We then went on to discuss the new crop of performance cars about to be launched, including the new McLaren. As you might imagine, he has strong views on the matter as he is convinced the record level of sales achieved by cars like the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and various Aston Martins over the last few years was just a blip in history and will never be reached again.
That's why he thinks McLaren is being overly brave in launching their new car (which we'll tell you all about in the next issue of evo) into this crowded sector of the market as it's the wrong target to be aiming for. There's a good chance the legislators will ban such cars in the future for starters, so why invest all this money in a project that could end up having no future.'
Sadly, I have recognized this will be a serious issue for several years now. High performance cars for public roads lack any justification. Society will target these cars elimination sooner than later.
nberry:
Sadly, I have recognized this will be a serious issue for several years now. High performance cars for public roads lack any justification. Society will target these cars elimination sooner than later.
I don't know, the current crop of high performance cars have super clean engines, and in certain cities in the world, the exhaust emitted is actually cleaner than the air they suck in.
Society is targeting the wrong car segment to go after, what they should be target is cars that are 15, 20 years or even older cars, especially those that are not maintained properly. These old cars were build to a lower emission quality standard and they spill out toxic fumes the moment the engine is started. Actually, most of these cars are killing the planet even just standing there by way of fluid leakage, engine oil, coolants, brake fluid etc. These group of cars should have been the target instead, other than the odd sentimental value here and there, what's there to justified their existence?
Older cars in the US ARE targeted especially regarding emission. Also, many are required to have safety checks before license renewal.
BTW, my point was directed at the power of the new cars and the safety aspect of the driving public.
nberry:
Older cars in the US ARE targeted especially regarding emission. Also, many are required to have safety checks before license renewal.
Same here. All cars over three years old have to complete a safety and exhaust-gas emissions inspection every 2 years. Also, cars which pass these regular emissions inspections, but do not comply with much more stringent emissions requirements which have been introduced in the meantime for new vehicles, can still not be driven in many cities, towns or urban areas. Older cars cannot be retrofitted to comply with the latest requirements.
BTW, my point was directed at the power of the new cars and the safety aspect of the driving public.
So was Gordon Murray's point.
fritz