by Forgotten supercars that never hit the roads
Automakers often create concepts that never become production models. Some are just design studies, while others were close to production but remained prototypes due to various circumstances.
Among these machines are true masterpieces of automotive engineering that could have changed the market, but their development was halted due to financial or political reasons. Here are a few examples.
1980 Aston Martin Bulldog
Aston Martin planned to produce 25 units of this supercar, but due to financial difficulties, only one was built. The car had the potential to exceed 320 km/h, but it wasn’t until 2023 that a restored prototype proved this.
1985 Nissan MID4
- Specs: 3.0-liter V6, 242 hp, all-wheel drive
Had Nissan not canceled the MID4, this car could have been Japan’s answer to Ferrari even before the Honda NSX.
1991 Audi Quattro Spyder
- Specs: 2.8-liter V6, 168 hp, all-wheel drive
Over 3,000 people placed pre-orders for this car, but due to logistical issues and concerns about competition with Porsche, the project was shut down.
2004 Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
- Specs: 6.0-liter V12, 850 hp, rear-wheel drive
This supercar featured an engine from Mercedes, but the project was canceled due to the DaimlerChrysler crisis. The production cost would have exceeded $500,000.
Among other unrealized projects are the Jaguar C-X75, which appeared in a James Bond movie, and the Porsche 919 Street, which never made it due to the complexity of its hybrid powertrain.
Many of these cars remain in history as examples of bold but unrealized ideas. Some technologies from these concepts later found their way into production models, but the cars themselves never made it to the roads. Even today, these projects spark lively discussions among car enthusiasts.
