The automotive industry is ever-evolving, where people’s tastes change over time, and the casualties are the vehicles that cease production. There are various reasons why brands discontinue certain models, from poor sales to a product getting outdated and reaching the natural end of its lifecycle. But some were horrendous, and enthusiasts are actually glad they got axed.Some of the coolest cars we’ve come to love, like the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Aventador, are getting discontinued after 2023. One thing for sure is that these cars will still be loved decades later, and they have a high chance of making a glorious revival back into their brand’s lineups in an electrified form. But gearheads can take some comfort in the fact that getting discontinued is inescapable. We have recently lost many awesome cars, and we still love these ten discontinued cars.
10/10 dodge viper
One can only describe the Dodge Viper as being too beautiful and dangerous to live among the common folk. The car enjoyed two production runs between 1992 and 2010, then from 2013 until its curtain call in 2017.
It was insanely powerful, with a vicious natural aspirated V10 under the hood. By its last generation, it couldn’t keep up with safety or emission regulations, and it is easy to understand why it was discontinued. It is one of the goners we still love and wish will make a comeback someday.
9/10 Honda CRZ
The Honda CR-Z was the world’s first hybrid sports car, and it’s a shame it sold so few units seeing it was an awesome ride that combined agile handling with a futuristic character. It was a reliable, relatively cheap-to-buy, fuel-efficient, and fun-to-drive car that was ideal for a first car.
Honda took a bold gamble with the CR-Z, building something unique but didn’t pay off with sales success. We still love it for creating a niche of its own.
8/10 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3
The Mazdaspeed 3 rarely pops up in hot-hatch debates despite packing the performance to merit its place among the great little pocket rockets. Still, we love it thanks to its 260hp from a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine, a manual gearbox, and excellent handling capabilities.
It is a perfect front-wheel-driven weapon for driving enthusiasts with the added hatchback utility. Also, it was an affordable option for premium-priced sports cars.
7/10 Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS was one of the best hot hatches sold between 2016 and 2018. It proved a competent rival taking the fight to the Volkswagen Golf R, Audi RS3, and Mercedes A45 AMG, and won without breaking the bank. It was a hardcore hatch with a tenacious grip, all-weather versatility, and Ford’s iconic RS pedigree.
It came with a 350hp turbo-four that helped mask its shortcomings in the cheap interior and uncompromising ride. But we still love it for its wild looks, rocket ship speed, and surefooted handling.
6/10 Volkswagen Touareg
The rest of the world continues to enjoy the Volkswagen Touareg, but its been unavailable in the American market since 2018. It offers everything you’d want in a luxury SUV but at a relative bargain.
Volkswagen has built some audacious Touareg models, one with a V10 engine and another with the same W12 engine used on a certain Audi Q7. Poor sales saw the German automaker replace it with the Atlas, but we still miss the Touareg.
5/10 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Cadillac introduced the CTS-V in 2004, packing the 400hp 5.7-liter LS6 engine, which would balloon to 640hp with a supercharged V8 by the time the nameplate bowed out in 2019. They replaced it with the CT5-V Blackwing, another tire- burning sedan. But, the one we truly miss is the short-lived CTS-V Wagon.
It is the fastest American station wagon and a genuine sleeper you’d never see coming. It is a car we still love and a rare, valuable find on the used car market.
4/10 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was known as an affordable and dependable performance sedan that was loads of fun to drive. Mitsubishi discontinued the fan favorite after ten generations due to consumers’ increased demand for efficiency and versatility. Still, the Evo remains a favorite among enthusiasts.
The Evo culture is actually a thing with a strong backing in the tuner scene, and many fans won’t let go of the rally champion for a long time.
3/10 Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is undoubtedly one of the best sports cars ever made. It is simple and fun, which is why many people love it. Honda sold it between 1999 and 2009 across two model generations.
Several qualities make the S2000 desirable, from the tiny but mighty naturally-aspirated engine under the hood to the manual transmission, topless styling, and crisp handling. So, it comes with an endless aftermarket potential.
2/10 Lamborghini Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo is one of the Italian automaker’s more reliable and drivable cars. It is a real fighting bull featuring a spine-tingling V10 under the hood producing 542 hp and helping it to a zero to 60 mph sprint in 3.6 seconds.
Even with this ferocity with the massive power on tap, it never feels on edge and proves to be an exceptionally built supercar. It single-handedly saved Lamborghini from financial ruin and is one of the most recognizable supercars on the road years after its discontinuation.
1/10 McLaren MP4 12C
The McLaren 12C holds great historical value for being the first ever production car fully designed and built by McLaren and the first production road car since the venerable McLaren F1. It is the most subdued McLaren car and a supercar you can drive all year round.
The British sports car came with a twin-turbo V8 sending 592 ponies to the rear wheel. It kickstarted McLaren Automotive’s new era, and we love it for its incredible blend of dynamics with usability.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://formulaone.news/mclaren/max-verstappen-chose-discipline-with-his-closest-red-bull-teammate-but-good-guy-role-ended-with-sergio-perez-years-later
