Nevermind all the talk of fuel efficiency mandates. Judging by product rollouts at recent auto shows, some consumers still want racy, stylish cars. And automakers aren't hesitating to build them.
Call them dream cars. Chevrolet launched one at the North American International Auto Show in January: Its powerful new 2014 Corvette Stingray. Not to be outdone, McLaren Automotive rolled out the new hybrid P1, and Lamborghini introduced the high-powered Veneno at this week's Geneva Motor Show.
We call them dream cars for good reason. The 2014 Stingray is rumored to have an expected pricetag of $55,000, which is dreamy enough. But the McLaren P1 -- with only 375 units in production -- will run $1.15 million. And the Veneno -- possibly the ultimate in automotive exclusivity -- will cost $3.9 million. Only three will be built.
We've put together a few facts and photos of the Stingray, Veneno, and P1, the better to feed consumer fantasies. Click on the photo to begin dreaming ...
The $3.9M Lamborghini Veneno features a 6.5-liter, 12-cylinder engine. Working with a seven-speed transmission, it produces 750 HP and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. (Source: Automobili Lamborghini)
So, GM makes a $35,000 vehicle that gets 200+ MPG and consumers don't buy it. Why? Help me understand that. On electricity, it costs me 1/3 of using gas (at 37 MPG). 3 cents per mile instead of 10 cents per mile.
I'm also using 100% domestic energy instead of 60% foreign oil. How do these two things not make cents/sense to the American Consumer?
Due to this massive misunderstanding, I'm in the process of finalizing my book with my publisher - due out 3/31/13. All the costs, fuel, electricity usage, etc.
Help me understand why the average American just wants to continue supporting the 100+ year old internal combustion engine?
I agree with your premise, but we must ask ourselves why do we keep bailing out the American auto industry?
I suggest that it is a combination of politics and consumers really want those kind of cars. Consumers say they want the cheap, high MPG cars like the rest of the world, but they do not want to drive one. I personally like my older cars, but reality is that I need a high MPG and will relegate my older cars to limited driving/collection pieces.
We all wish we could have one of these cars, but if I had the 3.4 million dollar car I would be afraid to drive it!
On the political front, well crony capitalism trumps free markets because it is about buying votes! We voters keep voting the same political hacks (both parties) and expect different results (or just any results).
GM is clearly committed to improving its efficiency - but without sacrificing beauty. I was at the Detroit Show in January. The Corvette and the Cadillac ELR were the stars of the show. I used to want a Corvette, but now having driven electric, there is no going back. The ELR will be my next car.
I'm a consumer. I'm 32 with likely a few vehicles that I will be purchasing in my life time. I want a very simple 80-100 mpg, very light 3 wheeled vehicle for commuting for days when the weather is not very appealing for my motorcycle or bicycle (rain/snow/salt). The ELIO is almost it, but even they are putting 3 airbags into the vehicle. I want a basic $5k vehicle that has a roof, is reliable, and gets great mpg. I don't want ABS, airbags, traction control, satalite radio, GPS, remote start, power windows, power seats, etc. I don't even need a radio.
Three times now gasoline prices have soared and US automakers had to be bailed out because they made expensive cars with low mpg. It happens about every decade. It will likely happen again soon as the conflict with Iran continues. I like these cars, but the dessert does not replace the potatoes in a meal.
I agree that consumers don't want to pay a price anywhere near what's mentioned here, Rigby5. That said, these articles always seem to pique reader interest, so I assume that somewhere deep inside, some consumers are interested, By the way, the three Lamborghinis have already been sold. Who buys them, I don't know.
Yes there will always be a place and interest in high end performance.
But the article said this prototype showed consumer interest, and that is not true. It shows manufacturer interest.
And no one in this country is making $10 brown shoes yet when it comes to cars. Asia and Europe are, but we won't let them import those 80 mpg cars here, and the US makers refuse to produce our own domestic ones. That is making the customers more and more unhappy. These cars are nice, but all they are making are $500 shoes. Where are the $10 brown shoes? Hybrids are not $10 brown shoes.
Just as mobile computing has transformed the lives of consumers, machine-to-machine telemetry is revolutionizing business operations in every field, from healthcare to manufacturing to transportation.
As the trend toward compact, high-functioning devices evolves, electrically conductive adhesives are proving key components in the manufacturing process.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
1 
