That’s obviously an exaggeration, but why don’t manufacturers of basic cars just put a fancy-looking exterior onto them? Aren’t you mainly paying for the engine and electrics and upholstery and sound system with fancy cars? Why is it (seemingly) only Lamborghini and Ferrari that look like Lamborghini and Ferrari? Is chassis manufacturing more difficult than it seems to a numbnut like me? I assume it’s just pressing sheets of metal into a mould, so I’m probably way off the mark.
It’s like when you see a computer mouse that’s named something like GamerStealth eXtreme Zero Pro, and it’s the worst piece of shit you’ve ever used but looks like it came from Area 51. Same for PC cases, actually. Alienware rigs look a million percent better than they actually are. Why is this not also the case for cars?
Full disclosure: I know nothing about cars. I just know that when I see a fancy car, and check the make, it’s BMW or something high end, and when I see a pygmy hippo lookin’ motherfucker, it’s made by one of those “buy one, get one free” type manufacturers that appeal to meth head soccer moms. And by “fancy” I don’t even mean “luxury”, just obviously high quality. Most BMWs and Rolls-Royce don’t look like spaceships, but they nevertheless look really impressive. Again, I need to stress that I know nothing about cars.
Cheers!
Firstly: Designing an appealing sports/luxury car is expensive and many companies hire skilled professionals from known design firms to help accomplish this. The design often comes first and much of the car is constructed to fit the aesthetic and theme. Cheaper vehicles are more utilitarian with a more “that’ll do” attitude instead of being designed with artistic intention.
Secondly: Almost ever car maker has their own luxury brand or subsidiary. Selling cheap luxury/sports cars would undermine their own brand’s prestige and market segregation. There is a reason why dedicated luxury brands will not make budget-friendly vehicles unless legally forced to.