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Leith Cars Blog

The 5 Coolest Concept Cars They’ll Never Make

1. The Kia GT4 Stinger

Back in January 2015, Kia showed up to the Geneva Auto Show with one of the best-looking concepts we’ve ever seen: the GT4 Stinger. Weighing in at 2,874 pounds, this rear-wheel drive 315 horsepower turbo four cylinder was meant to be a “pared down and simplified” sports car that would give drivers “a more direct, analog connection” with the machine. Unfortunately, sports cars are a risk for automakers, so Kia has scrapped the project for now.

2. The Ford Interceptor

We may never see the Ford Interceptor, but it seems like every other car maker mimicked its design. The high sidewalls, straight lines, and large front grille are all reminiscent of many American-made sedans on the road today. As far as looks go, the Interceptor was definitely ahead of its time when it debuted in 2007, but efficiency? No way. The concept version came fitted with a 5.0L 400 horsepower engine, which would have probably had a combined highway/city mpg of 19. Nevertheless, it was stylish.

3. The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve

Speaking of Chryslers, the ME Four-Twelve concept is definitely worth a mention. This Koenigsegg lookalike was released in 2004, with a V12 Mercedes-Benz engine that produced 850 horsepower and went from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. Its top speed was only 3mph slower than the Bugatti Veyron (in its heyday), too.

4. Mercedes-Benz C111

Ah, Mercedes-Benz, you definitely should have. The C11 was one of many experimental automobiles Mercedes-Benz built in the 1960s and 1970s. It debuted with an experimental rotary piston engine that had 350 horsepower and could accelerate to 60mph in under five seconds. Unfortunately, the engine didn’t quite meet the standards of Mercedes-Benz, and the project was discontinued. We wish they’d bring it back and throw a 2.0L turbocharged four cylinder in there.

5. Lancia Stratos HF Zero

You know we had to end on a wacky one. Released back in 1970, the Lancia Stratos is what we imagine cars will look like in the year 2100. Mostly because in 2100, we probably won’t be driving cars anymore, and it looks like you’d have to lie down in order to ride in the Lancia Stratos HF Zero. At its highest point, the Stratos sits 33 inches off of the ground. To get behind the wheel, you have to lift up the windshield and climb inside like an F-35 fighter jet. It’s weird and awesome.