awai08

Indeed. While dwelling in my rant about econoboxes and lack of technological progress, I do admit that the dual-clutch gearbox is one major highlight, even if "just" evolutionary, in the last ten years. My next P-car will be PDK. I'm a believer also.

sjfehr

I'm a big fan of technology. I love the technological wizardry that lets me drive cars with literal superhuman performance. PDK and traction control that automatically does magic like one-wheel braking can give performance far and above what's possible with manual human control. It doesn't mean the gadget-filled car is worse, it just means you have to drive it differently to take advantage of all it gives you. Go ahead, shift in mid-corner, it's OK, technology lets you do that now AND maintain control AND get the gear your need right when you need it! Go ahead, drive to 11/10ths; if you did it right, your car will magically dial that right down to 10/10ths for you. Don't bitch about how the nannies get in the way. Learn to use them to your advantage.

Poignant crash test video here comparing a '59 Chevy with a '09 Chevy showing how far safety has come in the last 50 years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ptU...layer_embedded

Tacet-Conundrum

Sure if you are no taller than a midget!

alexb76

Sorry, what is i3 and i8 are gonna be like? I couldn't find much info on it.

997_rich

Probably not all that relevant to your point but you're aware that the 59 belair had no engine in it, right? The belair would've faired better had that been the case. I'm not making the point that it's safer than a modern car but this video isn't 100% open and truthful.

purrybonker

I really believe that we are in a bit of rennaisance right now with cars and it will go down hill from here.

Energy costs, safety enforcement and the further emergence of technology will eventually drive us completely out of the driver's seat.

We'll all be rolling around in driverless individual transportation devices controlled by technology to eliminate accidents while delivering us efficiently to our destination.

Actual driving will only take place on private roads and tracks. Like the horseback riding example.

Give it 20 years or less.

cgfen

used to make?
neither are in production to the best of my knowledge.

tpenta

Here are a couple of i3 references: http://www.bmw-i-usa.com/en_us/bmw-i3/

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car..._cars-car_news

Can you imagine driving with no break pedal? I'm Ok with that at Disney Land but not when driving around town!!!

-T

zanwar

They're just referring to the electric equivalent of engine braking. There's still a conventional brake pedal and brake system. A Tesla Roadster is similarly calibrated to recover a large amount of energy when you lift of the accelerator. There's so much engine braking effect it feels like the car is powered by an enormous AMG V8.

tpenta

Yep, that's good for Disney Land!

-T

Carrara

Notice everyday, Porsches, Audis, and VWs are looking better (the Golf R is absolutely gorgeous!), and everyday Mercedes Benzs, and BMWs are getting uglier (WAY too many sharp styling lines; all of their new cars already look dated).

gravedgr

I'm 6'1" and 230 lbs, and I fit in the miata fine. How many have you driven?

LastMezger

BRAKE pedal! Argh....

Optical TDI

S2000 no, RX8 yes.

stevepow

This must not be the "where the hell are the flying cars already?" crowd.

Looks to me like BMW is just trying to be in business 20 years from now. The horse riding example brings to mind that anecdote about the buggy whip maker who went out of business as automobiles became mainstream - failing to realize that he was in the transportation business rather than the buggy whip business.

Historically what I notice about transportation equipment is that there has always been a version made for fun and pleasure, regardless of the times - while it may be different - and most likely will be - than today's version, I suspect there will still be products that meet that fun factor need.