vehicle options I'd like to see
 

in no particular order:

Honda Odysessy AWD Hybrid
Honda CRV Hybrid
Civic Hybrid Hatchback
Acura MDX Hybrid
X3 Hybrid
330iT
335iT regular style
335iT diesel
535iT
Mini Cooper S Hybrid Convertible

Really, I just don't feel like there are enough family/practical/fun options out there right now. I'm sure 5 years will change all of that. But of course, you have to factor in the wait-for-a year-after-the-model-is-introduced safety margin. And that's forever for a carmudgeon.

Honda/acura something, less than 3400lbs, awd, no worse than 55/45 weight dist, manual

Not all are ones I'd buy, but I feel like they could flourish in the current market?

120/123d 5-door M-Sport in the USA (for me)

Updated versions of the:
Honda/Acura Integra
Honda S2000 coupe
Nissan 240SX
Toyota Celica
Dodge Neon
Any stationwagon

I wish automakers would quit with the horsepower obsession, do we really need our family sedans and SUVs to rocket to 60mph in 6 seconds or less?

Our Infiniti would be just as nice a car with 50 fewer HP, a 6 or a 7 speed automatic (instead of the jack-rabbit geared 5 speed) and of course, beat-a-dead-horse, less weight.

Just as nice, but much more efficient.

Unfortunately, you can't buy the car this way - it only comes in two flavors; lead foot one (the M35) and lead foot one hundred (the M45).

3 cars that would fit perfect for my family, Chicago winters and my work related driving:

Acura TSX SH-AWD
BMW 330XTd or 335XTd
Honda Pilot Diesel

Pontiac G8 GT 6MT with LSD

Just get a Legacy GT Limited.

yes

no

But there are plenty of slow cars to choose from. May I guide you over to the four cylinder section of the aisle?

Anyway, the current horsepower obsession is the result of product decisions made when gas was $2/gal. You will get your wish; car companies will move as rapidly toward fuel efficiency as they can, to the extent that their customers demand it. If gas stays at or above $4/gal, people will demand more efficiency and will tolerate less power. But with product lead times being what they are, we won't see the real fruits of that for three years or so, at least.

I just hope that someone still makes gas guzzling family sedans for Neandertals like me to buy.

3/4 ton Suburban (or Yukon XL) with a diesel engine.... The current model has only gas.

Ranger with small diesel engine (and crew cab)

Honda CRX revived...