Catching Up to Speed: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Automakers grouse over new government eco-rules
It seems auto manufacturers are changing their ecological tune with regard to the government’s demands. Congress recently upped the ante from 25 mpg to a combined fleet fuel efficiency of at least 31.6 mpg by 2015. The companies say it’s too much, too fast, but their reasons will be analyzed further before Congress puts its stamp on the new rule at year’s end. Guess we’re about to find out just how fast the car industry can get green.

Size matters if you’re Smart
Is it smart for a 7-foot-tall man weighing 375 pounds to drive a Smart Fortwo in L.A.? No, but it certainly is fun to see. Bottom line: If Shaq can fit in a Smart fortwo, so can you.

Cold-weather features rank high in unmet needs
Global consulting firm RDA recently queried car buyers about perceived automotive ‘unmet needs.’ Although fuel-friendly features ranked highest, consumers’ top five unmet needs were instant ice and snow melting, side window defrost, easy-to-use electronics, full-size spare tires and nonfading paint.

Gearing up for Pebble Beach
Our own Dan Neil will be blogging from the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next week. Bugatti is on the auction block this year, and only the stout of pocketbook may play. Stay tuned next week for Ragtops to Riches: Part II.

--Whitney Friedlander

Images: Associated Press, Bugatti
Note: Some sourced articles require subscription.