Brainstorming

Electric cars are coming (even outside California). TV commercials urge us to order our all-electric Cadillacs now for delivery in 2023. Those who can afford a Cadillac can likely afford $4 per gallon gas to power a conventional one.

What incentive is there to go “electric”? Save The Planet and tax breaks don’t do the trick. One-third of Americans refused to get a COVID inoculation despite more than one million of their fellow citizens dying. Logic, public health, and money will not convince a significant portion of the population to do the right thing.

General Motors has the right idea. GM is developing an all-electric Camaro to compete with the all-electric Mustang already on the market. That ‘Stang has more torque and goes 0 to 60 faster than last year’s gas-powered “muscle car”.

I imagine a “brainstorming” session at GM:

“Our Camaro cannot go faster than Ford’s Mustang. It needs a “distinguishing feature”.

“My kids love their sneakers that flash lights with each step they take. Maybe we can do that with the Camaro’s tires?”

“There are supposed to be no Bad Ideas in Brainstorming, but that is atrocious.”

“Why does Harley-Davidson sell twice as many motorcycles as anyone else? Harleys are not faster, more economical, or cooler-looking. Harleys sound better. Rev that baby up and it sounds like a beer-soaked fraternity party after a Mexican dinner with the flatulence. Vroom. Vroom.”

“That’s it. An all-electric car is silent. We can add any extra noise that we want. Our Camaro could sound like a jet taking off. Macho guys will love it.”

General Motors actually is planning to add sound effects to its all-electric Camaro. If you can’t add to exhaust pollution, you might as well add to noise pollution. Great job with the Brainstorming, guys.

By Ed Dufton