CAFÉ Time….

With a 0-100 time of around nine seconds and a top speed that barely breaks into the triple digits, the gas-and-battery-propelled Chevy Volt (not the ZR1) can be considered “electrifying” only in a strictly literal sense.  I don’t think I will become a member of the electric fuel efficient thingo car club just yet.  But while the Volt might not send the driving enthusiast’s pulse racing with it’s straight line speed, its performance in other spec-sheet categories could make it the Corvette’s best friend in the years ahead.  Because of recently announced Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFÉ) in the USA, they require that auto makers achieve a certain average fuel economy across the range by the year 2025, and there will be zero chance the Corvette can be made to hit these numbers without being heavily dependant on other vehicles in the GM stable to offset its relative profligacy at the pump.  Of course, there are steps that can be taken in the meantime to improve the Corvette’s fuel efficiency without sacrificing its performance, but for now lets hope the Volt and other small GM cars find favour with the domestic market, freeing up the Corvette to continue on as a pure bred performance car.

I have put to them that it would be easier to make all the Vettes red and the slower gas-battery cars yellow or white, this would make it a lot easier at the dealerships.

I’m not sure about the year 2025 going to Lakeside in electric cars, it would have to be changed from Independents or Thanksgiving day to Remember when day, could turn it into a dodgem car event,  dunno…

Well enough about the long term future as the short term one involves the closure of another year.  Dressing up as kids, going to Melbourne for Easters convention, Christmas on the skid pan, billy cart racing, shows and dinners have rounded out 2011 and now as usual we have our work cut out to start 2012 in equal, if not better fashion.  Woolongong for next Easter's convention, more billy cart derbies, I’m already thinking about the Presidents Weekend (Silky & Brad want a dress up) so it is all well under way for another year of Vetting experiences.

Thanks to every one at the last meeting for purchasing all the excess merchandise, Ali sold everything and now I have more room in my office.

Good luck to the Christmas hamper winner at December's meeting, you have to be there to win it, thanks to all who contributed especially Suzie for collating all the goods.

Do me a favour too at meetings, as the committee are volunteers and not necessarily public speakers, give them the courtesy to speak without interruption.  Everyone needs to hear the information given at meetings and the constructive answers when required without people carrying on their own conversations at the same time.

Well my battery is going flat now so I’ll re-charge and see you all at the Christmas party,

              Cheers Peter