the "must have big engine and auto tranny" mentality
It might not be what the public is demanding. What it might be, is lazy car makers marketing.
They ask:
What kind of car do
Car people buy? (People who buy new cars every two or three years).
Can we keep increasing the price on this type of car, for higher profits?
Can this type of car also be used as an idiot proof rental car?
When I look at the MPGs on some of these new cars, I wonder if only rich people are buying them.?.
Then it came to me.. People who buy cars for their looks/fashion statement, really don't give a lot of consideration to costs.
I know why my kid has a BMW XDrive. It's the
coolest lookin ride that can climb the steep hills at her home.
No Subaru or Toyota AWD for her!