We are seeing the push for smaller engines here as well but not quite that small. Gas prices are decent right now, $3/gal for premium 93 octane as of today.

Chrysler (Fiat) 500 is supposed to be just arriving, the Ford Fiesta, GM is working on the Spark.
Just don't know, I am looking forward to the Challenger with the 6.4 and the rumored limited run with the 8.4 litre - now that would be interesting.
Gas guzzler taxes seem to start kicking in at around the 6.0 mark which can be a $2000 penalty at purchase, so there are "hits".

I have the Magnum SRT8 with the 6.1 and driven on the highway can get 20+ mpg at 70 mph, so actually it does pretty well. Don't drive it much with a 90 mile commute.

Any opinions on the 500? I am sure you have at least seen them on a regular basis. Think they will do well or are they trouble?

Just looked at the twin to that SLK55 today...how does it comare to the xf since you have both?