[Kenny C]

Just think, an m3 a couple of years ago had 240hp. An Italian exotic 0-60 under
7 seconds was maybe 15 years ago. Now 300 hp production cars are common. With turbo charging becoming increasingly popular (mb says they will be introducing turbo in their product line shortly) where will this go? Any prediction for 5 years? 10 years?

[EDK99]

I say nuclear power! Just think you will never have to stop for gas again!!

Ed

[2m3]

The new technology will make a very wide power band across the rpm range.

Car will reach 60 mph in 1st gear, so 0-60 at 4 seconds is about average.

Maybe driver will be able to shut-off some of the cylinders during traffic jam, to safe gasoline consumption.

[MrSilver]

500 HP 3 series (Non M).

or

Electric cars will be the norm and combustion engines will be the way of the 8 track.

[wushuhsu]

You forget US muscle cars in the 60s were getting 400+ HP easy off 6L engines. But they got like 8 mpg and polluted like crazy. Cars have much smaller engines now due to emissions control regulations and fuel economy regulations. In the future, I expect to see even cleaner engines, perhaps not even gasoline. Horsepower will probably also go down too.

[carjon]

Although we may see increases in these areas and it seems likely, other factors will probably limit too much growth - safety, tires, road, insurance companies. The very high horse power maybe available but affordable to only a few.
I think we'll begin to see the smaller engines and smaller lighter cars again (1 series). Realistically how much do you really use the hp in your car. Diesels will provide the torque that we really think of as HP to launch quickly.

[SteveMD]

Originally Posted by wushuhsu

You forget US muscle cars in the 60s were getting 400+ HP easy off 6L engines. But they got like 8 mpg and polluted like crazy. Cars have much smaller engines now due to emissions control regulations and fuel economy regulations. In the future, I expect to see even cleaner engines, perhaps not even gasoline. Horsepower will probably also go down too.

Maybe but HP in the 60s (up to 1972 actually) was 'Gross' HP measured on a blueprinted engine with no mufflers, accessories etc. In addition, manufacturers usually overstated the HP to keep competetive.

For example (if my memory serves me correctly), the 454 Corvette motor in '72 was rated at 270HP. Previously it had been anywhere from 365 to 425.

[hotsand5]

actually, I remember an interview from an Audi exec about a year ago. The same question was brought up to him. He stated that we are near our peak for HP in "ordinary" cars, and that the future will not be more HP, rather LESS WEIGHT!!! Less weight from our engines, less weight from the frame, body panels, and other components. That way, they can keep the hp the same, or lower (less fuel consumption) and keep the same performance numbers.

I think that was a very insightful view of the future

[maq]

Originally Posted by 2m3

The new technology will make a very wide power band across the rpm range.

Car will reach 60 mph in 1st gear, so 0-60 at 4 seconds is about average.

Maybe driver will be able to shut-off some of the cylinders during traffic jam, to safe gasoline consumption.

Reaching 60 in 1st has little to do with power band. There already have been many cars around that can do that. It's all about gearing. The lower the ratio, the longer the gear. And, usually low final drive ratio/longer gears = slower acceleration within each gear. The new Z06 can hit 60 in 1st in under 4s, because it has monster torque and massive grip. In any other car with gears that long, you are just watching the rpm climbing while the speedo needle barely moves.

Also, variable displacement technology (engines that can shut off cylinders) has been around for 25 years. Chrysler, GM and Honda all offer cars with this technology.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Maybe but HP in the 60s (up to 1972 actually) was 'Gross' HP measured on a blueprinted engine with no mufflers, accessories etc. In addition, manufacturers usually overstated the HP to keep competetive.

For example (if my memory serves me correctly), the 454 Corvette motor in '72 was rated at 270HP. Previously it had been anywhere from 365 to 425.

I agree, interesting stuff those 'HP specs' at the time when I was born(1970)

[txusa03]

I thought you were talking about the computer comany HP in ten years...

[pokerface]

I would think "exotic" car materials will be cheaper.. ie., carbon fibre?

[lux.sh]

Honestly, I don't think HP/TQ figure will keep on going up.

Sooner or later, fuel sufficient/hydbrid/battery powered cars will probably replace all the gasoline cars. Who knows, kyoto #2 will happen and emissions might get even more strict. I remember california releasing a statement saying they will replace all current gas cars with something more environmental friendly by 2030(read it in yahoo news somewhere awhile back).

When that happens, we might have to start all over from 100hp battery power. That'll be the day. You can street race all night you want, because cars will be quiet as hell.

"Damn what you got under the hood?"
"I got the german N52 batteries in this badboy"

[06330i]

I think HP will go up! We will have cleaner, better running, and longer lasting engines. Hopefully BMW will make a car that we can bolt on a lot of parts

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by EK_335i

I say nuclear power! Just think you will never have to stop for gas again!!

Ed

Won't need headlights, either, since you'll be glowing in the dark.