In many aspects, we seem to have returned to the excess of the '60s. I recently read that Dodge has presented its new Charger SRT-8, equipped with 6.1-liter V8 developing 425 horsepower. Considering that, unlike the sixties, we are now aware of a phenomenon called 'global warming', and many automotive manufacturers produce vehicles that consume as much fuel as 10 years ago, or even more in some cases. I can only say that they are irresponsible. That said, we also have our part of responsibility when we accept to buy these cars. As a matter of fact, I was surprised when I heard a mechanic, who has always driving minivans, complain that he was having more and more trouble finding one that consumed fuel reasonably.
I also won't be convinced by a hybrid vehicle that is put on the market by a company who wants to give himself a green image although most of its other new models are heading in the opposite direction.
Who needs a SUV that can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds (and even 5 seconds for certain models), that will make it guzzle 15, 20, or even 25 litres every hundred kilometres? Did you hear about the new model that Hummer is soon launching? It's going to be MORE powerful! More powerful! Like if this cartoon on wheels wasn't absurd enough.
I've heard many representatives from different car companies' proudly present new models that are 10 or 20% more powerful while consuming less gas... 2 or 3% less. Why not produce models that, at equal power, consume 10 to 20% less fuel?
Is there someone who has realized the fact that greater power in vehicles of all types entices people to accelerate faster, drive faster and take chances, especially younger drivers? Many specialists will reply that today's cars are safer. It's true. Speed limits have not risen, though, and our roads are just more and more congested and in bad shape.
That's why these reasons do not hold up.
Machismo and insecurity
Two words can clearly illustrate the image of a large number of vehicles put on the market these days: machismo and insecurity. More and more vehicles have an aggressive look (machismo) and are getting bigger (insecurity). Do you know why so many SUVs and cars are getting bigger and bigger? Because it's safer? No. Because we need more room? Neither. The reason is simple. It's because a consumer psychology and branding guru recommended manufacturers to build them bigger and with bigger wheels, because he discovered in a lot of people a need to compensate a sense of certain shortcomings by a sense of domination you would have at the wheel of your big SUV or big car. For many others, it would create a sense of security to offset the omnipresent fear that is broadcasted daily by our society and by the media; especially in the United States. I am dead serious, this is the plain truth.
Nobody in the automotive industry seems to have though about the consequences and the relevancy of the horsepower race we're seeing today. For the people I have heard, seen, and read about up to now, it's normal, and that's it. Nothing else to add. No consideration. No rationality. Only rationalisation and justification.
In other words, what is sold to us is not a vehicle that fulfills our needs, but a mirage. And no one seems to have the courage or lucidity to question this trend that I qualify as irresponsible from the automobile manufacturers' part.
I also won't be convinced by a hybrid vehicle that is put on the market by a company who wants to give himself a green image although most of its other new models are heading in the opposite direction.
Who needs a SUV that can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds (and even 5 seconds for certain models), that will make it guzzle 15, 20, or even 25 litres every hundred kilometres? Did you hear about the new model that Hummer is soon launching? It's going to be MORE powerful! More powerful! Like if this cartoon on wheels wasn't absurd enough.
I've heard many representatives from different car companies' proudly present new models that are 10 or 20% more powerful while consuming less gas... 2 or 3% less. Why not produce models that, at equal power, consume 10 to 20% less fuel?
Is there someone who has realized the fact that greater power in vehicles of all types entices people to accelerate faster, drive faster and take chances, especially younger drivers? Many specialists will reply that today's cars are safer. It's true. Speed limits have not risen, though, and our roads are just more and more congested and in bad shape.
That's why these reasons do not hold up.
Machismo and insecurity
Two words can clearly illustrate the image of a large number of vehicles put on the market these days: machismo and insecurity. More and more vehicles have an aggressive look (machismo) and are getting bigger (insecurity). Do you know why so many SUVs and cars are getting bigger and bigger? Because it's safer? No. Because we need more room? Neither. The reason is simple. It's because a consumer psychology and branding guru recommended manufacturers to build them bigger and with bigger wheels, because he discovered in a lot of people a need to compensate a sense of certain shortcomings by a sense of domination you would have at the wheel of your big SUV or big car. For many others, it would create a sense of security to offset the omnipresent fear that is broadcasted daily by our society and by the media; especially in the United States. I am dead serious, this is the plain truth.
Nobody in the automotive industry seems to have though about the consequences and the relevancy of the horsepower race we're seeing today. For the people I have heard, seen, and read about up to now, it's normal, and that's it. Nothing else to add. No consideration. No rationality. Only rationalisation and justification.
In other words, what is sold to us is not a vehicle that fulfills our needs, but a mirage. And no one seems to have the courage or lucidity to question this trend that I qualify as irresponsible from the automobile manufacturers' part.