Like every living being, cars are mortal, too. Streamlined bodies, roaring engines, and unrivaled class mark the beauty of these vehicles. Sadly, their long-term presence is not guaranteed.
From rising cost margins to durability issues, automakers discontinue cars for several reasons. Some succeed; others perform awfully. Often, it boils down to making room to add new vehicles to the lineup.
This list of the finest automobiles picks the most iconic cars discontinued from 2014 to 2024. These vehicles have been monumental in one way or another, but their days on the road have ended.
1. Audi R8 (2024)
Audi’s supercar age has come to a bittersweet stop. Many mourn the end of an iconic era as Audi rolls out its last R8, trimmed with bronze wheels and carbon fiber. The last of this German masterpiece will be kept at an unidentified museum to preserve its legacy.
The R8’s journey quickly evolved from a concept to cult status, which was uplifted when it appeared in Iron Man. It’s undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing cars ever made.
2. Dodge Challenger (2023)
Everyone adores the satisfying whoosh of this beast as it zooms by on highways. The Dodge Challenger is a genuine American powerhouse. It oozes pure appeal with an aggressive look and a roaring exhaust.
Adrenaline junkies love it. This muscle car drinks petrol like water, but it’s worth it. Nothing can surpass the overjoyed feeling of being in the vicinity of one. Ironically, this car is often caught in motorway chases with the police.
3. Acura NSX (2023)
In the first Avengers movie, Tony Stark drove in style in an Acura NSX. Honda’s luxury line flawlessly combines extravaganza with high-tech performance.
The Acura NSX had to be discontinued because Honda shifted its focus to electric vehicles. The smooth and sleek design and the built-for-performance specifications will be missed.
4. Lamborghini Aventador (2022)
The Aventador stands as the most famous Lamborghini ever produced. This mid-engine sports car was named after a Spanish fighting bull. Its rowdy road presence and recognizable sound make it difficult to erase its magnetic legacy.
This sports car strikes the perfect balance of luxury and thrill. Each component efficiently embodies the brand. It quickly gained prestige with its mechanical gearshifts. While Lamborghini is closing the chapter on pure combustion engines, hybrids may still be an option.
5. Ford GT (2022)
Ken Miles beat old man Ferrari in Ford vs. Ferrari with the predecessor of this car. The Ford GT has a history of innovation and determination springing from rejection. Now, diehard fans run to the whistle of this exotic car without hesitation.
Owning a GT earns you exclusivity money can’t buy. Bidding this legendary car goodbye doesn’t come easy. It’s an iconic vehicle forever remembered as one of the best.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (2022)
Perhaps the grandest SUV on the market, the Trackhawk is worth getting for its originality. This beast on wheels has the sophistication of a fighter jet. It charges thunderously through highways and streets.
With Trackhawk, high-tech meets roomy rides. It soars through tracks like a hawk! Unfortunately, the top speed matches the high cost of fueling this vehicle.
7. Toyota Avalon (2022)
People love Toyota’s vehicles for their reliability. The same is true for the Avalon, which many call a Lexus without the badge price. This sedan makes the best use of hybrid technology and dependability.
The Avalon retains value like a champ for folks who switch cars often. People will never see them tank in resales and trustworthiness. While news of its discontinuation hits home, these vehicles will be on the road for several years.
8. Nissan 370Z (2020)
The Nissan 370Z isn’t just your friendly neighborhood Japanese car. The Z-series was created with one goal: racing. Despite its humble size, this car can outpace most of its rivals.
Everyone loves the iconic scene of Gisele drifting around corners with this car in Fast Five. Over the years, this performance vehicle remained consistent with its speed but lacked innovation design-wise.
9. Volkswagen Beetle (2019)
Every Beetle tells a story. Though declining in numbers and fame, no nameplate mirrors the glory of the Volkswagen Beetle. Bubbly, friendly, and a social star — nothing quite beats the charm of this classic.
These vehicles carry a soul. Many have memories stowed away in gloveboxes. The Volkswagen Beetle was a household name, and automobile fans worldwide were sad to see it go.
10. Mitsubishi Lancer (2017)
The Mitsubishi Lancer’s reliability parallels that of Toyota, if not better. This sedan welcomes performance upgrades with a natural flair. It’s surprisingly serviceable when it comes to maintenance costs.
Unsurprisingly, after 25 years of production, the Lancer couldn’t withstand the electronic vehicle rush. Rumors suggest that its successor will be a crossover.
11. Dodge Viper (2017)
The Dodge Viper offers pure adrenaline, though it lacks in the safety department. It’s got menacing looks and an unshakeable resolve to close distances. However, its failure to meet crash standards led to its demise.
The Viper has been a fan favorite and the vehicle of choice for many. Its fame has also led to its being featured in several Need for Speed titles. We’ll always remember the Viper’s rumbling exhaust.
12. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (2017)
Car lovers consider the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta an automotive perfection. At its release, it earned the title of the fastest Ferrari. This vehicle shattered records and left its competitors in the dust.
Despite its aerodynamics and speed, an F12 would be a nice daily car if you have the budget for it. In the end, nothing beats the howl and red of a Ferrari.
13. Honda CR-Z (2016)
Looking back, the Honda CR-Z was an underrated hybrid. Honda doubled down on production and delivered these ecological vehicles as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, drivers found them underpowered and deemed the driving experience as erratic.
Despite its stop-and-go hybrid technology in traffic, the CR-Z was ordinary. Hence, Honda cut the cord on its supply in 2016. The CR-Z functioned as a lesson for hybrid makers worldwide, and automobile manufacturers are better suited because of it.
14. Porsche 918 Spyder (2015)
The Porsche 918 Spyder was built for drivers of all skill levels. Only 918 units were made, 278 of which were transported to the US. Elegant design, precise maneuvering, and mind-blowing track times persist as fan-favorite attributes.
This limited-edition hypercar packs power, competing with legends like the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari. Porsche builds exclusive cars and only ever experiments once every decade. The Spyder is a testament to its heritage of functionality, luxurious design, and stealthy potential.
15. Toyota FJ Cruiser (2014)
These SUVs love rolling around in the desert and whipping up a sandstorm. The Toyota FJ Cruiser surpasses all off-roading dreams. It demands less; it gives more.
Its boxy structure causes visibility issues, but those are easy to fix. Off-roaders tend to overlook the Cruiser’s design flaws. It simply packs a style and grit of its own.
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