In response to growing demand for high-end vehicles

[ivy]

In response to growing demand for high-end vehicles, the interiors of the newest models of car are so luxurious that they sell for nearly twice the price of last year's models.
A the interiors of the newest models of car are so luxurious that they sell for nearly twice the price of last year's models
B the interiors of the newest models of car are so luxurious that the cars sell for nearly twice the price of last year's models
C auto makers have installed interiors in the newest models of car that are so luxurious that they sell for nearly twice the price of last year's models
D the interior of the newest models of car are so luxurious that they are sold for nearly twice the price of last year's models
E auto makers have installed interiors in the newest models of car that are so luxurious that the cars sell for nearly twice the price of last year's models

The answer is option E.

Though option E is the best option available, it does not seem grammatically right. What does the first 'that' refer to? It refers to 'car', but logically it should refer to 'interiors'. What's your opinion?

Is it right to say that 'the cars sell'? Can cars sell themselves? Shouldn't it be 'the cars are sold'?

Thanks very much!

[LazyNK]

Hey Ivy,
There are few exceptions to the noun modifier "touch the subject" rule (Source :Manhattan SC Guide : Chapter on advanced strategy on pronouns and modifiers): This one falls in the first category viz.
1.) A mission critical modifier may be introduced between a subject and its modifier and is considered ok.

Here, the subject is "interiors".
Modifier is the relative clause "that are so luxurious that...."
The mission critical modifier is "in the car", as it is absolutely essential to specify that we are talking about interiors in the car.

Hence, it is considered ok to have this "mission critical" modifier between the subject and its modifier.
-NK

[tim]

Thanks lazy. And yes "cars sell" is an idiom that the GMAT considers okay..

[ivy]

@Tim and @Lazy ~ All right! Thanks a lot! :)

[tim]

glad we could help!