I love Google's books, and the stuff they archive.

1975 Popular Mechanics Article about the car of the 80s.
Surprisingly prescient on many issues, but failed to see the downsizing trend go full reverse.

PM puts you in the driver's seat of THE CARS OF THE 80's

Lots of great info on how technologies would change, but again, they didn't anticipate that gas would fall, and the downsizing trend would reverse itself.

I bet if you'd allowed them to gaze into the crystal ball, and shown them that not only do cars start getting heavier again, but that we end up in another golden age of horsepower in the 2000's, they'd refuse to believe it. Who would have thought that they could make cars fast and powerful again with all of the emissions stuff required on the cars, not to mention the expensive gas? Heck, a 1980 Corvette gave you the option of a 190 hp or 230 hp engine. A Camaro in 1980 offered a 120hp V8, or 350 with a whopping 185! (also several V6s were offered... my dad had an '85 AMC Jeep Cherokee with a GM 2.8L V6. 110 hp, through a 3-speed transmission. Scary)

 

woah! that brings back memories. thanks for the read. :D