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15 Times Automakers Got Experimental—and Actually Nailed It

Cameron Eittreim July 11, 2025

The automotive world thrives on innovation, but only a few manufacturers have truly dared to break the mold. While most stick to tried-and-true formulas, some automakers have taken bold risks—experimenting with radical designs, new technologies, and unconventional ideas.
Not every gamble pays off, but when it does, the results can change the course of motoring history.
In this article, we celebrate those rare moments when daring experimentation didn’t just succeed—it set new standards and inspired the entire industry to dream bigger.

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1. Citroën DS: Hydropneumatic Revolution

Citroën ds innovation — A sleek Citroën DS glides gracefully down a country road, its hydropneumatic suspension giving it an iconic, smooth stance. | Photo by Catherine Leclert on Pexels

When the Citroën DS debuted in 1955, it stunned audiences with its swooping lines and technological marvels. Its most groundbreaking feature—the hydropneumatic suspension—offered a ride so smooth it seemed to defy physics.
Drivers experienced extraordinary comfort and road handling, instantly setting a new standard for luxury cars. The DS wasn’t just a car; it was a vision of the future, cementing its place in history as an icon of bold automotive experimentation.
Learn more

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2. Tesla Model S: Electric Range Game-Changer

The Tesla Model S didn’t just join the EV movement—it redefined it. With groundbreaking battery technology, the Model S delivered unprecedented range and jaw-dropping acceleration, instantly raising the bar for electric cars everywhere.
Features like over-the-air software updates kept the car fresh and exciting, winning over even the most stubborn skeptics. The Model S proved that electric vehicles could be innovative, luxurious, and thrilling—all at once.
Read the full story

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3. Mazda MX-5 Miata: Reinventing the Roadster

When Mazda introduced the MX-5 Miata, it breathed new life into the lightweight roadster segment. Focusing on simplicity, balance, and pure fun, Mazda’s gamble paid off as the Miata became a beloved icon worldwide.
This playful two-seater reminded enthusiasts that driving could be joyful without excess power or high price tags. Its enduring popularity is proof that passion and clever engineering can still win hearts.
Discover the Miata’s story

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4. BMW i3: Urban Electric Boldness

1200px toulousaine de l%27automobile 7441 bmw i3 — A sleek BMW i3, crafted with carbon fiber, cruises through a modern cityscape as an urban electric icon. | Photo by Steven Arenas on Pexels

The BMW i3 turned heads with its futuristic styling and innovative carbon-fiber chassis, a rarity in city cars. By using lightweight, sustainable materials and a unique design, BMW boldly reimagined what an urban EV could be.
The i3’s compact footprint and eco-friendly ethos resonated with drivers seeking a smarter city drive. BMW’s experiment proved that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Explore more about the i3

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5. Jeep Wrangler: Removable Doors and Roof

1200px jeep wrangler %28jl%29 china — A rugged Jeep Wrangler with its doors removed navigates a rocky off-road trail, ready for adventure and open-air thrills. | Photo by Janusz Walczak on Pexels

The Jeep Wrangler embraced adventure by letting drivers remove the doors and roof, creating a true open-air experience. This unconventional feature became a staple for off-road enthusiasts, symbolizing freedom and ruggedness.
Jeep’s bold choice turned a quirky idea into an enduring trademark, helping the Wrangler earn legendary status among those who crave the thrill of the outdoors.
Read more about the Wrangler

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6. Subaru Outback: The Crossover Pioneer

1280px 2003 subaru outback 28bh9 my0329 luxury station wagon 282007 12 1229 — A sleek Subaru Outback crossover wagon SUV stands ready for adventure, blending rugged versatility with modern design. | Photo by Piotr Grzankowski on Pexels

With the launch of the Subaru Outback, Subaru dared to blend the practicality of a wagon with the toughness of an SUV. This innovative formula kickstarted the modern crossover segment, offering versatility and all-weather confidence.
The Outback’s mix of ruggedness and everyday usability struck a chord with families and adventurers alike, influencing countless rivals and reshaping the industry.
Discover the Outback’s legacy

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7. Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gullwing Doors

1200px paris mondial de l27automobile 2010 mercedes 300sl 002 — A stunning Mercedes 300SL with its iconic gullwing doors open, showcasing the timeless allure of a classic sports car. | Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL stunned the world with its iconic gullwing doors, a solution born from its unique chassis design. What began as an engineering workaround quickly became an enduring symbol of innovation and high style.
The 300SL’s striking silhouette and technical brilliance still inspire awe, reminding us that necessity can lead to the most unforgettable automotive statements.
See the 300SL’s story

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8. Toyota Prius: Mainstream Hybrid Power

1200px 2006 toyota prius t spirit 1497cc 1.5 %2876ps%29 hybrid synergy drive silver steel 03 03 2024%2c rear left — A sleek Toyota Prius hybrid car parked on a city street, showcasing its modern design and eco-friendly appeal. | Photo by Cristian Mihaila on Pexels

The Toyota Prius forever changed how the world viewed eco-friendly driving. By making hybrid technology accessible, reliable, and surprisingly practical, Toyota’s bold move put electrified powertrains in millions of driveways.
The Prius didn’t just prove hybrids could work—it helped spark a global green revolution, challenging the industry to prioritize sustainability and efficiency for everyday drivers.
Learn about the Prius revolution

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9. Chevrolet Corvette C8: Mid-Engine Marvel

2020 chevrolet corvette c8 01 — A striking Chevrolet Corvette C8 mid-engine sports car gleams under the sun, showcasing its bold performance design. | Photo by Osmany Mederos on Pexels

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 marked a bold departure from tradition by adopting a mid-engine layout. This daring transformation catapulted the Corvette into the league of world-class supercars, drastically improving handling and overall performance.
Chevrolet’s willingness to rethink an American icon paid off, earning the C8 global praise and redefining what the Corvette could be.
Explore the C8’s impact

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10. Honda Insight: Pioneering Hybrid Tech

Honda insight 1999 wallpapers 1 — A sleek Honda Insight showcases its innovative hybrid technology, embodying the perfect blend of efficiency and modern design. | Photo by Hyundai Motor Group on Pexels

The first-generation Honda Insight was the true trailblazer for hybrids in America. Arriving before its rivals, it wowed with a teardrop shape focused on aerodynamics and industry-leading fuel efficiency.
Honda’s bold experiment made hybrid technology a reality, paving the way for the eco-friendly cars that followed and inspiring a new era of energy-conscious design.
Read about the Insight’s innovation

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11. DeLorean DMC-12: Stainless Style

The DeLorean DMC-12 turned heads with its brushed stainless steel body and iconic gullwing doors. While its production run was brief, the car’s futuristic look left a lasting mark—especially after its starring role in cinema.
The DeLorean became a pop culture legend, proving that bold design choices can achieve immortality far beyond the showroom floor.
Explore the DeLorean’s story

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12. Nissan GT-R: Tech-Packed Performance

Dubbed “Godzilla,” the Nissan GT-R stunned the automotive world with its relentless speed and cutting-edge technology. Its advanced all-wheel drive system and sophisticated electronics enabled levels of performance that rivaled far pricier exotics.
The GT-R shattered expectations, showing that a tech-driven approach could create a true supercar slayer—and forever changed the landscape of high-performance engineering.
Discover the GT-R’s evolution

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13. Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Open-Top SUV

1200px land rover range rover evoque convertible 2016 front three quarter — Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible

With the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Land Rover dared to blend SUV capability with open-air flair. This bold experiment delivered a distinctive, stylish ride, making waves in a segment where convertibles were unheard of.
While unconventional, the Evoque Convertible proved there’s a place for fun and fashion in the SUV world—if you’re willing to take the risk.
See the Evoque Convertible’s story

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14. Pontiac Aztek: Quirky Utility

Pontiac aztek trans am rendering — A quirky Pontiac Aztek stands ready for adventure, blending bold style with the utility of a versatile vehicle. | Photo by Jan van der Wolf on Pexels

The Pontiac Aztek may have sparked debate with its unconventional looks, but its innovative features set it apart. From a built-in tent to a removable cooler, the Aztek embraced practicality for adventurous spirits.
Over time, its quirky experimentation earned it cult status and respect for daring to put function and fun above convention.
Learn more about the Aztek

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15. Lexus LFA: Carbon-Fiber Supercar

1200px lexus lfa %28us%29 flickr skinnylawyer — A stunning Lexus LFA supercar gleams under the lights, its sculpted carbon fiber body exuding pure performance. | Photo by Modified Pov on Pexels

The Lexus LFA stunned enthusiasts and critics alike, showcasing cutting-edge carbon-fiber construction and an unforgettable V10 engine. Every detail was meticulously engineered, resulting in a supercar that rivaled the world’s elite.
The LFA shattered expectations about what a Japanese automaker could achieve—combining technology, performance, and passion in a single breathtaking package.
Explore the LFA’s impact

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Celebrating Bold Moves in Car Design

These 15 vehicles remind us that bold experimentation can lead to industry-shifting breakthroughs and unforgettable icons. From daring technology to unconventional design, each example highlights the power of taking risks in automotive innovation.
As automakers continue to push boundaries, today’s experiments may become tomorrow’s legends. Innovation isn’t just a trend—it’s the driving force behind the cars we love and the future we imagine.
Stay curious, and celebrate the creative spirit that keeps the world of cars moving forward.

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15 Times Automakers Got Experimental—and Actually Nailed It

1. Citroën DS: Hydropneumatic Revolution

2. Tesla Model S: Electric Range Game-Changer

3. Mazda MX-5 Miata: Reinventing the Roadster

4. BMW i3: Urban Electric Boldness

5. Jeep Wrangler: Removable Doors and Roof

6. Subaru Outback: The Crossover Pioneer

7. Mercedes-Benz 300SL: Gullwing Doors

8. Toyota Prius: Mainstream Hybrid Power

9. Chevrolet Corvette C8: Mid-Engine Marvel

10. Honda Insight: Pioneering Hybrid Tech

11. DeLorean DMC-12: Stainless Style

12. Nissan GT-R: Tech-Packed Performance

13. Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Open-Top SUV

14. Pontiac Aztek: Quirky Utility

15. Lexus LFA: Carbon-Fiber Supercar

Celebrating Bold Moves in Car Design

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