The performance potential of a hybrid, or dare I say... ELECTRIC vehicle is simply amazing. For the automotive industry, it is EVOLUTION, not dilution.
Technology's purpose is to enhance. Sure, it may be a bit jarring for people who are in their comfort zone, however you cannot fight it. It will continue to evolve whether you like it or not. That being said.... GM knows that the majority of it's customer base, especially for the Camaro, will always want a V8. So even though the "idea" of a powertrain will always evolve, the car buyer's preferences will never be ignored.
Take the manual transmission for example. It used to be the norm, then as automatics became more reliable, and made the driving experience easier and better (for the majority of non-car people), they became more accepted, until that became the "normal." Now automatic transmissions account for over 80% of Camaros sold, and even more percentage of all new vehicles sold each year in the US. The same will happen with electric / hybrid powertrains. Once they get refined and more reliable, they too will become the "norm," and internal combustion engines will be either a performance (or preference) option, and maybe get phased out all together.
But dont forget, as with the transmissions, not all change is bad. For example, Dual Clutch transmissions have delivered even better performance than the most talented driver with a stick. "Purists" may still want to row their own gears (and I dont blame them), but facts are... Automatics are now better and faster than manuals. The same will happen with electric powertrains. Once they find their groove, I would bet that their performance will far exceed what we know today.
So if you love "the automobile"..... have some faith. Because the many minds behind the cars you love, and the cars you have yet to know of (I am one of the many).... are all in love with "the automobile" too.
