U.S. automakers have reached an agreement with the government to require fuel economy on new cars of 54.5 mpg by 2025- more than double today's average fuel economy of 27 mpg. This new standard will be phased in at the rate of 5% improvement a year, starting in 2017. This is expected to add $6,000 to the price of new cars. It will also result in smaller, lighter (and perhaps, less safe) cars.

Hang on to your Hemis! They will shortly be dinosaurs.

 

I think we may see another dark age at some point. But at least they phase in the improvements gradually rather than dropping a bomb on one specific year.

Really the difference will be in the volume sellers. The days of the 270hp Camry are almost certainly numbered.

Honestly though, I'm optimistic in the long term. People will always love performance, and where there is enough demand, manufacturers will find ways to supply it. There will be fun cars, though they may have to be lighter weight than the beloved beast to which this forum is dedicated.