When a cars are almost emissions-free, look for the regulations to get really stiff. But rules are for the other guy. In the late 1970s, when states were struggling to comply with the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments and the Lung Association was pressing for auto emissions testing, I used to leave my Lansing office job and walk to the bus stop. While waiting, I’d regularly be gassed by the heater Ford van used by the Lung Association of Michigan to deliver its press releases and fund- raising appeals to the post office, leaving behind a thick cloud of soot and monoxide.

Regarding the RX-8, I like the idea of the new design, the target pricing, and the handling, power, and ride balance. In general, I like the “angry guppy” look of the front end. But I am frustrated by designs like this that do not take into consideration real-life issues such as front license plates. Hang a license plate on the front end of the new RX-8, especially a light-colored one like New York State’s, and what do you have? Bugs Bunny. Wouldn’t you like to spend several years driving around in a car with a buck-toothed face? Doug Dreibelbis, Jericho Center, Vermont