There has been talk lately about the demise of the automobile, as we currently know it. The 300 h.p., 2-1/2 ton Titanics that most Americans solely captain to and from the grocery store, soccer practice, and Target (affectionately pronounced Tar-jé around these parts) are rapidly becoming sunken treasure, never to be seen on these shores again. These soon to be relics are gradually being replaced by smaller-sized, smaller-engined, and smaller appetite versions over the coming years.
Ford has plans to produce a more practical version of its once #1 selling vehicle, the F150, called the F100. The new truck will be geared toward the general public – those who do not need the full commercial-sized capabilities of the F150. The F100 will be powered by Ford’s upcoming EcoBoost turbo-charged V6 engine and will have more Explorer-like towing capabilities. As a current gesture of good (fuel-miserly) faith, Ford has also mentioned eliminating all of the small shiny badging that used to proudly adorn the front fenders of its V6/V8 engined vehicles, in a sort of reverse psychology method to how GM currently uses the over-sized decals on their full-size hybrid SUVs.
Full-sized trucks and SUVs aren’t the only ones getting makeovers, however. Sports cars are getting the once-over, or in some unfortunate cases, the ax, too. Recently, Chrysler stated that it has not ruled out the possibility of selling its halo car, the Viper, to any deserving suitors. In a less drastic fashion, Ford has been toiling with the idea of powering its upcoming Mustang GTs with high horsepower versions of that same turbo-charged V6 mentioned earlier. These decisions were sparked by the newly implemented C.A.F.E. regulations.
All might not be lost, however. Maybe, just maybe, bigger isn’t always better. Take for example the Pontiac Solstice GXP. This Miata-sized convertible/coupe comes equipped with a 260 h.p., turbo-charged, 2-liter engine and a limited-slip differential. Zero to sixty is reached in 5.5 seconds for this manly roadster and all of this can be had for under $30k. For those with larger change purses, the Porsche Boxster/Cayman duo offer near-911 performance and handling for about the price of a loaded Volvo XC90. Are you positive that we have to bring ALL of the kids with us on this vacation, Dear? Not to mention, each of these cars gets remarkable mileage to the gallon considering their performance capabilities. And these aren’t your only choices available. Mazda has the Mazdaspeed3, BMW the 1 Series, Honda the Civic Si, Hyundai the Genesis Coupe (in 2010), Mini the Cooper S JCW, Saturn with its Sky Red Line edition, or Volkswagen’s GTI, to name a few. Each of these cars, as well, offer more responsible fuel economy without relinquishing too much of the fun factor.
This is not to imply that high horsepower automobiles are totally out of style. Nor that the idea of lusting after or, if you’re one of the lucky few, driving mammoth-engined, ultra-fast, super cars is akin to wearing white after Labor Day. I just believe that enthusiasts (automotive or otherwise) can typically find the silver linings in their hobbyist overcoats. They just need to be honest with the size.
