We as auto enthuses really represent a major number of the consumers these days. Like Harry said, many people won't even open the hood of their own car these days. It puts me in a contemplative mood, it does. Like any other piece of large, dangerous machinery, wouldn't you learn the bits and pieces that make it go? Seems really just strange to me.
Cars are heavier these days because people are more distracted. Technology is small enough to fit in your palm. Your car is smarter than you'll ever be (relatively speaking). People get distracted by the glowing screens, crash their cars, and sue the company for their idiocy.
Back in the fifties, cars were big, relatively simple, and had no crumple zones, airbags, or antilock brakes. You paid attention when you drive or you died in the crash that followed.
Acceptance of idiocy is leading to overcomplications of simple tasks by unnecessary technology.
It's also funny how many people just think of their cars as transportation, but then require surround sound systems, refrigerators, etc.