by JohnTallodi
Most vehicles on the road follow a very conservative design style. This helps ensure broader acceptance by the buying public, which usually translates into more sales. Sometimes, however, a manufacturer may try something completely different.
Perhaps they are introducing a new model in a niche segment, or want to make a statement and get enthusiasts excited about an upcoming model. Whatever the reason, now and then, we are treated to a production car that looks like it has just rolled off the stand at a motor show. We picked some of the coolest ones from the past few years.
This article looks into production cars that either looked like concepts when launched or were hardly changed from their original show car designs. All data is from reputable sources. The list has been arranged in alphabetical order.
Audi R8 Gen I
2007–2015
The Audi Le Mans quattro concept that was shown to the public in 2003 looked more like a supercar from an Italian manufacturer than anything that Audi had ever built before. They weren't far wrong, as that quattro concept car was based on the new Lamborghini Gallardo, sharing major mechanical components and much of its chassis.
The mid-engined Audi R8 that was developed from this concept was so similar in appearance that it may as well have been the same car. Early cars were fitted with the impressive new V8 motor from the B7 RS4 sports sedan, but soon the Gallardo's V10 (in slightly detuned form) also made its way into the R8.
Audi TT First Generation
1999–2006
Mazda started the modern roadster revolution in 1989 with the Miata, and just a decade later, many major manufacturers had developed their own open-top two-seaters to take advantage of this renewed customer interest in the segment. Audi's efforts were first shown in concept form at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The smoothed off edges and tiny glass area were like nothing else in its segment, and the production models that arrived in 1999 stayed true to this radical design language.
Unlike the Miata, the TT was available both as a convertible and a coupe. Early examples became known for their twitchy handling at speed, so the suspension was tweaked, and that smooth rear end gained a small rear spoiler to help with downforce. Subsequent TT generations refined the original's design, but those first models were the ones that looked like they had been driven straight off the designer's sketch pad onto the showroom floor. With the gas-powered TT ending production in 2023, perhaps its EV replacement will also look like a concept car come to life.
BMW i8
2014–2020
It's hard to believe that the BMW i8 was introduced 11 years ago and is already out of production. Its complex curves and flowing body panels still look as fresh as they did all those years ago. The running gear was also ahead of its time, utilizing a small-capacity gas engine aided by a hybrid system.
The i8 was first conceived as part of BMW's Project i program. Called the Vision EfficientDynamics vehicle, it was shown in various forms, with both turbo diesel and plug-in hybrid power, but the basic design differed little from the final production car released in 2014. It stayed in production until 2020, receiving minor running gear updates, and was offered in a roadster body style as well in 2019.
Cadillac Celestiq
2024 and ongoing
Capturing the essence of the brand. Drawing from historic design cues and incorporating them in a modern, cutting-edge way. Ushering in a new era for the marque. These tired old phrases tend to be part and parcel of every new concept car's unveiling. In the case of the Celestiq, they really do sum up what it's all about.
It not only looks absolutely stunning, it's also Cadillac's take on what it thinks the world's best sedan should be. Production has been intentionally limited, something the $300,000 price tag would probably have done on its own, but it certainly adds to the exclusivity of one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced vehicles on the road.
Read the full article on CarBuzz
This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.
