I understand where you're coming from, as I've thought about the muscle car era too and how, for a long time, vehicle performance languished. BUT, with the crunch of the early 70's came new technologies that had to be introduced and reckoned with. Most of those technologies have been improved to the point where we enjoy the vehicles we have today.

I think there is a good chance that the same scenario is happening today. Here's where my mind says we could be going in regards to performance vehicles: one example is that instead of having a 410HP, 3700 lb M3 that gets 20 mpg, how about going back to the original M3 with modern tech? 250HP with 2500 lbs. Improved handling, fuel efficiency, braking, etc. Active aero, etc

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GT Silver CS
1980 Honda CBX
2004 Suzuki SV1000
2006 Subaru Legacy
2002 Honda Insight