Needless to say, as we roll forward into 2011, car makers are scrambling to meet new CAFE standards as dictated by the U.S. government. For the first time in several years, in fact, 2011 will see the average MPG jump to over 30�plus many new larger models will be included for the first time in the CAFE formula. What do these facts mean to car makers and car enthusiasts?
Well, for starters, you will be seeing more fuel-efficient models up and down manufacturers' model lines. But you will also discover that car makers will be producing many more compact and subcompact vehicles. And both large and small models will be much more likely to be equipped with four-cylinder motors.
In a surprising (yet inevitable) trend, four cylinder engines will soon be popping up in models by prestige brands such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Lexus. And that means the percentage of four cylinders across product lines of all makers will only be going up from today's 65%+.
So if you have yet to fall in love with a plucky little four-banger, it's time to re-examine the playing
field. Because notwithstanding the current influx of electric and hybrid entries, smaller, more fuel-efficient all-gasoline engines are definitely in your future. For example, one report has Audi bringing a four-cylinder A8 to America in 2012. That's especially true when you consider the EPA-demanded MPG average for 2025 will likely reach 60!