Is Technology Making Cars Worse?

[blue2000s]

Here's the correct use for technology

We Hear: Production Alfa Romeo 4C to Debut in Summer 2013 - WOT on Motor Trend

Carbon fiber tub, high compression turbo, 2000 pounds, 230 bhp.

Instead of making Porsches more refined, more luxurious, easier to drive, and overall more boring, they need to make something that will compete with this through manufacturing and materials technology.

[Mrmaddbrad]

The video is so correct. Technology is great for people that can't drive or at least have no reason/want for a car with personality. In a world of automatic gear boxes and traction control, it seems no one is willing to have a little fun with their cars. And as a result, no one seems to respect the brilliant machines they are driving.

[milliemax]

Originally Posted by Mrmaddbrad

The video is so correct. Technology is great for people that can't drive or at least have no reason/want for a car with personality. In a world of automatic gear boxes and traction control, it seems no one is willing to have a little fun with their cars. And as a result, no one seems to respect the brilliant machines they are driving.

"People that can not drive", Thats me !!! I am looking for 70's BMW 2002 with points and plugs only. I am older and should not live in fear of.......a car with an idiot CEL that "Cries" like a spoiled late model child. What ever happened to "Fix it yourself and go ??? "

[pothole]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Here's the correct use for technology

We Hear: Production Alfa Romeo 4C to Debut in Summer 2013 - WOT on Motor Trend

Carbon fiber tub, high compression turbo, 2000 pounds, 230 bhp.

Instead of making Porsches more refined, more luxurious, easier to drive, and overall more boring, they need to make something that will compete with this through manufacturing and materials technology.

I would agree save for one detail. The engine. Blown inline four banger is a total turn off. It needs a small Alfa V6 - the 2.5 they used to make with about 200hp would be fab.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by pothole

I would agree save for one detail. The engine. Blown inline four banger is a total turn off. It needs a small Alfa V6 - the 2.5 they used to make with about 200hp would be fab.

I can't see a v6 in a sub-2000 pound car.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I can't see a v6 in a sub-2000 pound car.

Add 100lb for the engine. Turbo four banger is not what I'd want in this kind of car. If it has to be four-pot, NA or supercharged would be far preferable. But six pots is really what it needs.

[Ghostrider 310]

If technology is making them worser nobody put it in ladies home journal yet. First time in my life at a light last night complete stray woman offers to exit the vehicle she's in to get into mine and go to ?

Never seen the power of the P car on P, it was certainly unexpected.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by pothole

Add 100lb for the engine. Turbo four banger is not what I'd want in this kind of car. If it has to be four-pot, NA or supercharged would be far preferable. But six pots is really what it needs.

I agree for the most part.

I have had the unique opportunity to have a turbocharged 4-cylinder and a V6 in the same chassis with almost equal power for direct comparison. Both are 2nd gen MR2s I very much prefer the power delivery of the V6. Much more consistant torque curve and instant power. The v6 car, while not faster on paper, does feel faster in real driving. Although the turbo in the MR2 was still pretty nice. I will say, though, that the turbo did get 5-7 mpg better fuel economy.

However, I've owned a couple of 2nd gen Eclipse turbos. These cars were equiped with little, fast spooling turbos. Basically the same engine as a pre- X Evo but smaller turbo. This car has nearly no turbo lag, it's a very nice engine although it does fall flat above 6000 rpm. The car almost felt like it was supercharged. This is a relatively low compression engine by today's standards.

Through direct injection, high compression, and a small turbo, I think they can build a supercharger-like engine with the efficiency and weight of a NA 4 cylinder. We'll see.