User:Mark4life

I am a car enthusiast who has been reading up on cars for the last 15 years. Some of my favorites are German cars for there particular attention to quality or build, engine durability and ride quality. American cars largely known for there power and size are also very commendable as well as there great value for money. Japanese cars on the other hand have filled remarkable size of most markets and are known for there reliability (especially Toyota and Honda) and innovativeness, however they will have to keep this up if they are to compete in future markets (the recent recall many models of both of these companies will dampen the brand creditworthiness).

I have a particular interest in unusual engines that give more "bang" for there weight and efficiency. The rotary engine used in Mazda's for example as well as the old Audi 5 cylinder engines for there balance of power and efficiency (and recently being brought back for performance in the RS3 and TT RS).

On the more environmental side, new models such as the BMW efficient dynamics are breaking frontiers with there designs, power and efficiency. This is also one of many models to come that will be Plugin Hybrid electric vehicles. Audi have also announced their R8 quattro plug in hybrid as well as the Chevy Volt (featured in the film: Transformers - Revenge of the Fallen). These cars (especially the Chevy) are fast becoming the model for the average commuter car.

The more Performance driven hybrids pose somewhat of an anomaly. Usually sportier drivers are less concerned with the environment or their fuel bill. Car's such as the Tesla electric car are great on fuel but cost a small fortune for the average Joe. Although this appears to be a contradiction I believe it is a strategy for marketing and test marketing such technologies. The companies require smaller numbers of clients to break even and beautiful performance cars always draw more attention. So the company achieve two objectives with such a strategy until the markets absorb the technology and it becomes more common place.

You might ask what I drive. Yes its a German car : Audi A4 1.8 and a pleasure to drive.