“If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Green and/or Mean

Increased concerns over the effects of automobile exhaust emissions have forced governments to put pressure on automakers to build more environment-friendly cars. Presently, car manufacturers are torn between making sales and upholding their commitment to the environment and the community.

In an article posted at The Detroit News, Klaus Maier, head of sales at Daimler AG’s Mercedes group was quoted in saying:

“The secret for marketing in the next two years will be to make green or blue as sexy and desirable as horsepower.” And that currently, consumers don't show the willingness to pay extra for costly environmental technologies that they do for "more torque, power and more cylinders,"

On the other hand, Lamborghini, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group has proven that producing “green” cars that are at the same time efficient and powerful is possible. In an article in The Press Association it was cited that:
Italian sports car maker Lamborghini has introduced a lighter, faster and less-polluting version of the Gallardo, its most successful model ever, at the Geneva International Motor Show
And,

The new Gallardo also cut carbon emissions by 18% from its predecessor.
Furthermore, in a review of the new Gallardo LP560-4 in Edmunds Inside Line, it was revealed that:
The new LP560-4 is so named for its more powerful engine, a new direct-injection 5.2-liter V10 that makes 552 horsepower, and its permanent four-wheel drive. Lamborghini says the addition of nearly 40 hp and a reduction in weight help trim 0-60-mph acceleration to less than 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 202 mph.
There are a couple of contradicting views regarding the feasibility of “green” cars, and because of the drastic changes, it’s very hard to pick a side. All I can say is, if Lamborghini can do it, the others can too.

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