These are the cars you were most surprised to see when they went into production – Jalopnik

Earlier this week we asked you which cars you were most surprised to see when they went into production, and you all came up with some great answers. It seems that the cars that surprised you the most are the most exciting, interesting and memorable models, which we appreciate. The cars on this list took risks, whether it was their style, their powertrain or their ethos, and it’s clear they left an impact – mostly positive ones, although there’s at least one car on the list that’s mostly known for its negative impact. Anyway, as the old saying goes, any publicity is good publicity.

I mentioned that the car I was most surprised to see go into production was the first generation of Acura’s ZDX. It was a car that took style risks, but its ethos was confused or inspired, depending on how you feel about a coupe-style SUV. But then again, it’s a design that stands out in Acura history as one of the most daring models the company has ever produced. Many of these cars hold similar places in the modeling history of their respective manufacturers, and while they may not have been particularly logical models, they are all models that left a lasting impact. These are a few of my favorite answers, but there were many more great answers, so feel free to go back and read the others.

How many millions of dollars were spent developing a production pipeline before they said, “No, this is wrong” and started all over again?

The fact that the LFA exists is proof that good things happen when number crunchers and accountants are not in charge.

Submitted by: half man, half bear, half pig

Plymouth Prowler. It was much more show than go – but to this day it still seems like a concept.

Submitted by: PLAN-B 77

A bit more mainstream, but the FJ cruiser has always surprised me… and parts like the three windshield wipers, lighting in the mirrors and suicide rear doors are concept car details that usually don’t make it into production. Toyota had a very strong off-road presence and honestly didn’t need the FJ; they could have made a 2 door 4Runner for a lot less money.

Submitted by: cintocrunch1

Surprised doesn’t have to mean pleasantly surprised, so I’m going with the Cybertruck. It’s horrible, impractical, unsafe and expensive. I assumed the delays would lead to cancellation. Sometimes I still hope I’m just dreaming that they exist.

Submitted by: badrear

The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet comes to mind as a concept that made it to production, in a strange time after the recession

Submitted by: Shiftlose

The C8.

It makes sense that Chevy finally got mid-engined when the supercar landscape changed, but I’m surprised because Chevy actually did it after 100 years of rumors and speculation.

Submitted by: JaredOfLondon

The Mini Paceman and Mini Coupé/Roadster always seemed strange to me. Was there really a need in the market for a two-door hatchback version of the Countryman crossover? Was there really a need for an even smaller two-seat version of the standard two-door Cooper? I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than 1 or 2 of these on the road.

Submitted by: Stefan.

The first generation Audi TT. The production vehicle differed only slightly from the crazy concept drawings. When I first saw the production car, I thought there was no way this was the production version.

Submitted by: jsloden

The Pontiac Solstice. I didn’t think an American brand would try a small two-seater roadster again after the huge flop that was the Fiero. Sure, the Solstice didn’t outsell cars like the Miata, but the mere fact that it went into production is surprising enough.

Submitted by: Giantsgiants

Everyone’s favorite Pontiac Aztek and man was disappointing

Submitted by: Jimboy Junio