The thing is that "leading" changes with the times, and it appears times are changing, so all that the consumers can do is see what happens and pick cars, trucks, and SUV's that fit their needs and wants. Leading was once big V-8s in cars that did not handle or stop well. Then leading became fuel economy and reliability. Then leading got back to cars that were fast, handled well, and stopped well, and now it appears the second round of the good ol' days of fast cars with big V-8s will be over again. Enthusiasts are such a small group of the car buying public and sales are what generate cars of specific styles and types. I don't think car companies will create volume products for enthusiasts because it will not generate huge sales. The "appliance car people" get most of the focus because most people don't know, or care to know, about cars. That is why Toyota does so well. If most of the car buying public were enthusiasts, then Toyota would probably be about as big as Mitsubishi. I highly doubt that there will be no performance cars. I do think that the performance car will change. It has to change. If it does not, then it will not exist. I can honestly say that I am glad that I am not involved in the auto industry. Now has got to be the most challenging time for all of the automakers employees right now, especially the design engineers and powertrain engineers who must solve the problems of the new CAFE standards while still coming up with innovating, interesting products that people will want to buy.