[lakersfan1]

I think part of what helped the American car companies flourish in the past was not only many different engine types in one car, but also the homoginization of engines in use across all car lines. You could find the car you wanted based on style, then select the engine choice based on your priority of efficiency, power, or a combination of both.

If you look at European car lines, you'll still see this practice employed. For example, the last generation of Renault Clio was available with: 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.6L, and 2.0L gas engines; a 1.9L diesel; and a 3.0L V6 in the top of the line. So the biggest engine available was 250% bigger than the smallest available. Even the PT Cruiser has two additional powertrain options in Europe with the 2.0L gas and a 2.2L diesel in addition to the 2.4 N/A and 2.4 turbo we are limited to.