High-tech features and materials?
For the last 10 years or so, car companies have been using materials that are way more durable than ever before. Whether it's plastic, carbon fiber, composites or aluminum, these materials are much lighter than the metal of the '80s and they are commonplace in modern vehicles. Thank God! Otherwise, most cars would have tripled their weight over the last two decades.
Now I understand why powertrains need to be increasingly more powerful!
Also, keep in mind that American safety regulations have forced automakers to add a host of electronic systems, driving aids, on-board computers and other various gadgets. Obviously, passenger safety is crucial. In fact, today's vehicles are much safer that those of the '80s. However, batteries have to be bigger in order to feed all these safety technologies -- so much so that Chrysler engineers have decided to incorporate two batteries inside their 300 sedan, for instance.
Wheel size should not be overlooked either. Whereas automobiles used to rely on 13-inch wheels, they now proudly boast 16- or 17-inch alloys. Despite being a compact, the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer GTS features 18-inch wheels! All this adds a lot of weight and, therefore, cars have to be made larger and roomier.
Where will it stop?
People talk about recycling and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Yet, the number of vehicle sales keeps rising. Have you ever wondered what our planet will look like when (not if) the Chinese make the same choices we made? Just like us, they have all the right to want to buy a car. So, as you can see, the problem is far from being solved.
Considering the advancements in auto manufacturing, I believe that vehicles would be significantly more fuel-efficient had carmakers not inflated them over the last 20 years. Just think about how the original, 680-kg Civic would be more performing and less gas-needy with today's technologies and engines.
Everyone wants to live in a cleaner world. However, I fear most people still are reluctant to make concrete actions to achieve that goal. Some would even like to drive a bigger vehicle while spending less money at the gas station. Good luck! In my mind, the answer is simple: automakers need to reduce the size and weight of their vehicles, not to mention their engines. Otherwise, this whole thing is like a dog chasing its tail.
For the last 10 years or so, car companies have been using materials that are way more durable than ever before. Whether it's plastic, carbon fiber, composites or aluminum, these materials are much lighter than the metal of the '80s and they are commonplace in modern vehicles. Thank God! Otherwise, most cars would have tripled their weight over the last two decades.
Now I understand why powertrains need to be increasingly more powerful!
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| The cockpit of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera features a slew of high-tech materials. |
Also, keep in mind that American safety regulations have forced automakers to add a host of electronic systems, driving aids, on-board computers and other various gadgets. Obviously, passenger safety is crucial. In fact, today's vehicles are much safer that those of the '80s. However, batteries have to be bigger in order to feed all these safety technologies -- so much so that Chrysler engineers have decided to incorporate two batteries inside their 300 sedan, for instance.
Wheel size should not be overlooked either. Whereas automobiles used to rely on 13-inch wheels, they now proudly boast 16- or 17-inch alloys. Despite being a compact, the all-new Mitsubishi Lancer GTS features 18-inch wheels! All this adds a lot of weight and, therefore, cars have to be made larger and roomier.
Where will it stop?
People talk about recycling and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Yet, the number of vehicle sales keeps rising. Have you ever wondered what our planet will look like when (not if) the Chinese make the same choices we made? Just like us, they have all the right to want to buy a car. So, as you can see, the problem is far from being solved.
 |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with 18-inch wheels. |
Considering the advancements in auto manufacturing, I believe that vehicles would be significantly more fuel-efficient had carmakers not inflated them over the last 20 years. Just think about how the original, 680-kg Civic would be more performing and less gas-needy with today's technologies and engines.
Everyone wants to live in a cleaner world. However, I fear most people still are reluctant to make concrete actions to achieve that goal. Some would even like to drive a bigger vehicle while spending less money at the gas station. Good luck! In my mind, the answer is simple: automakers need to reduce the size and weight of their vehicles, not to mention their engines. Otherwise, this whole thing is like a dog chasing its tail.