Is it the end of drastic performance and power increases?
 

I've noticed lately that new generation vehicles are not being released with the drastic power and performance increases that used to be. An example is the bmw 3 series. The m3 since its inception has steadily gained nearly 100 hp increase each new generation (E30-192 hp/ E36-240 hp/ E46 333hp/ E92-414 hp) Now the new generation has only 425hp, performance is the same. Also can be said for the m3 runner up 335i. There has always been a substantially increase to those models as well until the release of the new generation where 335i power and performance stay the same. The same for the new mustang 5.0. Nearly same power and performance. The same goes for the new WRX, STI, C63 AMG,and countless other sporty cars. Does everyone think the times of drastic power and performance increases are over?

I don't think so..

New Mustang GT has gone from 420 to 435
Hellcat is 707 and huge gain over the 392SRT
C7 base is at 450 over 426 and the new Z06 is going to be at 650 over the older 505

Euros are getting power upgrades too but I think companies know customers want performance and power is only one factor to consider. Also, companies like BMW and Audi seem to be favoring S/C smaller engines for similar power outputs along with better power management systems and transmissions..

Some of the vehicles you mentioned would probably have a serious price increase if the companies added considerable power increases to them. There are a host of people I speak too that are quite happy with "stock" power levels..

Well it's happened in the past. Look at the 60's-early 70's cars compared to the 80's. I wouldnt say its over yet but we have to be reaching a ceiling with it soon. I may get shunned for this but there really is no reason for every single car on the road to be 350+ hp like they almost are now and the fact that you can buy 700+ hp cars for less than 65k is almost a recipe for disaster for those with wallets big enough and driving skills lower than avg. With that said....I look forward to the day of getting one of these 600hp area cars for the low preowned and tuning it up to something even more not necessary for daily use.

We are living in the performance bubble just like stock market bubbles, this one will eventually pop and cars will go back to being "slow again", just don't know the timing of it. It will be due to stricter regulations however.

The motors will be more capable, but the ability to use the power will be masked for insurance issues. Drive by wire can limit WOT and cause throttle delays. VVT can be used to cut back power. New automatic trans can be tuned to shift slower and with shift delays. Lets not forget traction control and how that can be used. I think our favorite brands will be relying on the aftermarket to show case their products.

Most likely yes. At least affordable horsepower. CAFE standards are going to kill affordable horsepower. We have a few more years of a golden age before it comes to an end and we enter a dark age.

Agreed. Within no time there will be new regulations. But lets be honest, 1/2 the people behind 300+ horsepower cars, not to mention 400+ have NO business being there. Owning one and knowing how to drive one are two different stories. Just sucks for the experienced and capable drivers who will be punished for the masses.

The OEM's finally embracing forced induction is part of the reason. it will take awhile for the next innovation to trickle down to mainstream performance cars (ie: e-hybrids), so we probably won't be seeing large jumps until then.

There was an article I read some time ago that was talking about how CAFE wants to basically keep v8s out of passenger vehicles for fuel economy. The v8s would be reserved for commercial trucks and such. With the amount of power that they can get out of a 6, whether it's naturally aspirated, or Forced induction the numbers are amazing. Look at the new caddy, v6 twin turbo, something like 420 horse? That's what an SS is. And I believe I read that ford is putting a turbo'd 4 banger in the the new mustang as an option, something like it makes more power than the current or last model 6 with better fuel economy. Look at the STi or lancer evo. Both 4 bangers but fast as hell. Lightweight, soupped up from the factory.

Truth!!

We are lucky to live in this era!! Stock Camaro with 430hp!! LOL Next gen is going to be 450hp haha!! And the gaz price is crashing!!

Got to love the next gen stang. Looks like a catfish from the front and gained enough weight and not enough power to make the 2014 gt faster in a straight line.

2014s are my fav mustang. They look like an american mustang and are beasts in the 1/4.