The EU very cleverly made its gasoline-powered vehicle emission standards identical to those of California, but the Diesel thing is a hodge-podge. To me it is unconscionable that different states have different standards. Why have an EPA or a DOT if I can't buy what I want in any state? One other thing this article inadvertently points out: the shocking (shocking, I tell you) demand for off-the line acceleration that is corrupting our fleet economy averages. In the olden days, 0-60 in 10 seconds was considered the Gold Standard of acceleration. Now every dumb little KIA/Civic/Corolla can beat that.
The author clearly thinks 8secs to 60 is an eternity! My question: "WHY?" If every American car where to have a lower ratio rear,(say 2.7-1, with a higher ratio overdrive top, say .6-1, we would suddenly have much better highway mileage, even if more leisurely acceleration.
Why this acceleration mania? Some of the greatest sports cars of the 1960s took a whole 12 seconds to hit 60 ... nothing wrong with that!
Well, we do have more gears these days. Back in the 60s, you were lucky to have four gears...today six is common.
They're coming THIS YEAR!...........
Agree with your comments on diesels - hopefully, a new market will emerge in the next couple of years.
Acceleration? Yeah, I like a lot of it. Sorry. Unladen, my Toyota Tundra will haul its 6000 lbs to 60 in less than 6 seconds. I usually average about 15 mpg in city driving (light-footed), and I know that’s not good.
But when I’m towing my 6500 lb boat on an entrance ramp, it’s nice - no, VERY nice - to be able to get up to speed and merge properly.