Intersting post, I do agree cars have lost their "manliness" but you seem to equate manly with uncomfortable and lack of conveniences. I'm sure people riding in an open cockpit freezing their butts off would happily be a bit less manly and listen to some music while sipping coffee in a nice heated car.

I think the loss ofmanliness in cars has a lot to do with not being able to work on them anymore because they hide parts making it necessary to have a lift to do a simple repair or the fact that it's all computerized nad you need diagnostic equipment to do anything. Cars also aren't unique, one maker comes out with a body style nad everyone else copies it. Heck look at the new body style of the Elantra which is copied from like BMW or and Jaguar  and then Ford copied them and its all the same.

As for kids not wanting to drive I also find that odd. I see lots of nieces, nephews, neighborhood kids etc who are 18 or 20 and still have no license. THey play xbox online so don't need to go to friends houses, go out with friends, etc. Also seems not many kids work anymore so again no need to drive.