Please do not doubt the staff of NWR and their decisions for stories. I think this is a wonderful piece of news, despite any technicalities, and I am still the longest-running staff member, despite being retired for a year now.
Anyway, in all seriousness, I like all of these new bodies and stuff, but then again I'm a sucker for customization. I'm playing ModNation Racers: Road Trip on the Vita, and while that doesn't hold a candle to Mario Kart's greatest entries, I'm loving the customization aspect. Obviously Mario Kart 8's customization won't be anywhere near ModNation, it's a wonderful addition to the series. Thank you, MK7!
I just hope unlocking vehicle parts is a less luck-based affair than Mario Kart 7. You randomly got a part once you reached certain coin totals. I didn't get one of my most wanted bodies until late in my playing of the game.