Year: 1992
Debut at Detroit Auto Show
Production cost: $1-3 Million*
The BMW Nazca C2 was a creation of Italdesign, a transportation development service. The Nazca C2 was commissioned to replace the BMW M1 and under its hood rested a 5-liter V-12 engine.
It boasted a super-low profile and the cabin was made entirely from glass. Sadly, BMW had growing concerns over the concept’s marketability and so only three were ever made.
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve
Year: 2004
Debut at: North American International Auto Show
Production cost: Unknown
The Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, whose design had a strong McLaren essence, was a fully-functioning concept car from the well-known brand. The ME Four-Twelve was named for its four turbochargers and twelve-cylinder engine. It had a seven-speed transmission and could hit 248 miles per hour.
The leather interior was partnered with a chrome-covered console and gunmetal gauges and also allowed for keyless access. But unfortunately, there was too much money needed to develop the concept further, and so the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve was not to be seen.
Mitsubishi Concept-RA
Year: 2008
Debut at: North American International Auto Show
Production cost: Unknown
The Mitsubishi RA would have caught the attention of environmentalist consumers at first with its recyclable plastic body panels. But a surprising element to the RA’s structure was its turbo diesel engine that put out 201 horsepower.
Yet with its light and agile-looking frame, it was supposed to produce low emissions and with its all-wheel drive, it was incredibly unique for a sports car. So what kept this dream from becoming a reality? Mitsubishi was afraid to branch out in their sports car division and scrapped the RA altogether.
Dome Zero
Year: 1978
Debut at: Geneva Auto Show
Production cost: $30,000-$60,000*
With its super wedge design and pop-up headlights, the Japanese-made Dome Zero could not be missed. Taking inspiration from the original Japanese race car, race car creator Minoru Hiyashi wanted to bring all of the speed and flashiness of the track to everyday life.
The Dome Zero had a 2.8 liter inline-6 that yielded 142 horsepower. It could reach speeds of up to 163 miles per hour and had head-turning, gull-wing doors. Though it was beloved by the public, the designers of the Dome Zero could not reach homologation requirements or get the funding needed for the concept.
Lotus Eterne
Year: 2010
Debut at Paris Auto Show
Production cost: $190,000*
A major leap up from your average four-door sedan, the Lotus Eterne set car enthusiast’s hearts on fire. Beneath its elegant and powerful frame, the Eterne was set to feature hybrid technology and had a 5-liter supercharged V-8 engine.
And with 620 horsepower, it could reach about 62 miles per hour in only 4 seconds! Sadly, this paradoxically beautiful model was never given to the masses either.