Carb (the California Air Resources Board) has just announced regulations for automakers to reduce greenhouse gasses by 47% and smog causing emissions by 75% but 2025. Considering the exhaust of many cars today is cleaner than the air going into the engine this seems a bit draconian. The goal is to have at least 25% of all vehicles sold in Cali to be electric by that day (The current number is one third of a percent with hybrid selling about 1%). Of course they don't count the pollution emitted by the electricity generation plants to charge these cars. The last time measures of this magnitude took effect was in 1973 and it took the auto industry 15-20 years to recover. If not for the massive advances in computer technology, we would still be driving "high performance" vehicles barely making 178hp (my first 911). I don't think a high tech magic pill will be forthcoming this time around. We are living in the last golden age of high performance cars. While you rightfully bemoan the low resale value of you used 996TT, consider the future by a look backwards. I owned a 1970 440 six pack. hemi crash box tranny, Dana 60 rear end, convertible Challenger R/T that I paid $6k for used (78 produced world wide). I sold for $20K and thought I was a genius. The same car went at auction several years ago for close to $750,000. While the production numbers on 996TT are very high in comparison, time and attrition will cut the number of usable 996TT to collector’s volumes. Remember the 1964-1966 Mustang was produced in sizable numbers and look at the prices for a clean one now (don't even thing about a Shelby GT350). Gentlemen, let's enjoy and revel in the automotive world we currently live in as its days are numbered.

 

I don't think 996TT's are likely to be collectibles in any reasonable amount of time. They are far too common unless a majority of them are wrecked in the years to come. I believe models like the 996 GT3/2 and 997 GT3/2/RS are much more likely to become collectibles in the next 15-25 years.

 

Leave it up to Communistfornia. Where are they getting all this electric power to recharge these vehicles? Ok, this will turn into a rant so I'll move on.

 

Please rant on. It's what the performance auto community needs right now.

 

I think Duane is onto something here I see his point! Heck try to buy an original 1970 hemi cuda today... You'll have to sell your Enzo to foot the bill!! Yipes!

 

I lived in CA for almost 10 years. Central valley, Modesto, Oakdale, Manteca. Loved to visit the city. North Beach Pizza, clam chowder bread bowls at the warf, my best friend's older brother started a little bike rental place called Blazing Saddles.
CA is a great place to visit but too many people think they know what's best for every1 else. I had my fill and moved.

It's just to bad comman sense doesn't apply. The EPA & Unions have forced our manufacturing jobs to other country's. If they think they'll put up more wind mill going over the Atamont you'll just have some1 complain that it's messing up the view. By the way, I miss going to the top of the world on July 4th and watching all the towns fireworks.
If you mention Nuclear power in CA you'll get arrested. I just don't get where the electricity will come from? Here in the south they'll just fire more coal, crank up the Nuclear plant, or close the food gates and turn the turbines on. Well until Obama passes laws that increase the taxes.

This is just to much typing for my iPhone. Lol. Take care.

 

PS
This from a state that had rolling blackouts just a few years ago because it couldn't keep up w/ air conditioners and hair dryers. Now all of a sudden charging a car will be added to a over whelmed grid.

 

Our grid really isn't overwhelmed. If you recall, they found out that those rolling blackouts were artificially caused by Enron Also, MASSIVE advances are taking place in the Electric Vehicle development right now. These advances are mostly in the field of battery advancements which is realistically the current shortcoming of electric vehicles. As for electric or hybrid performance vehicles, they will be every bit as high performance if not more so than their gas powered counterparts. I'm not defending the decision, just shedding light on it's not quite as bad as everyone may think it will be. The one thing that WILL be missing is the visceral feeling you get from an awesome fine tuned exhaust like on the GT3's!

 

That's a great. Use technology to make things better. I agree to that. But your still using more electricity, so unless you've got rid of something using it currently. Or they've found a way to create it that CA is ok w/?

Speaking of using technology, it's helped us find more oil and natural gas in this country. We've already cut our oil import by 1 million barrels a day. That # will go up if the Feds allow exploration to continue.

Thanks for the battery info, good stuff.

 

California sux!!!!!

 

Californication

 

Yeah Cali suxx.

Maui is where I call home

- slummin in sunny San Diego.

 

One of the most beautiful moment of Top Gear. Beautiful photography, beautiful music, beautiful car but sad reality.....

 

This coming from Houston?

 

Thought you might like this chart:

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More than 50% of the energy we consume is wasted and most of the transportation use is in autos. I'm more confident that efficiency gains can still be made with technology. But I completely agree we need our speed and fun too!

Also, before we blame too much on the regulations from decades ago that started in California, just think about how much better the air is in most metro areas these days. I remember back when you couldn't do any outdoor activities in L.A. on many days of the year (and you certainly couldn't see the mountains to the North).

OK -- I'm done defending California. There are plenty of things we do out here that are crazy.