With the new federal fuel economy regulations coming down the line harder and faster than many of us anticipated, there is the reflexive action to panic. It may seem like the sky is falling with simultaneous talk of national scrappage laws, 35.5 mpg corporate average fuel economy, reduced greenhouse emissions, the bankruptcy of Chrysler and GM, and the specter of rising fuel prices, but you only have to look at the cover of our June 1980 issue to realize we’ve been through all this before.
Across the skyline banner reads “Rodding’s Survival In The ‘80s.” Supporting that theme are tech stories on fuel-efficient headers and torque converters, economy drag cars, V-6s, and turbos. That’s stuff we all take for granted now, but back then, it was fresh stuff. Going forward, I predict a renewed interest in weight reduction, along with breakthroughs in alternative fuels, hybrids, diesels, direct injection, and regenerative braking. I predict in the next five years you’ll see a hybrid/electric Corvette or Cadillac performance coupe. The Chevy Volt will capture the imagination of enthusiasts and become the platform for some really cool Frankenstein hybrid hot rods. Ford and Chrysler will get in on the action too.
In the meantime, we’re experiencing a renaissance of performance with the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger. Compared to their counterparts 40 years ago, these things look like hybrids, and perform better too. Enjoy them while you can, and take comfort in knowing that the jump in performance and economy we’ve seen since our June 1980 cover is likely to happen once again, and much sooner too!