Since this thread is all about cars, I’d like to actually thank president Obama for increasing the fuel standard. Unlike what most think, my gratitude has nothing to do with saving the earth or increasing MPG. The side effect of this drive for higher CAFE standard is lighter cars and A LOT more usage of turbo. Cars have gotten heavier and heavier over the last 20-30 years and this standard is finally reversing that trend. Also, to improve MPG, auto maker will have to start using smaller and smaller engines. Automakers knows that people won’t accept loss of performance, just because of CAFE standard. So, more and more are employing smaller engines pare up with turbo(s).
This is great news for car enthusiast like myself. We all know it’s very hard to lighten up a car, so having it lighter straight out of the factory is a better base to start from. Then there’s the turbo variable. We all also know that it’s much easier to get more power from turbo cars than NA cars. We all also know it’s a freaking PITA to deal with CARB in Cali, so adding an aftermarket turbo kit is a big no-no, since very few cars have CARB legal turbo kits. So, having more cars coming with turbo from the factory is fantastic for us who like to get more power and not deal with CARB. When it’s time to smog, just put back the stock map and you’re good to go. Then after you got your car smogged, then you just put back the tuned map. Also, your standard I/E mods gains you much more power in a turbo cars than N/A cars.
I’m going to be getting a different car in a few years and the cars I’m keeping my eyes on are: 335i, M3 4 door, M5, G30t sedan.
