RWD Renissance

So many of today's baby boomers can only shake their heads and laugh at the state of the everyday passenger car today. Back in the '60s, the streets were crowded with huge sedans the size of boats with engines usually reserved for sports cars. But the thing that really made them unique was their rear-wheel drive. But when the oil crisis hit in 1973, auto companies were no longer allowed to produce these behemoths because of their size and gas-guzzling engines. It was realized that the front engine, front-wheel drive layout was much more efficient. Today, the vast majority of sedans are sedately pulled along by their two front wheels not making any attempt to seem particularly sporty. But that is changing...slowly.

Many sport-inclined auto makers are finally realizing that to reveal their designs' full potential, they must use a RWD platform. In truth, it is all simple physics. With the drive wheels at the back, the rearward lean felt when accelerating lays more mass on top of the driving wheels, allowing for better traction and therefore better performance. Also, when turning, a RWD layout allows each set of wheels to focus on doing only one thing. The front wheels turn while the rear wheels drive. In front-wheel drive cars, the front wheels must handle the engine's force as well as turning which makes each operation less efficient. In effect, RWD=better performance in all areas.

Among the automakers who are getting the point is GM. The company that used to be the epitome of the cool Saturday night cruise is now known primarily for it's boring family sedans and rugged trucks. Fortunately, they are digging way back in their past (and looking west to Australia) to help guide them. It has been confirmed that GM is making headway. The new Impala scheduled for a 2009 release is going to move to a RWD platform currently used in the just-released Holden Monaro. And from what we've read, it looks to be a winner. Beyond that, there have been rumors that GM plans on making the entire Pontiac line RWD, to fit with that maker's so called "sporty" image. With the introduction of the Solstice as well as confirmed rumors about a RWD G6, GM seems to be holding to their word.

But GM isn't the only one. Many different makes have refocused their lineup to include RWD models. In fact, some, like Infiniti, have moved their entire line onto a RWD/AWD platform. Dodge too has revived the great American sedan with models such as the Magnum and the Charger.

So to those of you who have been living in the automotive past, rejoice at the fact that your great RWD cars are returning in droves, in all shapes and forms to satisfy your automotive passion.