Dear Tom and Ray:

The speedometer on my '85 Toyota Camry is calibrated up to 130 mph. Is this because a) it is really capable of going 130 mph b) it provides for a nice, symmetrical layout, with 65 mph being straight up at the top. c) the manufacturer thinks that by calibrating it up to 130 mph, I'll think I'm in a sporty car (a psychological ploy)? By the way, my boyfriend's '83 Toyota Celica Supra speedometer only goes up to 85 mph.
Anna

RAY: The answer is "c," Anna. I remember as a kid, peering into the windows of sporty looking cars and seeing what the speedometer went up to. "Wow," I'd say, "this Corvette can go 160!"

TOM: Of course, I never fell for stuff like that.

RAY: No, he was too busy looking in the windows of Deux Chevaux and Ramblers. But I think manufacturers count on that childlike excitement carrying over into adulthood. I mean, you've read all about this "inner child" stuff, right? Well, while the adult is saying, "I'll don't need a car that goes any faster than 75 or 80," the inner child is saying " Holy crow, it does 130! Cool! Let's get this one!" 1100