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Human beings are becoming more responsible with their environmental impact. The automobile industry is going through drastic changes in their powertrain technologies for the next generation of cars. Despite popular belief that it's because of demand, much of this is because of federal mandated fuel economy increases and/or carbon-dioxide emission reductions. Now that gas is cheap again, those that can buy new automobiles in the US aren't so concerned with mileage anymore. Yes, the new 2010 Prius is selling like hotcakes, but so is the new Camaro. It's because they are new. After gas prices fell, 2008 and 2009 Prius started to pile up and languish on dealer lots.

But still, automakers are scrambling to use new technology to meet the government requirements for the future. Engines are shrinking in size, and utilizing newer techniques such as "direct injection," as well as adding turbochargers to boost performance for those who want a bit of go-power in their car. As sacriligous as it may sound, the next generation Corvette may have a 6-cylinder option, and the Mustang may have to do with a turbocharged V6 as its "big gun."

Diesel has always been more fuel efficient than gasoline, due to its higher energy content per molecule, but even now they continue to gain in fuel economy as well. They are no longer dirty, soot and smoke belching, loudly obnoxious machines. Other than having to use a different nozzle at the fuel station, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference... other than the fun kick in the pants you get off the line from the greater amounts of torque diesel engines provide.

In the end, while this all may make for a more environmentally concious and responsible society, it still doesn't apply to the rich. Whatever fines the exotic and uber-luxury companies will have to pay for not meeting standards, they can pass on to the cars' prices that the rich won't mind paying for anyway. In the future, only the rich will be fast.

I thought you were all about the "grassroots" where all the redneck style tuning takes place? I'm just sad, because this means way more beehive/lawnmower sounding cars. I think this is also a blow to the rotaries, as they get really crappy gas-mileage for their tiny displacement.

Nah man, over here the grassroots guys don't focus much on the engine. They pretty much leave the engine aside and concentrate on sheer mechanical grip and braking(its more cost-effective for the time gained) There's no redneck-style "tuning," its done to a really good standard.

The shops that do the redneck/wog stuff, they never place. And some of them have been trying for years. My m8's place only came up about 4-5 years ago, and we've been doing well ever since we left drift(we were doing pretty well in that, too but it was never as fun as circuit. And it was a LOT more costly) In contrast, a place in another suburb has been trying for close to 20 years(with their redneck style) and they've never been able to get the same results. Even with their customers spending large amounts of money.

We're kind of like Australia's version of MINES; we do the minimum, but extract the largest effect possible. Unfortunately, this also means that by the time you can visually detect differences in the engine the car has become terrifying to drive...

Well, here's an example of what "redneck tuning" means for me: G through the video's, they're pretty funny

Believe it or not, there's SHOPS that do worse than this, then try to go racing(be it quarter mile, hillclimbs or sprints) The claims are just as outrageous, the work is just as bad if not worse. Unfortunately I can't name names. I don't like those blokes and we don't have a good relationship(anymore) but its whole families depending on these businesses for their daily bread. So best for me to just not name them.

As long as its based on this one, its all good. twisted

The Ford/Cossie one, you have the engine in a better position, it is lower down in the car, AND it is twin turbo with a redline higher than NASCAR's. twisted

Doesn't need one. Just stamp "Cosworth" beside "Turbo," and watch the LS fanatics run for their lives. mrgreen

Then show the bill to someone, and everyone runs for their lives.