This is a huge hit, even upon a second look
Which three unfortunate car models were ahead of their time?
The unveiling of new vehicles always generates excitement in the automotive world. Whether intentionally or not, test mules often leak before their official release, sparking intense debates among auto enthusiasts. Enthusiasts meticulously analyze these leaked versions’ details, comparing them to the final production models to spot differences and surprises.
Occasionally, manufacturers surprise us with unexpected vehicles—new companies debuting revolutionary models or established brands radically shifting their design philosophy. Such bold moves, regardless of their ultimate success, capture our attention and fuel our fascination. Now, let’s explore some vehicles that have truly astonished the world with their unexpected entries and innovative designs.
An SUV powered by a supercar engine?
It failed from the development stage
Lamborghini LM002, unveiled in 1986, marked a dramatic departure from the brand’s usual sports car lineup. Until then, Lamborghini had been synonymous with high-performance sports cars, but the LM002 introduced a new chapter with its unconventional SUV design. This vehicle wasn’t just a new model; it represented a significant risk for Lamborghini. The company aimed to break into the military vehicle market, planning to supply SUVs to various armed forces, including the U.S. military.
With dimensions of 4,790 mm (188.6 inches) in length, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in height, the LM002 boasted a powerful 5.2-liter V12 engine. It delivered an impressive performance, achieving a top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) with 337 horsepower and 43.4 kg.m of torque. However, the project faced significant challenges. Mobility Technology International (MTI), which collaborated on the design, struggled with the vehicle’s execution and failed to meet the U.S. military’s requirements. Consequently, the U.S. military did not proceed with testing, leading to poor sales. As a result, Lamborghini eventually discontinued the LM002 and shelved its SUV development plans indefinitely.
Why is the Elan here?
A model was discontinued due to its high price
The second model in our spotlight is the Kia Elan, launched in 1996. This vehicle was produced following Kia’s acquisition of the design and production rights from Lotus, a British automaker facing financial difficulties at the time. The Elan measured 3,880 mm (152.8 inches) in length, 1,730 mm (68.1 inches) in width, and 1,270 mm (50 inches) in height. It was powered by a 4-cylinder inline engine developed by Kia, capable of reaching a top speed of 220 km/h. The engine produced 151 horsepower and 19 kg.m of torque.
Designed for low-volume, hand-crafted production, the Elan was priced at approximately $22,409, with the total cost, including taxes, exceeding $30,000. The Elan’s pricing proved prohibitive because a fully equipped midsize car was available for around $11,205 then. Consequently, it was sold at around $20,542, below the production cost, leading to financial losses. The model was discontinued after selling only 1,055 units.
BMW’s urban electric car
Phased out due to short driving range
The final model in our lineup is the BMW i3, introduced in 2013. BMW launched its electric sub-brand, BMW i, in 2011 the i3 was the first vehicle from this new line. Designed as a short-range urban electric car, Richard Kim, a Korean-American designer, created the i3’s concept and mass-production design. The initial models featured a 60 AH battery supplied by Samsung SDI.
The i3 measured 3,999 mm (157.4 inches) in length, 1,775 mm (69.9 inches) in width, and 1,578 mm (62.1 inches) in height. It delivered a maximum output of 168 horsepower and 25.49 kg.m of torque. Despite its popularity, which led to facelifts in 2016 and 2019, the i3 struggled with a shorter driving range than its competitors. This limitation contributed to its eventual discontinuation in July 2022.
Most Commented