[DGthe3]

I believe its also a weighted average. So selling 20k 'SS' Camaros with an average mileage rating of 22 mpg, and 100k 'RS' Camaros, rated at an average 26 mpg will be more than offset by 100k Volts rated at say 75 mpg minimum, after the E85 allowance and the electric drive (however that figures in). You could lump in every low mileage performance car and the CAFE would still be above with the Volt. I think that there are exceptions for trucks and SUV's, or at least a double standard.

It shouldn't be too hard to improve mileage by ~10% solely by reducing weight. I imagine that technologies like AFM and direct injection would work better with lighter and more aerodynamic body, that would end up in a boost of about 3 mpg for most passenger cars. That increase in economy comes at a minimum increase in cost. Another idea that is a reasonably inexpensive way to a better fuel rating, besides E85, is diesel. new diesels are cleaner than in the past, much cleaner. And they still provide better mileage than hybrids. Its a matter of public perception. So I don't think that the raise in CAFE means that the cars that we love will all die.