At a time of record pump prices for regular gas, automakers are introducing more cars that use even costlier premium.
The number of new vehicle models that need — or at least run better on — the priciest gasoline has steadily risen from 166 in the 2002 model year to 282 this year, shows an analysis by Kelley Blue Book at the request of USA TODAY.
More may be on the way. Automakers are turning to smaller, high-performance engines, which use premium as a way to boost mileage without losing power.
Being able to boast of a couple more miles per gallon can be a selling point but won't quell the ire down the road of buyers having to put in the glamour gas, says David Champion, auto testing chief for Consumer Reports. "People really, really, really dislike putting premium into their car," Champion says. "You see the cheaper fuel right in front of you, and you can't use it."
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