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How long will the 'golden age' of performance last?

High-powered sports and luxury cars were everywhere at the New York Auto Show, prompting the obvious question for enthusiasts: How long will this golden age of performance last? Industry leaders have some time before regulations elevate the Corporate Average Fuel Economy level in 2025. Even then, they expect cars rippling with power to survive in some form. "Is it the end of an era," I don't think so," said Ola Kallenius, Daimler AG board member for Mercedes-Benz cars marketing and sales. "That performance element of individual mobility I don't think will ever go away." Kallenius, who oversaw the company's AMG division from 2010-2013, expects it to continue to grow. Last year, AMG sold a record 68,875 units around the world, an increase of 44.6 percent over 2014, with strong growth in the US, China, and Germany. Still, there's always the potential for gas to spike, and pending fuel economy regulations are looming. That could lead AMG to add electrification to its products, Kallenius said, pointing to the electric SLS as a test case. Chevy is also thinking ahead, said Al Oppenheiser, chief engineer of the Camaro. He wouldn't bite when asked about electrification for the Camaro (he did say "never say never"), but admitted in 2025 "it's going to be pretty tough to sell V8s." For now, things are rosy for muscle cars, and Chevy confidently showcased the 640-hp Camaro ZL1 in coupe and convertible form in New York. "I think that this is truly the golden age of performance," Oppenheiser said. It's hard to disagree. News & Analysis News: The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF was a show-stopper in New York. Analysis: There was a palpable energy when this RF — for Retractable Fastback — was revealed the night before the show at a trendy off-site venue near the Hudson River. Even as a parade of SUVs and flashy luxury cars rolled out the rest of the week, the Miata remained a hot topic. The Retractable Fastback is really a clever targa top, with part of the roof stowing behind the seats, adding about 100 pounds compared to the standard convertible. It makes the car more practical and arguably more attractive. The RF continues Mazda's tradition of selling the Miata with a hardtop variant. The first and second generations offered a detachable one, and a power retractable hardtop (a $1,700 option) was available on third-gen models. Judging by its reception in New York, the RF could prove to be even more popular than its predecessors.

Maybach and Aston Martin alliance talks fall apart

If you have, like us, been salivating at the notion of a new generation of Maybach and Lagonda ultra-luxury crafts built by Aston Martin, we've got some bad news: According to reports emanating from Germany, talks between AML and Daimler have broken down.
The proposal under negotiation would have seen Daimler outsourcing production of the next family of Maybach models to Aston Martin, which in return would benefit from Mercedes-Benz platforms and engines - not only for its svelte GTs, but also for its own future Lagonda line of limousines and luxury SUVs. That, and a boatload of money - or at least that's what AML was reportedly seeking, an issue that served as the stumbling block over which the deal reportedly collapsed.
That's not to say the two parties couldn't still reach some sort of a compromise, but short of that, Daimler may opt to either shut down Maybach altogether, find another partner, or take another stab at building new models internally.

Mercedes has X6 in its crosshairs with the GLE Coupe

In the last month, Mercedes-Benz has taken the sheet off two versions of its GLE Coupe: the 450 AMG and Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S. The models represent the German brand's shot across the bow at the BMW X6 in the luxury-crossover-four-door-coupe segment, including the high-performance M version of the bodystyle. Not much separates the styling between the two versions. Both feature sweeping arches over the hood and roofline to create their coupe-like appearance. Up front there are huge air intakes with a wide grille on top that's bisected by the brand's traditional star. The AMG version tweaks that look with the division's A-wing grille. At the rear, there are wraparound taillights and a chrome strip. The higher performance version also sports a modified diffuser and air outlets. No matter which one buyers choose, they get a healthy amount of power nestled under the hood. The 450 AMG packs a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque with a nine-speed automatic. Opting for the GLE63 means a massive boost with 577 hp and 561 pound-feet from a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 routing through a seven-speed auto gearbox. Either way, customers get Merc's 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The luxury crossover coupe segment is often maligned for looking awkward, but Mercedes clearly sees room to grow there. Check them both out live from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show floor in the galleries above.