How will this affect us?
 

I was reading this article on CNN. If the Feds regulate the auto industry and require stability control on all vehicles under 10,000 lbs after 2009.

How will this affect us? Sports car people that is.

1) Will there be a increased interest in non-stabiity controlled vehicles? More interest, normally means more value.

2) Are you a fan of stability controlled vehicles? I bet that you will not be able to turn the contol off, like you used to be able to in previous years.

3) Is this the end of sports cars? Or, just the beginning?

4) Do you see yourself more or less inclined to buy a new sports car?

Any other thoughts?

Seems like most any car above middle price range offers some type of stability control as an option TODAY...let alone top end sport cars. BMWs all seem to have them. Even the new bikes have a traction (but not stability) control.

So, I am saying it will make little difference.

You know what? I've given up on the idea today's sports cars can offer a pure driver-to-machine relationship.

It seems that concept has gone out the window in large part, (at least for Porsche) with the advent of the 996.

Maybe the Elise still offers unobtrusive driving, but I'm not sure to be honest.

But if this is an evil with which we will one day contend, doesn't it make sense to have stability control mandatory on vehicles over 10,000 pounds, as they could, by weight, be more difficult to control?

"Offer" is the operative word here. I think it is great to offer stability control, but I know many people who would not like it to be mandatory.

More opportunities for "tuners"

Stability management can actually make for faster lap times. Believe it. It's not a bad thing. And many systems can be disabled or put into 'competition mode'.

Yep, dd, you need to spend some time in an Elise :)

After I drive the Elise for a couple of days, I appreciate just how refined and comfortable the 89 Carrera with Bilstein sports all around is :D

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158270084.jpg