Forgotten Ambitions - The automotive world is filled with stories of triumph and innovation, but behind the glamour and success lies another, less-discussed side: failure. For every iconic supercar that redefines performance and luxury, there are numerous ambitious projects that fail to make an impact.
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| The Dome Zero RL debuted as Dome's first Le Mans entry in 1978, paying homage to the ill-fated road car that inspired it. (Picture from: Autoblog) |
These forgotten cars are a testament to the challenges of creating a masterpiece in a highly competitive industry. Here are some fascinating examples of supercars that aimed for greatness but ultimately faded into obscurity.
5. Dome Zero
In 1978, Dome Co. Ltd. unveiled the Dome Zero at the Geneva Motor Show, showcasing bold design and engineering ingenuity. The car was intended to revolutionize the small sports car market, leveraging the expertise of its creator, Minoru Hayashi.
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| The Dome Zero P1, a Japanese-made wedge-shaped first prototype that turned heads at the 48th Geneva Auto Show in 1978. (Picture from: Autoblog) |
However,
despite its futuristic appeal, the Dome Zero faced insurmountable
homologation hurdles in Japan. Without the necessary approvals, the
project came to an abrupt halt, leaving it as a mere footnote in
automotive history.
4. Panther Six
The Panther Six, introduced in 1977, pushed the boundaries of design with its six-wheeled configuration. Powered by an 8.2-liter Cadillac twin-turbo V8 engine, it promised exceptional performance, claiming speeds of up to 322 kph (200.08 mph).
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| In 1977, the Panther Westwinds introduced the Panther 6, a six-wheeled sports concept car that turned heads in the automotive world. (Picture from: AROnline) |
Despite its innovative approach, only two units were ever produced—one in black and one in white. While it captured some attention at events like the NEC Classic Car Show in 2008, its rarity and unorthodox design kept it from achieving mainstream success.
3. Monteverdi Hai 450SS
Another intriguing failure is the Monteverdi Hai 450SS, created by Peter Monteverdi to challenge the dominance of brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari. With its Chrysler Hemi V8 7.0-liter engine delivering 456 PS and a top speed of 290 kph (180.2 mph), the car had the makings of a fierce competitor.
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| The 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is the second car with the bodywork designed by Trevor Fiore. (Picture from: Coachbuild) |
Unfortunately, only two units were ever made, and the project fizzled out, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what might have been.
2. Gigliato Aerosa
The Gigliato Aerosa, introduced in 1994, represented a bold attempt by a Japanese company to break into the European-dominated supercar market. Designed to rival Italian powerhouses, the Aerosa featured a Ford-sourced 3.0-liter V6 engine capable of producing 300 bhp.
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| Here's the 1997 Gigliato Aerosa is one Lamborghini-engineered sports car for Japanese company, Gigliato Design. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscar) |
Despite its sleek design and promising specifications, the project was short-lived, folding just a year later in 1995.
1. Isdera Commendatore 112i
Finally, the Isdera Commendatore 112i captured the imagination of gamers and car enthusiasts alike, thanks to its appearance in Need for Speed II. Launched in 1993 by the German company Isdera, this car boasted cutting-edge features like gull-wing doors, an electronically adjustable chassis, and an automatic air brake.
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| For its design, Isdera designed the Commendatore 112i similar to the Porsche 917, perhaps because of the rear overhang and its long tail. (Picture from: ConceptCarz) |
Powered by a Mercedes-Benz V12 6.0-liter engine, it could reach 343 kph (213.13 mph) and accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 4.7 seconds. Despite its impressive engineering, the Commendatore 112i disappeared as quickly as it arrived, remembered more for its potential than its impact.
Each of these cars represents the risks and rewards of daring to innovate in the supercar industry. While they may not have achieved commercial success, their stories highlight the creativity and ambition of their creators. These forgotten machines remind us that even in failure, there is inspiration to be found—proof that the journey is just as important as the destination. (Wanna see another 10 forgotten supercars). *** [EKA [05122013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | ARONLINE | COACHBUILD | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SOPRTCARS | CONCEPTCARZ ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
