Last week, the death certificate was signed for the Mustang and the American muscle car as we know it. A controversial gas efficiency bill was accepted wholeheartedly throughout the House and Senate. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 proposes many significant changes in standards within the automotive industry. Most notably, though, it will require the ever-increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) to 35 mpg by 2020.
The action will begin to take effect in 2011, when automakers will be required to boost their fleet wide fuel economy by 40 percent. The current CAFÉ requisite is 27.5 mpg. Surprisingly, Ford’s PR department has handled the shift well, releasing nothing but positive reactions to the bill. In its official response to the legislation, the company said:
"The House energy bill is an important step towards increasing the national fuel economy standard. It accomplishes our shared goal of reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil and emissions of greenhouse gases. While the new standards are aggressive, Ford is committed to providing our customers with the fuel efficient, clean, safe, high quality products they want and value.”
The statement added that the current bill is an improvement upon the standards set in June that Ford considers constrictive. “It maintains the separation of cars and trucks, provides flexibility to manufacturers and encourages the production of flex fuel vehicles,” said the statement.
Whether the numbers look grim or the company puts a positive spin on the new standards, the bottom line is that powerful rear-wheel drive pony cars will not be able to survive in a low mpg climate. According to TheMustangNews, Ford would have to invest “nearly 100%” of its R&D capacity to maintain the 35 mpg standard for its fleet.
So scoop ‘em from the dealers while they’re hot! Hopefully these can be considered the glory days.
Source: TheMustangNews.com