1. The Shadow 2 looks marvelous: much better than just the blued (or black).
2. It is on my wish list.
3. When it comes to cars/Suvs: yes, I am not pleased with the offerings. Fortunately, since I've been driving a Corolla for the past 400 yrs., most anything, although underpowered, is better, or at least what I'm used to.
4. I don't even want to talk about the CVT that has been thrust upon the public for the few extra mpg.
5. Good grief: my 05 Corolla got 40 mpg on the highway and in normal driving I have always averaged 30 mpg: SO WHY SCREW AROUND WITH IT, for what, an extra couple miles per gallon.
6. These trannies are not going to hold up (200,000 miles) and you can't fix them: total replacement/$5000, I've been told.
7. I hope I'm wrong, but my research has been scary. Seems like Subaru is ahead of the game, with Toyota doing well with the CVT.
Simple answer allot of people are only concerned with gas mileage so the increase a CVT gives you numbers wise is great for car manufacturers.
I agree Subaru is probably the best at CVT but their engines kind of hold the entire car back , the need to put a turbocharger on the boxer engine to keep it competitive in my opinion (and because all Subaru cars are all wheel drive their gas mileage will always comparatively "suck")
That being said my 2018 Accord has a 10 speed automatic and it's awesome , but much like the CVT probably very very expensive to fix. Granted most people don't "drive it into the ground" anymore when they get cars. After 4 or 5 years they trade it in and get a new one. Vehicles are becoming more and more disposable as people want all the new tech and whatnot. Granted I understand the tech thing in cars now after jumping from a 2000 Chevy Cavalier to my Accord it's like night and day how much better the new car is!