I have been trying to find official information on this myself. My Dad is a huge racing gamer (NFS, Grand Turismo, Nascar etc.) and he showed me a video for it around Christmas time. I haven't had much luck with finding official information on it though.
But really, it's not fair to blame a game for other people's preference/style. I feel that kids will make some sort of poor decision at one point or another in life (adults too when the bill fits). I don't understand why people prefer classics over modern day cars, but it's all about personal preference. Nothing anyone can do about it.
Personally, I wouldn't mind having a nice little 5 speed 97-99 model RX7 myself. I am not big into graphics, decals, exhaust, and huge spoilers--but a nice body kit with an evenly matched wing and a well done metallic white (or dark green) paint job... All about personal preference. I could care less who thought what of it either. But, instead of working on a dream car I have stuck to a basic 05' Scion Tc and recently upgraded to a 12' Volkswagon Jetta. I have run into people who can't drive a stick to save their life, but it happens as well.