The automotive world is filled with “what ifs” – stunning concept cars that captured our imaginations but never made it to production. Among the most alluring are the sleek, swept-back fastback designs that oozed speed and futuristic flair.
These cars looked like they belonged more in the realm of science fiction than on actual roads. Yet for brief moments, we dared to dream they might become reality before cruel fate intervened.
Let’s take a sad stroll down memory lane, revisiting some of the most breathtaking fastback concepts that cruelly teased us over the years.
BMW-Glas 3000 V8 (1967)
BMW acquired German automaker Glas in 1966 and with that purchase took over the Glas 3000 V8. They changed the name BMW-Glas, and badged the car as a BMW. The acquisition gave coachbuilder Pietro Frua, who had designed a handful of other Glas models, an opportunity to reimagine the car’s design. This specific car was the only one made with Frua’s custom bodywork.
The car never went into production as BMW preferred to focus on their upcoming 3.0 CS model.
Lotus Esprit (2010)
When Lotus unveiled its reimagined Esprit concept in 2010, the world stood stunned by its impossibly low, angular fastback profile. This was a Lotus reborn for the 21st century – muscular yet lithe, menacing yet graceful. The car was power by a 5.0 liter Lexus V8 engine that could deliver up to 612 hp through a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle. This would allow the car to reach 60mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 195 mph.
The project was eventually shelved due to finances. The brand decided to turn its focus to more lightweight vehicle options.
Chrysler ME Four-Twelve (2004)
If this concept’s stats didn’t drop your jaw, its looks certainly did. A mid-engine fastback packing an 850 hp quad-turbo V12 that could hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds? Yes please! The ME Four-Twelve looked poised to revive American muscle with a space-age twist. But like too many great Motown dreams, it was not to be.
Acura Type S (2018)
According to Acura, the design of the Type S Concept embraces what’s called “Precision Crafted Performance”. It all starts with the prominent Diamond Pentagon grille in front, surrounded by Jewel Eye LED headlights with “Chicane” daytime running lights. What makes it truly special is the four-door design, unlike many fastbacks which are two-door. The concept car was shown at the 2020 Chicago auto show.
Ford GT90 (1995)
Envisioned as a successor to the legendary GT40, the GT90 looked every bit the 90s supercar fantasy. Its mid-engine, quad-turbo V12 setup promised blistering speed to match the low-slung fastback’s aggressive stance. Ford teased us with claims of a 254 mph top speed. Our adolescent selves went weak in the knees, only to have our hopes dashed. It was unveiled at the 1995 Detroit Auto Show and currently resides at the Hajek Motorsports Museum.
Jaguar C-X75 (2015)
This hybrid electric fastback supercar concept from Jaguar had a jaw-dropping design and incredible performance specs. It packed a 1.6L turbo engine and electric motors producing a combined 890 hp. Five running prototypes were built, with one even appearing in a James Bond film, but sadly Jaguar canceled the production program.
Mazda Vision Coupe (2017)
Mazda’s stunning Vision Coupe concept showcased the brand’s future design language with a sleek, low-slung fastback silhouette. While there are no firm plans yet for a production version, the concept previewed Mazda’s shift towards more premium and emotional styling. Mazda wanted to put the car into production, but with rising sales of SUVs over cars, they never did. But we could not find reports of them shelving the project – so you never know when you may see one in the wild.
The Mazda Vision Coupe was named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” at the 33rd Festival Automobile International held in Paris, France. We do not disagree with their choice!
Volkswagen Concept D (1999)
VW’s Concept D from the late 90s imagined a futuristic luxury fastback with an advanced aluminum space frame and a W16 engine. Its striking design foreshadowed the eventual production of the Phaeton luxury sedan and influenced future VW styling.
Bugatti EB 112 (1993)
With its distinctive horseshoe grill and curvaceous fastback shape, the EB 112 concept previewed Bugatti’s renaissance under VW ownership in the 1990s. This mid-engine supercar had a quad-turbo V12 and served as inspiration for the eventual Veyron production model.
The engine is placed behind the front wheels to provide better weight distribution and features permanent all-wheel drive. The car can accelerate from 0–62 mph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph).
Alfa Romeo Visconti (2004)
Alfa Romeo’s Visconti concept blended elegant Italian coachbuilding with modern fastback proportions. Its long hood, short rear deck, and sweeping roofline created a striking grand touring coupe profile that sadly never materialized as a production model.
Automakers will always give us glimpses into cars that they never plan to produce, which is a pretty sad experience. The stunning fastback concepts are just some of the many cars that have been shared, but never made available for sale. If only the manufacturers would make our dreams come true and bring some older concept cars to life!
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