News, GM: Emission law may hamper muscle cars. (auto, Corvette, engines)

[JD59]

Detroit performance cars endangered by new, stricter regulations

DETROIT - When General Motors Corp. pulls the cover off a new supercharged version of the Corvette at the Detroit auto show next month, it will unveil a performance car designed to rival or better even the fastest, most expensive exotic cars from Europe.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22340556/

[Samrai309]

The article refers to carbon dioxide emissions being part of the new emission controls but I think if memory serves, there are currently or will be implemented stricter CO2 emissions in europe too. Unless those limits just refers to diesel engines because that was the topic of conversation I was having with my father. Either way, it does bring light to the fact that these cars are a dying breed in the face of new legislation. The same thing is happening with the Harleys too...performance is choked away on emission control.

[WestcoastBrit]

GM can still produce big horsepower motors. With the upcoming california emission boat laws for 09 they will drop the 496c.i for a 366c.i with either supercharger/turbo. Smallblock V8 can still produce high hp/low emissions with some bolt-on help. 25 Years ago you needed 7 Ltrs + to get 300hp, now you need 4/5 Ltrs. New 366 is aiming for 450/550 hp.