickly proclaim this one of the best sounding motors (when revved).  In the next generation M5, BMW is going back to a V8, albeit with two turbochargers bolted to the side.  This motor will develop mounds of torque, more power too, but it's just so bland.  And it's not just BMW; Audi scaled back the S4 from a V8 to a V6.  The new Ford Explorer will soon come with an EcoBoost 4-cylinder.  Perhaps most shocking though are early reports that parent Fiat will dump the Pentastar V6 into the next Maserarti.  I'll give you a second to reread that last sentence.  Also, for those unaware, that's the same motor you get in a Jeep.

In each of the examples listed above the newer, more fuel efficient motor develops better performance numbers and has improved fuel economy.  However, if you really begin to look at it, are any of these cars really better than those they replace?  For instance, in the latest iteration Explorer, the lack of V8 and unibody construction means the tow rating is now a paltry 5000 pounds.  This isn't bad, but the prior generation Explorer was 50% more than that.  Also, there's no doubt the supercharged V6 in the S4 is better than the venerable 4.2 liter V8 it replaced, but to actually drive both cars you will notice a larger disconnect between driver and car.  It’s an amazing machine, but it just doesn’t “feel” the same.

I like the sounds, the mechanical nature of cars, and with the ever increasing fuel economy standards, I'm afraid the sounds and feelings I love so much will be replaced with MPG readouts and blue-urea.  I know this is inevitable, and it's unsustainable to suggest an automaker not think progressive, but I hope they remember the gear heads when trying to please the bureaucrats.