Here is a plausible reason why:
For decades ICE and transmissions have had unlimited access to fresh air from the front of a vehicle. need more cooling? just open up a bigger hole in the front.
Vent holes look cool, Dammit Jim my car needs an intercooler!
But if we are going to be serious about aerodynamics then that means a dramatic reduction in engine power output and transmission life expectancy because the two will clash as transmission fluid makes a transmission slip when temps rise, the number 1 cause of transmission failure is an overheating transmission.
And most people see that there is a problem with their engine when the radiator cap thermostat bursts off the top.
That is going to be a problem with every purchaser out there wanting more and more power, also because of the silly myth that more power output = better fuel efficiency.
Power sells.
So to sell the public an energy efficient vehicle there will need to be many multiple myths put to bed and a dramatic reduction in ICE power output, and that is a huge problem for sales for the vast majority of cars out there.
Engine power = woos and impresses women.
The public aren't the smartest people out there, yet they are in control of the car market, so the manufacturers must listen to them at all costs. Nevermind if they haven't got a clue they will still wonder where the front air vents have gone and question the reliability of a vehicle if it is all blocked off.
Especially if you are going to be buying a car for use in Texas.
#1 reason for buying a car for the 20-somethings today = impressing women.
Thankfully electric hybrids will change this, eventually, in my opinion, a few high profile burnouts done in an all-electric or hybrid car in the movies and most young ones will jizz in their pants.
That guy broke his neck? What was the 0-60 time? 0.5 seconds!?!!!