Automotive Landscape Best Point is now?

[D_Eclipse9916]

I would say it's more of a half and half for better and for worse. In one way, it's crazy that we have so many electronic parameters on cars that a simple tune can add 100hp, we can change our suspension with the click of a button, and do it all with a heated steering wheel for the winter.

But all of this comes at a price, and it brings up a video I shared in the chat a week ago. It means that the DIY'er is being pushed out by IT restrictions that can't be overcome with a standard toolbox. You need a coder just to change a battery, will be locked out of your car for tinkering with things yourself, and it can all be tracked by a dealership or manufacturer being used against you if anything ever happens (which most would argue is probably fair).

Also, I have only seen the weight of most cars go up in the last 10 years, not the other way around. We had this discussion in the chat a few weeks ago, how modern cars have so much power only because they all weigh so much that it's almost necessary. Nowadays people are disappointed in a newer car with less than 300hp because all their cars weigh 3500+lbs.

I'm happy for all the new technologies and advancements in the cars we have today, I think it's great that consumers can have these things at their fingertips for now an extremely cheap price. (This brings up debate on whether the luxury Lexus/Acura's are worth it anymore with base model Toyotas and Hondas having the same tech that only used to be seen in higher end vehicles). But there's also a reason why more and more enthusiasts are looking for older cars when it comes to performance and fun to drive weekend cars as opposed to newer cars of the same brand/class.

Hrmm, maybe I am looking at particular brands and models that enthusiasts gravitate towards (think miata vs 328i).  The camaro went from soft and undertired to massive tires and a world-class suspension.  The miata lost weight and gained suspension, the boxster went from a hairdresser's car to serious performer.

All the "good" enthusiasts models from the early 2000s are crazy expensive to justify.  Mitsubishi Evos with 100k selling for within $5k of new?  2004+ S2000s holding near 20s, BMW M3s are decent but what they lack in initial purchase is heavy maintenance.  The good "Subarus" suffer the same fate.

Maybe it's just coming at a time where I can finally afford a fairly new"ish" car and less interested in working on street cars; but its coming at a phenomenal time.  I can see in 3 years buying one of the above in the list and being happy mostly stock.  Heck the E92 M3 is back on stock suspension with a front sway bar and a cat-back exhaust and its fantastic for dual role, and it's not nearly as good as the new stuff out.

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Will manufacturers continue to make one-off gasoline cars even once the full switch to electric has occurred, and just sell them as track-only/not road legal? I know performance can't be compared to electric drivetrains, but the fight for power and pure vibrations/sounds emmitted from an ICE engine also can't be re-created in a natural way. I think that's what the real enthusiasts will be itching for in 20 years time.

To tie into this statement, the availability of "manufacturer race cars" are more available than ever.

Really for the "above average income" racer there was the 911 GT3 and Ferrari, a spattering of one or two years where you could buy a body in white car, but no real "take me to the track" like the GT3.  Yeah there were the ALMS/manufacturer built crazy cars/unobtanium.  But nothing that was really "here is a check Audi, give me a race car for my own use in XX series".  Most race car fields were filled by street cars turned race cars.

What's available now? (Notice a common theme of GT4).  While not a Spec Miata, these are all mostly sub-exotic car pricing for a fully built race car from the factory.

Audi RS3 LMS in PWC/TC trim
Audi R8 LMS
Audi R8 GT4
BMW M4 GT4
Ford Mustang GT4
Jaguar F-Type GT4
Chevrolet Camaro GT4
Mazda Cup Car
Mercedes AMG GTS LMS and GT4 editions
Volkswagen GTI TCR
Porsche Cayman GT4
Mclaren GT4

And they are selling like HOTCAKES.  Porsche and Mercedes have both underestimated demand and are gearing up for more.  Audi/VW group is creating more and more "editions" for race series.

In talking with a bunch of race support teams, they are both welcoming this from an "easier to support and work on" aspect; but will also lose revenue of building the cars themselves.  Definitely an interesting time.