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Automakers want to stop the EPA's fuel economy rules change, and why that's a shortsighted move

With a Trump Administration looming, the EPA moved quickly after the election to propose finalizing future fuel economy rules last week. The auto industry doesn't like that (surprise), and has started making moves to stop the EPA. Ford CEO Mark Fields said he wanted to lobby Trump to lower the standards, and now the Auto Alliance, a manufacturer group, is saying it will join the fight against cleaner cars. The Alliance represents 12 automakers: BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, VW, and Volvo. Gloria Bergquist, a spokesperson for the Alliance, told Automotive News that the "EPA's sudden and controversial move to propose auto regulations eight months early - even after Congress warned agencies about taking such steps while political appointees were packing their bags - calls out for congressional action to pause this rulemaking until a thoughtful policy review can occur." The EPA was going to consider public comments through April 2017, but then said it would move the deadline to the end of December. That means that it can finalize the rules before President Obama leaves office. The director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, Jack Gillis, said on a conference call with reporters last week when the EPA originally announced its decision that it is unlikely that President Trump will be able to roll back these changes. Gillis also said on the same call that any attempt by the automakers to prevent these changes would be history repeating itself. "These are the same companies that fought airbags, and now promoting the fact that every car has multiple airbags," he said. "These are the same companies that fought the crash-test program, and now are promoting the crash-test ratings published by the government. So, it's clear that they're misperceiving the needs of the American consumer." There are more reasons the Allliance's pushback is flawed. Carol Lee Rawn, the transportation program director for Ceres, said on that call that the automotive industry is a global one, and many automakers are moving to global platforms to help them meet strict fuel economy rules around the world.

Porsche Boxster Spyder GT4 under consideration

Apparently, the Porsche Boxster Spyder will not be the ultimate example of the breed, after reports have surfaced indicating that Porsche is considering an even hotter roadster after seeing strong demand for the all-new Cayman GT4. The new lightweight Boxster was just unveiled a few weeks back at the 2015 New York Auto Show, showing a 3.8-liter flat-six, just like the Cayman GT4. It's without a number of GT4-specific components, though. According to Autocar, a Boxster Spyder GT4, if it were built, would benefit from the same 911 GT3-inspired adjustable front suspension, a unique rear suspension, GT3-spec brakes and a new aerodynamic kit. "We are looking at it right now," a source within Porsche told Autocar. "Much of the engineering has already been done for the Cayman, so we think this might be a good direction for us." Related Video:

Porsche Macan Turbo gets a Performance Pack, because more power is better

The entire Porsche Macan lineup is turbocharged, but the Turbo (with a capital T) is the fastest, most powerful model. And now, thanks to a new Performance Package, the Macan Turbo solidifies its role as the benchmark. With the package, the Macan Turbo's twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 gets bumped up to 440 horsepower (40 horsepower more) and 442 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 36 pound-feet). The increase results in a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular Macan Turbo, and a higher top speed of 169 mph, up five mph. The Macan Turbo was already quicker than its competition, but the new pack increases the performance gap between the Audi SQ5, Mercedes-AMG GLC43, and BMW X3. Opting for the Macan Turbo with the Performance Package also adds a lower suspension, upgraded brakes, and the makes the Sport Chrono Package equipment standard. The Performance Pack also adds more options, including 21-inch wheels similar to the Porsche 911 Turbo's, LED headlights, and various trim that can be finished in black. The interior also gets a sportier touch with the addition of Alcantara touches and carbon-fiber pieces. The Macan Turbo with Performance Package is available now for $87,495 – or $10,445 more than a base Macan Turbo. As we said in our first drive of the Macan Turbo, it's an impressive machine. So while the Performance Package makes it even better, that's a lot of money for a slight increase in performance. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Porsche Macan Turbo with Performance Package News Source: PorscheImage Credit: Porsche Porsche Crossover SUV Luxury Performance porsche macan porsche macan turbo