Ever wondered what your favourite discontinued car model would look like now? Well, we asked artificial intelligence to show us what the most-missed discontinued car models would look like now.
It’s an exciting time in the motoring industry, with the move to electric spawning some fresh and unique-looking cars that are pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible from internal combustion engines. But, with the switch, comes the end of an era, and the last we’ll see some of the most iconic and loved cars of the last few decades, with a prime example coming recently with the announcement that Ford will be discontinuing possibly the UK’s most beloved car of all, the Ford Fiesta.
However, all hope may not be lost. Lamborgini has just brought back their iconic Countach, in order to commemorate its 50th anniversary, with a limited-production hybrid-electric version, that looks incredible. So, perhaps all hope isn’t lost that we’ll never see the Fiesta again. We may just have to wait half a decade is all.
This got us thinking, here at Leasing Options. What if we didn’t have to wait to see iconic discontinued cars be brought back? What if we could bring them back right now? So, that’s what we’ve done. But which cars have we brought back, and why?
10 Discontinued Cars Drivers Miss The Most
|
Most Loved Discontinued Cars |
||
|
Rank |
Models |
Global Search Volume |
|
1 |
Ford Fiesta |
1,100,000 |
|
2 |
DeLorean DMC-12 |
473,000 |
|
3 |
Toyota Celica |
337,000 |
|
4 |
Mitsubishi Eclipse |
328,000 |
|
5 |
Dodge Viper |
319,000 |
|
6 |
Fiat Multipla |
290,000 |
|
7 |
Honda S2000 |
288,000 |
|
8 |
Mazda RX-8 |
233,000 |
|
9 |
Toyota MR2 |
211,000 |
|
10 |
Volkswagen Scirocco |
172,000 |
We analysed recent global search data for over 30 discontinued cars to reveal the 10 that car buffs missed the most and still search for to this day.
As you can see from the table above, there are some intriguing findings. First, the news of the Ford Fiesta being discontinued has shot it to the top of the list, totalling a whopping 1.1 million searches per month.
Taking second place is the DeLorean DMC-12. DeLorean is making a comeback, recently releasing the first images of the Alpha 5, an upcoming battery electric sports car that will go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.99 seconds and have a projected top speed of 155 mph. But, it’s their iconic, Back To The Future-featuring car that’s still a favourite of car enthusiasts.
Some surprising entries in the top 10 list include the Fiat Multipla, a car we can only assume is still being talked about to this day due to how shockingly ugly it was, ruining everyone’s day when it trundled past on its way to pick up the kids from school, which could all then sit in the front seat thanks to the awful three-seat configuration.
A few other surprises, which we were happy to see, were the Honda S2000 and Mazda RX-8. Two cars that will go down in history as possibly the most unappreciated motors that will be forever missed. If any of the cars on the list were ever to be brought back in the future, we’d pick these two.
Discontinued Cars Brought Back To Life
So, here we go. Are you ready to see those cars brought back to life? Let’s start with the most recent car to be discontinued, the UK’s favourite, Ford Fiesta, brought back to life!
Ford Fiesta
We think the AI has got the new Fiesta spot on! Not only has it kept its beloved features, such as the aggressive-looking headlights and overall hatchback-style figure, but it’s also managed to incorporate the electric look and feel nicely, with the wheels looking very similar to those found on modern-day EVs. Overall it looks like the type of concept you’d expect to see for a car that’s pipped to be released in 2025.
DeLorean DMC-12
We had no idea how the AI would reimagine the iconic DeLorean due to its predecessor having such a unique look. However, what it’s produced not only looks really cool but also far more futuristic than we were expecting. It’s even added in some TRON-like neon lighting around the grill.
Toyota Celica
We hoped the AI would deliver a new Celica that kept its racing, boy-racer styling, and it duly delivered. A big spoiler, massive rims and even some additional LED lighting at the bottom of the front grill. It looks ready-made for the streets.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
The AI has opted to reimagine the old-school Eclipse rather than the ‘Cross’ version available today, creating an incredibly curvy, 3-door, hot-hatch-like car with wide wheel arches and a seemingly panoramic-like sunroof too.
Dodge Viper
The Dodge Viper has always had a very fearsome appearance, and the AI has reflected that in its redesign. The front headlights and grill both have that “do not mess” look synonymous with the Viper. The AI has also opted for a slightly longer look, increasing the size of the tail-end, which looks a bit like the one found on a Nissan Skyline. It seems to have designed the ultimate performance machine.
Fiat Multipla
We love what the AI has done with the previously awful-looking Fiat Multipla. It has turned it into not only a car that wouldn’t look out of place on the road today, let alone in five or ten years’ time, but it’s also nailed the electric look and feel too, creating a curvy little hatchback that has quite a cute yet tough look to it. It almost looks like the next Smart car to be released. We love it!
Honda S2000
The AI has taken everything that was on the old Honda S2000 and made it even more straight-edged and mean-looking. It’s got the classic soft-top lid, the long sweeping bonnet and a mean front grill that would make any other drivers think twice before trying to beat you off the line at the lights.
Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 is perhaps one of the best-looking cars ever made, so when we asked the AI to reimagine a new model for 2022, we prayed for something even remotely as good looking as its predecessor, and thankfully, we got one. The AI has reimagined the RX-8 into a coupe, but despite this, the new RX-8 still retains its sporty feel, with a huge front grill, rear spoiler and thick, chunky tyres too. We think it looks great!
Toyota MR2
Similarly to the DeLorean, when we asked the AI to recreate the Toyota MR2, we had no idea what it would spit out. In comparison, it’s opted to stick closer to the original MR2’s design but simply update it for modern times. There’s an electric look and feel to the car now and it almost seems like the AI has taken a leaf out of Tesla’s book and pinched a few design ideas from the Cybertruck, with angular bodywork looking like something from a sci-fi thriller.
Volkswagen Scirocco
Personally, we think the AI saved the best for last, reimagining the Volkswagen Scirocco into a car that, if it was put on the market today, would be an instant classic without question. The AI has kept many similar features to the most recent Scirocco and even holds onto characteristics found on all VW’s, but has given it a futuristic twist, with a slightly more lowered look, a spoiler and massive wheels, all making this new Scirocco look more like a supercar than a family car.
Car Leasing With Leasing Options
Unfortunately, none of the cars you see above are available to lease. However, here at Leasing Options, we do have a huge range of cars you can lease. Whether you’re looking for an Electric car lease or want to take your first steps towards greener driving with a Hybrid lease, we've got something perfect for you.
If you need any help with the process or finding the right car for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and we’ll help you with any car leasing problems you may be having.
Methodology
The AI imagery was created using DALL-E 2, a new AI system that can create realistic images and art from a description in natural language.
We then brought these images to life by applying elements from real manufacturer adverts as if creating promotional imagery for reborn cars.
