[Buzz]

Interesting questions to ponder, Tommy. I assume you mean the future of current hot rods and not the hobby of hot rodding itself. I think (speaking about North America) guided networked navigation for individual vehicles will become a reality at some point, but it will likely be used only on high traffic arteries within and between major metropolitan areas; and will only be accessible to cars built - or retrofit - with the necessary systems and equipment.

Cars will still need to be able to leave the grid and navigate conventional traffic routes so the automobile as we know it as an independently-drivable device will probably be around for some time to come. At some point, as grid navigation expands, car manufacturers may be mandated to make auto-nav standard equipment on all vehicles built and sold in the US.

The greatest impact on the future of gasoline powered cars will be environmental regulations and the development of practical alternate energy sources. I love our gas-powered cars, but I'm also excited by the performance potential of electric power. Massive, flat powerbands from zero to a gazillion RPM's, individual motors at each wheel, unheard of control over dynamics, braking, traction and stability - these cars will take performance to a whole new level.

Packaging flexibility in the absence of big motors, transmissions and fuel tanks will open up car design to envelope-pushing shapes and layouts that will obliterate conventional limitations and paradigms of comfort, utility, ergonomics and aesthetics. Contrary to many who fear the death of automotive passion, I believe we are approaching the beginning of the most exciting revolution in the automotive world since the 50's and 60's.

The bad news is that gasoline power will not fit into that future scenario and will be on a certain track towards extinction. The good news is that it will take a very long time. First will be their exclusion from networked navigation highways and arteries. Then they will only be able to be operated in specific areas - most likely outside of central and downtown metropolitan areas. Gas stations will be fewer and further between, and lower volume combined with environmental levees and penalty-taxes will make fossil fuel very, very expensive. Gas-powered hot rodding will be around for a long time to come, but it will eventually become a niche hobby, much like vintage WWII airplanes are today - practiced by a small niche of committed hobbyists and limited to regulated use at specialized events in controlled locations.

As we die off, the hue and cry over the dismantling of our hobby will taper off and fade away. The majority of younger enthusiasts will be enthralled and captivated by the sleek, silent supercars with their revolutionary shapes and high-tech features; and the morphing, shape-changing SUV's that adapt to different terrain and crawl over off-road obstacles like mechanized insects.

I'm 90% convinced all of this will happen sooner than later, but I also know that in that quiet and sterile world, a grizzled old stalwart will roll an ancient looking car out into the daylight and fire it up near a group of citizens. The blast from the exhaust pipes will shatter the serenity and make neck hairs stand on end. A little boy will stare first in fear, then in awe at that thundering primitive beast and be absolutely blown away by the sound and the look and its raw, elemental nature. That day a brand new hot rodder will be born. It will happen every time an old hot rod is driven and a small but passionate population of old-school hot rodders will continually be supplied and replenished.

The world will change around our hobby, but the truth is it will never, ever die.