the future of car guys

[REED]

So I have been pondering lately, with the ongoing threat of running out of oil and consequently increasing gas prices, do you think car enthusiests are a dying breed. I understand that we arn't running out of gas tomorrow, but I'm gonna be pissed if by the time I can afford an M3 or some sort of boost rotten car that they will cost 3 times as much as they do now. I just feel that the people who can currently afford the cars of their dreams may wel be the last people who could do so, before having nice cars really becomes someting for only bajillionaires.

[NTIman]

It'll only weed out the real car guys from the weiners who think they are into cars.

[bassmangrammy]

Cost of gas is not really the issue as much as cost of living increasing that will leave average, middle-class people like us with less money for sports cars.

[Chris]

Cost of gas is not really the issue as much as cost of living increasing that will leave average, middle-class people like us with less money for sports cars.

but average incomes will increase as well... like it always has.

[G.Irish]

Eh, there might be a pinch on performance for awhile but there are alternative sources of energy that are viable or will be on a reasonable timeline.

The trick will be if the market develops alternative energy sources before fossil fuels supplies become critical. If that happens then the switch won't be as painful. If not, its going to be ugly for awhile, but performance will come back sooner or later.

[Maengelito]

something to add to your thoughts is that gas in europe and japan is far more expensive than it is in the states but those countries have just as many if not more car enthusiasts as we do plus they all like turning left and right as opposed to just nascar left turns. also, car nuts like ourselves have been around for a lot longer than just the import scene, people have been racing cars since cars were invented. people have been modding their hotrod V8's since like the 50s and 60s, even the 70s when there was a national energy crisis.

besides, after all of this, if you're still not convinced, i leave you with these words. you don't have to worry about the environment. it'll go away eventually.

[REED]

Alternative sources will obviously come into play, however the buzz from an electric ferrari would be hard pressed to compete with the sound of todays v8/v12s

besides, after all of this, if you're still not convinced, i leave you with these words. you don't have to worry about the environment. it'll go away eventually.

very true, i guess i shouldnt be too concerned now that i remember a top gear about this little electric car that has crazy exceleration, but a relativly limited top speed, i know jack has the video of it

[Evan]

"When was the first automobile race?"

"When the 2nd automobile was built"

[Myuki]

It just depends how devoted you are to it. If gas prices and the like are gonna push you away, then they will. You have to decide how much it means to you.

It'll only weed out the real car guys from the weiners who think they are into cars.

[bassmangrammy]

Cost of gas is not really the issue as much as cost of living increasing that will leave average, middle-class people like us with less money for sports cars.

but average incomes will increase as well... like it always has.

Nah...a higher cost of production will actually depress the economy and either drive goods up, or force salaries down. Profit margin is king.

[WRXtranceformed]

Soon they'll have alternative energy cars that are as powerful if not more powerful than internal combustion engines. It's only a matter of time before the technology becomes commonplace. With the oil companies running the show though, it could be a very long time heh.

Was it this board that someone posted the 800bhp electric car? I can't remember. That thing wasn't fast I don't think, but it shows the potential is there.

[LorenaBeana]

Automotive racing, I would think, increases the epinephrine level, thus causing a high, which in turn is addictive. So what if the price of gas goes up, people will still pay for it, just like they pay for crack. On the other hand, take the testosterone version - I ASSUME that automotive racing builds your perceived level of testostrone (evidenced by ya'lls comments about the lingenfelter corvette?) and thus, even if gas is expensive, boys will still flex their penises at each other (via their car/driving), and at chicks, in an effort to establish their masculinity. THEREFORE: gas prices make no difference.

[ScottyB]

with the technology to come, i'm actually pumped about electric cars. i mean, yeah, it sucks they won't sound as cool, but the dynamics of an electric motor rock. maximum torque at 0 rpm, max power at max rpm...totally linear. it will be interesting to see how manufacturers combat the weight and heat issues that are the by-products of electric motors and their power sources, but without being too expensive.

[Mike]

i;m very pumped for the future. with better technology comes better cars... really, it can only get it better.

[Ginger]

After I ride the VFR I come inside and people complain that I smell like fuel.






Go oil!