| Author | Message | ||
     1324 |
I posted this on another forum and figured I'd come here as well. I don't think this was intended to be motorcycle-specific, but hey, it could apply. Worth a shot, especially if you're a car/truck guy or gal, too. Spread the word, who knows, maybe this will go somewhere? https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/e nable-nhtsa-accept-crash-testing-foreign-nations-e qual-or-better-us-standards/tYbtmlNw?utm_source=wh .gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl | ||
| Xl1200r |
Isn't crash testing only half of the expense, the other being having to meet EPA requirements? And shouldn't we be trying to promote domestic industry, anyway? Don't get me wrong, there's a handful of Euro boxes I'd love to get my hands on (c'mon Alpha!) but I can't see the gov't doing this... | ||
| 1324 |
Yes, EPA is a big part of the picture. We can't change that (or won't - I should say). But, this also affects domestic vehicles. Europe has been getting 'better' GM and Ford cars for years due to issues like this. However, even with imports, less development expense can put more funds into development of other systems, performance, fuel economy, etc. A rising tide raises all vessels. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
thank you! | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
if they are being built to the Euro spec.... which all of the cars and light trucks D-MAX i am interested in are both are a moot point | ||
| Crackhead |
Americans have been getting crappier GM and Ford cars for years because Americans did not buy small cars that handle well. We wanted our little cars to feel like big cars (land barges that are scared of corners). You can thank the crappy economy for Americans finally getting the euro cars. It cost to much money to develop the same car twice. The older Focus is a perfect example. The US engineers took everything that made the EU version great and round filed it. Now that OEMs are cutting costs, the engineers can't help us by redesign the car. (Message edited by crackhead on November 16, 2011) | ||
| Buellkowski |
Isn't crash testing only half of the expense, the other being having to meet EPA requirements? There are also lighting, instrumentation, and theft-prevention standards to account for. | ||
| Court |
Litigation . . . and I have no complaints with this little rascal.  Well . .except Ford announced this week that the Focus ST (same HP as Porsche Cayman) will be delayed until Late 2012. | ||
| Froggy |
Lots of other minor things too. For example, the imported Pontiac G8 didn't have navigation available because the display was about an inch too low. Some other things come to mind, like the Pontiac GTO had to relocate the gas tank from behind the rear axle to inside the trunk. You will see many cars these days have a bit of a bulge design on the hood, this is because Europe requires space between the hood and motor to improve pedestrian survival in the event you get mowed down. The crash testing like the petition mentions is only the tip of the ice burg, and really only affects the boutique OEMs as GM/Ford/Toyota and others can afford to crush a thousand cars a year. | ||
| Court |
Ford . . and some of you guys are more likely far more versed than I on this . . is moving to a "world platform". One of the early moves was the 2012 Focus. I bought a 201 Focus as a spare while the SCU's other car was being ordered and ended up buying a 2nd for my daily driver. I picked it up on 8/22 and turned over 10,000 miles today. The thing rocks and Ford has raised their game. The move I am waiting on now . . . .is the Focus ST. I've got 2 dealers laying in wait trying to snag the first one in the port . . . and it should be amazing. About the same Horsepower (my current Titanium runs the 40 Series on 18" wheels) as the base Porsche Cayman and the Euro Handling Package. I have the handling package and although I couldn't likely hang with the Porsche, I'd be close enough to spit and hit'em at the end of a lap. Ford also, just this week, has the sport car world on it's heels with the announcement of the new Mustang . . . yeah, the supercharged 5.8-liter V8 650 hp and 600 lb.-ft of torque - 200 MPH Mustang. Fords on a roll . . . . . | ||
| Trbulnt |
I too have my eye closely on the Focus ST as I will be due for a new car about the time it is finally available. I am hoping they have one at the Chicago auto show in February as I really want to see one in person. | ||
| Court |
They should . . . they were at the LA Auto Show last year. I thought I was going to get to order this month (although I suspect the first wave, like P cars, will be "Launch Cars") and was looking at a March delivery. Ford is now talking about moving to late 2012 . . . which, having this new Titanium would suit me just fine. I was going to sell the 2010 when it hit 36,000 but it's tough to get rid of a car that costs about nothing, averages 37.4MPG at 80MPH to and from East Troy (it's been 4 times) and has all the audio and SYNC systems it has. We have a build slot for a new car for the SCU but the frickin' options cost more than the Focus and I get less and less excited about spending $75,000 on a car as I get old and gray. The Focus is just damn fun to drive. . . . . kinda cool too having live weather radar on the big screen (yep, it'll play video with the A/V inputs), has 2 iPods in the console and connects to anything flawlessly. I'm so glad Ford said no to the idiots from Washington. | ||
| Blake |
Who would buy a GM after what they pulled over on the American taxpayer? Never. Principles matter. Brand loyalty has to take a back seat. If we're willing to support such a lousy corrupt company, we have no one but ourselves to blame for the mess we're in. | ||
| Court |
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/F ord_Focus/ | ||
| Blake |
Conversely...
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| Court |
I erred. That link to the LA Auto show is not last year . . . that's TODAY ! | ||
| Blake |
Seems the Market is open and running as per usual. Another OWS fail. Peter Cohen, an anthropologist from New York, wore a suit for the protest in a bid to improve the movement's image. Interesting quote:
What does Mr. "normal citizen" do for a living? He's an "anthropologist." Just another blood sucking leftist living in his ivory tower. Note to all these idiots who imagine they are "normal citizens": If you are not obliged to be at work, are unemployed by choice, or are being paid to join the "protest", you are not a "normal citizen" and you sure don't represent 99% of Americans! If you claim to do so, then you are a liar. Period. | ||
| Blake |
The above quote from http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/occupy-wall-st reet-protesters-vow-wear-suits-blend-revenge-zucco tti-park-raid-article-1.978485#ixzz1dyFikCnV |
