Exotic cars are defined by their elegance and sophistication, alongside their admirable performance. Even though these vehicles come with a hefty price tag, they are the epitome of luxury. People would expect exotic cars to be top-notch, offering the best driving experience. However, not everything goes as planned, and many vehicles have failed to deliver on their promises. Here are 15 exotic cars that failed to impress.
DeLorean DMC-12
Transforming into a pop icon because of its role in the movie, “Back to the Future ” in 1985, this vehicle is quite iconic. However, it faced significant performance issues and backlash due to the controversy surrounding John DeLorean, the founder. The vehicle’s 2.85-liter V6 engine failed to impress the crowd, producing only 130 horsepower. Moreover, the founder was involved in an illegal drug scandal worth $24 million, shutting down the company.
Jaguar XJ220
The case regarding the Jaguar XJ220 is relatively simple: It failed to meet the expectations it had created. The vehicle was powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which disappointed many in performance. There was also the hefty price tag of £470,000, approximately $800,000. None of the customers were buying into average specifications, meaning they could have entered a competitive price range.
Aston Martin Lagonda
From the beginning, the Aston Martin Lagonda was the black sheep in the lineup, incorporating a radical design. It was marked by more of a bold, wedge-shaped design, which did not appeal to the crowd. Furthermore, the 5.3-liter V8 engine was commendable but faced many issues and breakdowns. It was one of the first vehicles to include a digital cluster but, unfortunately, sold only 645 units.
Vector W8
Produced from 1989 to 1993, the Vector W8, designed by Gerald Wiegert, marketed itself as the American Supercar. The stylish wedge-shaped design and canopy-like doors turned many heads but failed to deliver on quality. Vector Aeromotive struggled with financial hurdles and longer production times, which stalled its growth. It sold at $450,000, competing with established giants who easily crushed the car due to their superior performance.
Bugatti EB110
Despite the Bugatti EB110’s cutting-edge technology and impressive features, the wind was not in their favor. It was powered by a quad-turbocharged V12 engine, producing 553 horsepower while reaching a top speed of 213 mph. Despite having everything, fate would not allow the vehicle to succeed as the 1990s global recession hit it. The company was not fully established yet, and people didn’t want to risk so much money abandoning the vehicle.
Maserati Biturbo
This Italian automobile was manufactured between 1981 and 1984, aiming to deliver exotic cars to a broader spectrum of the audience. The main component of this vehicle was the impressive twin-turbo V6 engine, the first of its time. However, with innovation comes risk, and the vehicle faces oil leaks alongside failures. Many people boycotted it due to the reliability issues and the rusting due to the cheap materials.
Cizeta V16T
Despite having a fully-fledged roadmap and a solid plan, execution matters the most. The Cizeta V16T had everything in its favor, from the engineering done by former Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampolli to the design by Marcello Gandini. It was the perfect all-star collaboration, partnering and receiving financial backing from music legend Giorgio Moroder. Unfortunately, no one was buying this new brand, priced around $650,000 during the 1990s. The company even struggled to meet the demands of US safety and emission, leading to its downfall with only 12 units.
De Tomaso Pantera
Alejandro De Tomaso founded the De Tomaso Pantera, produced between 1971 and 1992. He chose the American Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine and paired it with the Italian design by Carrozzeria Ghia’s Tom Tjaarda. While this vehicle navigated the starting years very easily, it soon fell off due to quality issues. After years of hanging out, the vehicle finally gave up due to defective parts, rust, and the unavailability of support.
Lamborghini LM002
Nicknamed the ‘Rambo Lambo,’ the Lamborghini LM002 failed miserably due to poor fuel economy and a hefty price tag. It did not disappoint in terms of luxury, but the 5.2-liter V12 engine drained the tank too quickly. Rising oil prices were one of its biggest enemies, and being priced around $120,000 in the late 1980s was not helping it either. The off-road capabilities did not serve any purpose in urban settings.
Spyker C8
The Spyker C8 debuted in 2000 and was created by Dutch automakers Spyker cars. Featuring a 4.2-liter V8 engine from Audi, the vehicle produced around 400 horsepower. It stood out from the crowd because of its unconventional design and upward scissors doors. The fighter jet-like cockpit resonated with Spyker car’s history with aviation. Nonetheless, the vehicle failed to impress people due to the high price tag, limited models, and lack of recognition.
Fisker Karma
The first car from Fisker Automotives was launched in 2008. The journey of Fisker Karma was rough, facing a lawsuit by Tesla that accused them of copying their Model S hybrid technology. The A123 battery could not deliver, failing terribly alongside its poor build, whose standard was deemed unsatisfactory for a luxury vehicle. With established giants already dominating the market, no one would trust this vehicle, which came at a hefty price tag. It failed again after its relaunch, leading to them filing for bankruptcy in 2013.
Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA was announced in 2000 but launched only in 2010 due to delays. By this time, the supercar market had evolved, and many potential buyers had already invested in other high-performance vehicles. The LFA was priced at around $375,000, making it one of the most expensive cars in its class. While this exclusivity added to its allure, it also meant that the car couldn’t achieve economies of scale that might have reduced costs and increased accessibility.
TVR Sagaris
The reign of the TVR Sagaris was short-lived, produced between 2004 and 2007. It was based on the TVR T350C, a successful racing car known for its exhilarating performance. However, it could not carry forward the legacy and failed due to problems with the 4.0-liter straight-six engine and gears. Only 200 units of these were built, and the company came to a halt because of severe financial problems.
Noble M600
The Noble M600 was a lightweight British supercar with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 650 horsepower. Produced from 2009 to 2012, the vehicle failed to deliver on comfort and safety. It focused only on performance and soon fell out of the market, with a congested interior and poor infotainment systems. Only 80 units were built, priced at around $300,000, failing to justify the cost to consumers.
Cadillac Allanté
Outstanding performance is crucial for a luxury car. However, the Cadillac Allanté failed in this aspect, leading to its demise. The vehicle was designed by Italian design house Pininfarina, which crafted a sleek and fancy body. Unfortunately, the 4.1-liter V8 engine produced only 170 horsepower, significantly disappointing fans. Poor performance did not cut it for the luxury segment, failing miserably. Other cost and exportation issues from Italy to America also hampered the car sales.
14 Cars with a Reputation for Running Forever and Why They Outperform the Rest
In the dynamic world of automobiles, some cars stand out for their remarkable longevity and enduring performance. These road warriors have earned a reputation for running seemingly forever, outpacing their counterparts. This article will explore 14 such vehicles and the reasons behind their legendary durability.
14 Cars With A Reputation For Running Forever And Why They Outperform The Rest
