[wagonman76]

The automakers will never give us their best work. Because they know the government will keep on tightening emissions, and raising mpg standards, and people will always want something better. Theyve always gotta have something waiting in the wings for when something better is demanded, to keep themselves in business.

They probably continue to use metal because it is recyclable. Dont think carbon fiber is. They could use tube frames and safety harnesses to make cars stronger and lighter and safer. Nascar guys survive crashes at 200 mph. But the general public doesnt want a car that looks like a racecar inside.