It is always sad when some car models leave the car market. Most of the time, low sales numbers are to blame, which could mean the difference between having a nameplate for two years or 10 years. However, new cars such as the Toyota Supra and Acura Integra show that automakers can revive models even after they are long gone. Here are five other discontinued sports cars and coupes.
1. The discontinued BMW M Coupe was a fun “clown show”
You may be familiar with the BMW Z3 and Z4, but do you remember the BMW M Coupe? If not, take a good look at a picture of her and your memory may recall what the funky “clown shoe” looks like. Of course, you can mock the aesthetic all you want, but this fun little coupe means working under its sheet metal.
According to Car and Driver, “the first two years of the M Edition model came with 240 horsepower, and 3.2 liters inline – six from the E36 M3. Later versions received the 315-horsepower high-speed engine and 3.2 liters inline six-speed from the E46 M3.”
Those big-powered engines translated from 0-60 mph once in 5.3 and 4.8 seconds, respectively. This shows that these little clown shoes can walk off the line. Too bad the M Coupe was the Black Sheep in the lineup until they were eliminated in 2002.
2. The Dodge Viper is hard to forget
The Dodge Viper has had a long, long life in the auto market, but we will miss it very much. There’s nothing quite like the raw power of a V10 that pumps out over 600 horsepower to the rear wheels. The coupe’s low-slung stance gave it a serious look that matches its performance potential. However, Snake has always been very insecure to exist.
It lacked the same kind of safety features and emissions controls as its competitors and ended up being discontinued in 2017. Fortunately, you can still find many of them on the second-hand market, albeit at a somewhat hefty price.
3. The Ford Focus RS was short-lived
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Ford brought the Focus RS back to U.S. shores in 2016. With a base price of $36,605, buyers received a heated hatchback mated to a 2.3-liter turbocharged 2.3-liter, all-wheel drive, Recaro seats and a six-speed manual transmission. This listing is a recipe for success as the Focus RS was able to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds. It was also a blast to drive on any twisty back road.
Unfortunately, Ford dropped it from the lineup in 2018, just two years after its highly anticipated debut.
4. We have a soft spot for Honda CR-Z
The Honda CR-Z has always been a “love it or hate it” type of car. Not only did it have a polarizing look, but it was also a two-seat coupe that was impractical as a hybrid. We say that because it was powered by a 1.5 liter engine that was mated to an electric motor. Together, the group put out about 130 horsepower but was barely able to reach the 40 mpg mark when other hybrids were nearing 50 mpg.
The CR-Z wasn’t a complete disappointment though. The saving grace was that it could be fitted to a six-speed manual transmission and was fun flipping into corners. Like it or hate it, we love the Honda CR-Z and will always have a nice spot for it.
5. Honda S2000 is the jewel of cars in the market
What can we say about the Honda S2000 that hasn’t been said before (mostly by us)? The S2000 is a convertible rear-wheel drive sports car with a high-speed naturally aspirated engine that pumps out 237 horsepower. Add a six-speed manual transmission to that equation, along with a 50:50 weight distribution and mid-engine layout, and you’ve got a rare gem.
The S2000 is gone, but most enthusiasts will never forget it, especially since used examples sell for over $100,000 these days.
Our fingers are crossed that comes from these coupes and sports cars
While two-door coupes and sports cars are rare nowadays, our fingers are crossed that automakers will continue to bring back certain nameplates. Many of these cars will always be in our minds, and while they are long gone, they will never be forgotten as enthusiasts continue to search for them in local classifieds.
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