Great post man, made me think alot.
Actually, brands use what you described. "The client likes what we make them like". When one hears that one usually think it's bullshit but it's true. Just as you explained. It doesn't just go for cars, everything we buy and and every other brand we love.
If I didn't love Apple, I wouldn't "need" the iPhone and if I didn't love Armani, I wouldn't "need" the new Remix.
And before Pagani, I had different requirements from cars but thanks to Pagani, they changed.
I don't really know where I'm going with this but that's what came to my head when I read your post.
