Taxed on the miles you drive?

Yahoo news today is reporting that the Federal Highway Trust Fund that pays for highway construction and maintenance is in danger of going broke. Since Americans started really driving less in 2007, gasoline tax revenues (which are the primary source of funding for the Trust Fund) have been down. Even Republican George Voinovich is on the record as stating that the gasoline tax needs to be increased. But a "panel of experts" has suggested that the best way to raise revenue is to charge people by the mile. Every car would be equipped with a GPS tracking device, and it would not only calculate how many miles you drove, but whether you drove on an interstate, highway, rural road, etc.

On the surface, this sounds rational. The more miles you drive, obviously the more impact you have on the road conditions. Unfortunately, there is a major flaw with this argument. By taking away the gasoline tax and replacing it with a mileage tax, you disincentivize the purchase of fuel-efficient cars. When gas prices go higher, either due to market forces or additional taxes, people tend to drive less and buy more fuel efficient cars. Hell, I did just that last summer, buying a salvage title 1997 BMW 328i to do long distance commuting in, instead of my 14 mpg Jeep Grand Cherokee. In Europe, gasoline taxes are very high, resulting in costs for unleaded gasoline in the $7/gallon equivalent range. Which explains why both small cars are very popular in Europe, even as luxury cars (see the BMW 1-series and Audi A3 as examples), and why you can buy just about any car in Europe and get an optional diesel engine. Diesel fuel costs are roughly half of what gasoline costs are in Europe, due mainly to the tax breaks offered for the greater fuel-efficiency of diesel. Removing this incentive tool here would simply convince people that it won't make much of a difference whether they buy the V6 versus the 4cyl engine, or whether they get a 7 passenger Chevy Tahoe truck-based SUV that gets 15 mpg combined versus a Chevy Avalanche 7 passenger crossover SUV that gets a combined 19 mpg.

I'm not in favor of taxes in general. Personally, I think a flat income tax of 15% with very few loopholes would probably do a better job of generating revenue than the current system, and it could possibly allow for the elimination of some current taxes. But however it shakes out, a per gallon tax on gasoline is the best compromise for raising Highway funds, while still encouraging increased fuel-efficiency, which itself leads to less dependence on foreign oil and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That's what I have to say.

Carpocalypse - the environmental commentary

So, as has been reported on all the major news sources (Autoblog, Jalopnik, etc.) and the drive-by media (AP, et al), President Obama has agreed that the states can potentially set their own emissions standards. Now, as a car enthusiast, anything that may result in a limitation on the enjoyment I can get out of a car is not something I am in favor of. Also, I am skeptical of the whole "global warming" concept and the contribution that automobiles make to greenhouse gases, as opposed to naturally occurring GHGs like from volcanoes, geothermal pockets, coal-fired power plants, etc. That being said, there's enough momentum behind the global warming movement that it is unlikely that it can be stopped easily. So I say so be it. Go ahead and let California establish its own standards. But once California has determined and applied its caps, thresholds, assessment criteria, etc., apply them across the nation. The same thing for different "blends" of gasoline. Here in So Cal, we have winter gas and summer gas, all to deal with the different potential for smog and such based on temperature inversions and the like. One unfortunate side effect is that we have artificial price spikes when they shut down the refineries to switch over the processing from Winter to Summer and back. I'm sure that one single set of emissions standards and fuel blends can be created that will address the issue of greenhouse gases uniformly, across the country. The economy, the domestic automakers in particular, are hurting. It doesn't help both the engineering and the desirability of the domestic fleets to saddle them with a bunch of environmental restrictions. So make it easier to comply with by eliminating their need to create several versions of the same vehicles, just for different regions of the country. If the automakers know that they only need to put their resources into one version of the powertrain for their new models, they're probably going to be much more willing to comply with the standards.

Ford - Carpocalypse Lineup

Ford Motor Company

Ford is actually in the best shape of any of the domestics, and frankly they've got a pretty strong lineup. That being said, the realities of the carpocalypse dictate that there must be some tweaking of things. As with my earlier posts on FoMoCo, these lineups don't necessarily reflect changing relationships (i.e. Mazda and Volvo), but logicaly expands on where those relationships are and may be going. Right now Ford is starting their push for the EcoBoost motors, and at this point have put their global RWD platform on hold.

Ford

Full spectrum lineup, value and performance being a focus.

Fiesta - Basically as is proposed with the three and four door models. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp, with a 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, and a 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl DI turbo rated at 165 hp for the top models.

Focus - 3, 4, and 5 door models based on European Focus. 1.5L DI 4cyl rated at 135 hp for base model, 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for SVT model.

Fusion - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model.

Taurus - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, including proposed 2011 SHO model.

Mustang - Evolution of recently introduced 2010 model, with revised powertrains. 2.5L ecoBoost DI 4cyl rated at 240 hp for the base Pony. In homage to the revered 5.0LX Mustangs of the late 80s, the Mustang LX would offer the 3.5L ecoBoost 6cyl out of the Taurus SHO. This car would include the suspension enhancements of the GT, but none of the exterior flash. The GT would include a 5.0L DI 8cyl rated at 390 hp. Limited edition SVT models such as the Mach 1, the Bullitt, and the GT/CS and GT 350 would offer the SVT 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 440 hp. The ultimate Mustang, the GT 500 KR would offer an SVT 7.0L ecoBoost 8cyl rated at 600 hp, and would hunt Corvettes.

Ranger - This would be heavily revised, and would be based on the recently introduced Euro/South American Ranger. It would offer regular, extended, and crew cab configurations, with short and long beds. Powertrains would consist of the 2.5L 4cyl at 175 hp, a 2.5L ecoBoost-D 4cyl turbo diesel rated at 200 hp, and the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp.

Explorer - This would evolve into the 7 passenger Explorer America CUV concept. 2.5L 4cyl ecoBoost rated at 250 hp for the base motor, with the 3.5L DI 6cyl rated at 290 hp. The Flex would die off.

Escape - Continued evolution of the current model. Powertrain choices would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

Expedition - This would be an evolution of the current model, based on the 2009 F-150. Regular and extended length models would be offered. Powertrains would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-150 - This would be an evolution of the recently introduced 2009 model. The main difference would be in the powertrain department. These would mimic the choices in the Expedition, and include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

F-Super Duty - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.

Econoline - Again, this would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options would include the 5.8L eDI 8 cyl rated at 425 hp, the 6.4L 8cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 380 hp, and a 7.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 480 hp.

Lincoln/Mercury

As much as it pains me, I think Mercury as a separate division may not be able to survive. Of the Big 3's weaker divisions (Pontiac, Saturn, etc.), I like Mercury the best, and I think presented a feasible and optimistic view of what should be. That being said, this is the era of the Carpocalypse, and a new reality must be addressed.

Capri - As I noted previously, my intention was for Mercury to become Ford's import brand, stocked with vehicles either inspired by or taken from Ford's international lineups. The Capri would tie itself to the original Ford Capri from 70's Europe, and embody continental sport and luxury leanings in an entry level car. Based on the European Focus sedan and convertible, this would expand Lincoln's lineup to include an easier entry point for what should be a top-notch brand. Powertrains would include the 1.5L ecoBoost 4cyl turbo rated at 165 hp, 1.5L dual mode hybrid rated at 140 hp, 2.0 ecoBoost 4cyl rated at 220 hp for the top sport models.

Mariner - As I noted previously, to fit the "Continental" image I envision for Mercury, the Mariner would depart stylistically from the Escape, and would be based off of the European Ford Kuga CUV. Powertrains would mimic the Escape, though, and would include the 2.5L eDI 4cyl rated at 175 hp, the 2.5L eDI hybrid rated at 185 hp, and the 3.0L eDI 6cyl rated at 275 hp.

MKZ/Zephyr - My naming scheme is changing around, due to the planned absence of the RWD Aussie Falcon in the lineup. That being said, the Zephyr would be an evolution of the current model. Powertrain options, though, would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp or an optional 3.0L eDI hybrid 6 cyl rated at approximately 265 hp.

MKS/Continental - This would be an evolution of the current MKS, and would offer powertrain options consistent with those of the Taurus.

MKT/Aviator - This would be an evolution of the current MKT, and would be a 7 passenger CUV. Powertrains would mimic the MKS/Continental. The MKX would die off.

Navigator - This would be an evolution of the current, Powertrains would mimic those offered in the Expedition, and would include the 3.5L eDI 6cyl rated at 300 hp, the 5.0L eDI 8cyl rated at 385 hp, the 5.8L eDI 8cyl rated at 425 hp, and a 4.0L 6cyl ecoBoost-D rated at 295 hp.

There you have it. The Carpocalypse lineups. Again, these are just my musings, based on current news being reported and spiced up with my own personal wants. Check back, who knows what may happen next.

GM - Carpocalypse Lineup

GM

GM is still too brand-heavy, and as much as it pains me to admit it, one or more brands will have to be eliminated, or at least combined into functional composite divisions. In particular, Pontiac would cease to exist, with the G8 and Torrent models continuing in the surviving divisions. Saturn would die off and the Aura/Insignia would move to another division. Hummer would consolidate into GMC, which would itself merge with Buick. Some product lines (Trailblazer/Envoy) would die off, and others (DTS) would merge with another similar vehicle.

Platforms and powertrains would be evolutions of current and stated future products, to the greatest extent possible. As always, the engineering is blessedly not an issue for me. I’m just the idea guy here. Horsepower ratings and platform compatibility are little more than wishful thinking based on a slight dose of reality. GM has been hitting pretty well on the styling front, so I would generally expect the cars mentioned herein to be largely evolutions of current and proposed models, unlike Chrysler, which needs some serious help. In general, I see a small car/CUV platform with FWD/AWD, a mid-size FWD/AWD platform, and a mid to large RWD/AWD platform. Specialty platforms include the Corvette/XLR, small trucks, and large trucks.

Chevrolet

As always, Chevy is the middle-America full line brand. Subcompact to sports car to full-size van. Pricing would again be a key component to the Chevrolet message...value.

Aveo – This would be an evolution of the current 4 and 5 door models. Styling would incorporate cues from the Cruze and Volt. Engines would consist of the 1.4L DI 4cyl at 130hp and a 1.4L turbo at 150hp.

Cruze – This would replace the Cobalt. It would offer the 1.4L turbo at 150hp, and a 2.0L DI turbo 4cyl at 180hp. An SS variant would offer a High Output 2.0L rated at 220hp.

Volt – as proposed and evolving

Malibu – This would be an evolution of the current model, on the new Epsilon platform. Powertrains would include a 2.4L DI 4cyl rated at 175hp, a plug-in hybrid 2.4L 4cyl with a combined rating of 180hp, and a 2.8L DI 6cyl rated at 240hp. FWD would be standard, and AWD would be optional on non-hybrids.

Impala – The current Impala would be discarded and replaced with an evolution of the current RWD G8, with Chevrolet-specific front and rear clips, and an upgraded interior consistent with GM North American current efforts (i.e. Malibu, CTS). Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp, the 3.6L 6cyl at 304 hp, and the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 340hp for the SS model.

Camaro – Evolution of current on shared CTS/STS/Impala platform. Powertrains would include the 2.4L turbocharged 4cyl at 220hp, and the 2.8L 6cyl, 3.6L 6cyl, and 4.5L 8cyl from the Impala. The SS would offer a 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 385 hp, and a possible Z28 model would offer a 6.5L DI 8cyl rated at 425hp.

Vette – Evolution of current. New Corvette Stingray would offer minimal luxury items and be powered by a 3.6L DI 6cyl turbo rated at 375hp. It would be the ultimate tuner/track animal Vette ever, with a combination of Z06 and Z51 chassis tuning. Corvette would offer the 6.5L DI 8cyl rated at 440hp, the Z06 would offer the 7.0L 8cyl rated at 505hp, and the ZR1 would offer a supercharged 7.0L 8cyl rated at 625hp.

Colorado – drop the 8cyl and 5cyl. Use a 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp) and a 3.5L DI 6cyl (304 hp).

Equinox – combined onto the Vue platform, stays 5 passenger CUV. Gets 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp), 2.4L 4cyl hybrid (185 hp), and 2.8L 6cyl (240 hp).

Traverse – evolution of current Lambda, 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp and 3.6L 6cyl hybrid at a combined 300hp.

Tahoe – 4.5L 8cyl standard (340 hp), 4.5L 8cyl hybrid (345 hp), 5.5L 8cyl (385hp). Possible 4.5L 8cyl diesel (275 hp)

Suburban – same as Tahoe

Silverado – same as Tahoe, but with the 3.6L 6cyl as the base.

Cadillac

BLS – based on Saab 9-3 platform to go against the 3, IS, A4, C Class, etc. Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp and the 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp.

CTS – evolution of current, including coupe and sportwagen. Positioned more against the 5 series, E class, A6, GS, Infiniti M. Powertrains would include the 3.6L 6cyl at 304 hp, and the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 350hp. The CTS-V would include a version of the ZR1 Corvette supercharged 7.0L V8, putting out approximately 600 hp.

STS – Cross between most recent DTS and current STS, grows in size to better compete against the 7 series, A8, LS, and S-Class. Powertrains would include the 4.5L LS3 8cyl at 350hp and the 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp. The STS-V would include the 7.0L supercharged 8cyl from the ZR1 Corvette, rated at approximately 600hp.

SRX – 5 passenger CUV based on Saab 9-4, itself on the Epislon platform. Powertrains would include the 2.8L 6cyl at 240hp and the 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp.

Escalade – moves to the Lambda platform and evolves to a 7 passenger CUV. It has a 3.6L 6cyl at 304hp, hybrid 3.6L 6cyl at 300hp, and an optional 4.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 350hp. The 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp would be exclusive to the Platinum.

XLR – Halo car continues on the Corvette platform, with the 5.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 400hp and the 7.0L 8cyl rated at 505hp from the Z06 Corvette for the XLR-V.

Buick/GMC/Hummer

These would be combined into a joint division for marketing (maybe drop the Hummer brand name, but rebadged them as GMC Hummers), but they would maintain their brand names and none would individually offer a truly full range.

Buick

Entry-level luxury, competing against 2^nd tier luxury brands such as Mercury (as I envision elsewhere in this blog), Volvo, Acura, Volkswagen, etc.

Aura – Upcoming Opel Insignia becomes the Buick Aura. Mid-sized (approx 190 inches), it would go against the Milan, the TL, the Sebring, the Sonata, Passat, etc. 3.6L DI 6cyl (304 hp) and 2.8L DI hybrid 6cyl (combined 230 hp)

LaCrosse – Evolution as intended, with the 3.6L DI 6cyl at 304hp, 2.8L hybrid, and optional 4.5L LS3 8cyl (340 hp) for the Super. Compete against 300, ES, Impala, etc.

Lucerne – based on Lambda platform. 3.6L DI 6cyl at 304hp and 4.5L LS3 8cyl rated at 340hp for the Super.

Enclave – Lambda updates as Escalade with the 3.6L and hybrid 3.6L 6cyls, except instead of the 5.5L 8cyl on the Escalade Platinum, the Super would get the 4.5L 8cyl at 340hp.

GMC

Full spectrum truck and SUV lineup, including medium duty (commercial) trucks and Hummer models. Models, including GMC crossovers would emphasize toughness and off-road capabilities (as Honda does with the Pilot VTM-4 awd system).

Canyon – As with the Chevrolet Colorado, it would be a gentle evolution of the current vehicle, with a serious redo of the interior. Current powertrains would be dropped entirely, and substituted with a 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp) and a 3.5L DI 6cyl (304 hp).

Sierra – see Silverado. Denali trim level would continue as a top-shelf trim with the 5.5L LS3 8cyl standard.

Terrain – Pontiac Torrent revisited, see Equinox. Gets 2.4L 4cyl (175 hp), 2.4L 4cyl hybrid (185 hp), and 2.8L 6cyl (240 hp). Would include Denali trim options, and possibly the 3.6L 304hp 6cyl.

Acadia – See Enclave…Denali trim gets the 4.5L 8cyl at 340hp.

Yukon/Yukon XL – See Tahoe/Suburban, and again would include the Denali option.

Hummer 2 - 4.5L 8cyl standard (340 hp), 4.5L 8cyl hybrid (345 hp), 5.5L 8cyl (375hp) for the Alpha model. Possible 4.5L 8cyl diesel (275 hp).

Hummer 3 – 3.5 DI 6cyl, with the 4.5L 8cyl for the Alpha model. SUT would mimic H3.