These Prototypes Received a Mass-Production Version Too
A concept car is a car specially made to showcase the new technology, new design or even in some cases, the upcoming vehicle. This is generally done to check the reaction of customers as well as brand loyalists to such designs to decide if they should be produced or not.
| Concept Model | Production Name |
|---|---|
| 1993 Porsche Boxster Concept | 1997 Porsche Boxter |
| 1994 Volkswagen Concept One | 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle |
| 1995 Audi TT Concept | 1998 Audi TT |
| 1997 Mini ACV 30 | 2001 Mini Cooper |
| 2005 Lexus LF-A Concept | 2010 Lexus LFA |
| 2005 Nissan GT-R Prototype | 2008 Nissan GT-R |
| 2006 Dodge Challenger Concept | 2008 Dodge Challenger |
| 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics | 2014 BMW i8 |
| 2008 Land Rover LRX Concept | 2012 Range Rover Evoque |
| 2010 Porsche 918 Spyder Concept | 2013 Porsche 918 Spyder |
But only the customer’s reaction isn’t enough. Due to some issues, even well-received concept cars get cancelled. Thankfully, these 10 concept cars made to the production stage and are now some of the successful models from the respective companies. Let’s see the prototype cars that made their way to the production stage:-
Top 10 Prototype Cars That Were Mass Produced
1. 1993 Porsche Boxster
Going directly back to its root, Porsche Boxster Concept is mid-engined. It is also Porsche’s first water-cooled non-front engine. The production version that arrived four years later was an instant hit. Its 2.5-litre engine produces 201 HP and reaches 100 kmph in 6.9 seconds. Its top speed is 240 kmph. Further editions improved on both looks and performance, but still the original is a gem.
2. 1994 Volkswagen Concept One
At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen revealed the ‘Concept One’. It is a retro-themed prototype car that resembled the original VW Beetle. This car eventually turned into the ‘New Beetle’ from Volkswagen. It has its engine in front and front-wheel-drive with storage in the rear. There was also a convertible version of the new beetle.
3. 1995 Audi TT
This iconic benchmark for Audi’s design team made its first appearance at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show and came into production in 1998. It is based on the same platform as VW Golf Mk4, the original Audi A3 and others. For three generations, it is offered as a 2+2 coupe and as a two-seater roadster.
4. 1997 Mini ACV 30
After buying the Rover Group, BMW also received the ‘Mini’ brand. From BMW’s thought of creating a retro-modern version of classic mini, this car was born. It took the world by storm. The 2001 production version that followed took most of the styling from the prototype. But nonetheless, the concept still looks amazing to look back…
Also Read : Top 10 Slowest Cars In The World.
5. 2005 Lexus LF-A
The First LF-A Concept premiered at the 2005 North American International Auto Show with three such vehicles in the following three years. One was a revised version, another was a race one and the third one being a roadster prototype. The production version finally hit the road in 2010. It showed the world that Toyota can also compete in the luxury performance car segment.
6. 2005 Nissan GT-R Concept
Nissan showed two versions of the GT-R prototype, one at the 2001 Tokyo Motor show and another one at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. The Second one bears a close resemblance to the final version that we know. It has also retained the nickname earned by its predecessor i.e ‘Godzilla’. The car has become one of the fastest cars in the world.
Also Read: 2022 Special Edition Nissan Nismo GT-R Revealed
7. 2006 Dodge Challenger
Dodge teased the challenger prototype in late 2005 and announced the car on 21st November 2005. The prototype model was unveiled at the 2006 North American Auto Show as a preview to the third-generation Dodge Challenger. It is still a perfect competitor for the likes of Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. While those brands are going electric, Dodge is still going strong with its Hellcat and Demon (i.e. I.C. Engine powered) Versions of Challenger.
8. 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
This prototype vehicle from BMW was its first outing in the plug-in hybrid sector. It is a very cool, one of a kind car that made people go crazy. The production version (i.e. the i8) also got its own crowd when it launched. It now stars in the garage of many famous people. The prototype also starred in the 2011 Film Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Also Read : Most Powerful Production Cars of The Last Decade | Top 10 List
9. 2008 Land Rover LRX
Designed to preview the Range Rover Evoque, the LRX was described as Cross-Coupe. It had a sporty silhouette instead of the traditional boxy design of past Land Rover cars. The production version, i.e. the Evoque came in both three-door coupe and five-door versions. A convertible version was later added to the range while the coupe version was discontinued.
10. 2010 Porsche 918 Spyder Concept
Starting and ending the list with Porsche, this model was announced directly at the 2010 motor show without any pre-show teasers or hints. The production model of the 918 Spyder is similar to the prototype one. The car gets a 3.4-litre V8 engine that produces more than 600 HP while the electric motors add 282 HP to the power output. It can reach 100 kmph in 2.5 seconds.
