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20 Car Comebacks Auto Fans Waited For

Vukasin Herbez December 19, 2018

The reality of the car industry is that cars come and go because most manufacturers eventually discontinue their popular models. But most car fans fondly remember some cars, even decades after they have left the scene. That’s due to their unique combination of styling, performance, appeal and technology. And like most people, you probably thought some of your favorite cars would never return in modern form.

However, due to the market’s enormous thirst for retro models, there are now dozens of retro-inspired cars that most car fans are glad made a comeback. Of course, these modern models aren’t exactly as the originals were, but they capture the same essence, looks, performance and market segment as their successful ancestors.

So here is a showcase of the 20 cars most drivers want to see make a comeback. All these models closely resemble those famous cars from the past. But the manufacturer has reimagined them for the 21st century with all the modern technology and necessities.

  1. Alfa Romeo Giulia

Decades have passed since Alfa was present on the American market. And even more time has gone by since they sold the last Giulia in the U.S. But now, we have the new, gorgeous Alfa sedan with its unique styling, interesting technology and special appeal. The new Giulia is a fully modern sedan with plenty of the classic Alfa flavor.

This car is ready to fight the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. But the most interesting version is not the ordinary 2.0-liter turbo, it is the 510 HP tire shredding beast they call the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

  1. Ford Ranger

Ever since the Ranger left the market, Ford was without a proper mid-size pickup truck. The rest of the world received the Ford Ranger in various versions. However, in America, the home of pickup trucks, was left only with the F-150.

However, for the 2019 model year, Ford will return the Ranger in modern form, with modern technology, comfort and convenience and possibly with diesel engines. Not only will consumers get a modern mid-size truck, but they will also get a modern version of the truck of their youth.

  1. Fiat 124 Abarth

One of the most stylish roadsters currently on the market is the Fiat 124 Spider. They introduced the original 124 Spider in 1966. And now, 50 years later, Fiat has presented the new version with charming retro-futuristic styling and lots of interesting features.

Interestingly, they borrow the chassis from the Mazda Miata/MX-5. The Abarth gives you a chance to drive a rare, Italian roadster with turbo power and distinctive looks for Miata money. What is not to like about that?

  1. Aston Martin Lagonda/Taraf

If you remember the quirky and angular Aston Martin Lagonda from the ‘70s and ‘80s, then you will recognize it in the new and super expensive 2016 model. Car experts consider the ‘70s luxury extravaganza to be one of the most advanced cars of its era. But sadly, it wasn’t dependable or durable, by any means.

That is why most drivers are glad that Aston decided to reintroduce the Lagonda nameplate on a new and properly built car for extremely well to do owners. Although most people certainly won’t be able to buy one, since it cost a million dollars, many are still glad that it still exists.

  1. Porsche 911 R

Another dream car is the 2017 Porsche 911 R. The original 911 R was a late ‘60s racing special with a lightweight body and powerful engine. However, for almost 50 years, Porsche seemed to forget about this model. But, then the modern 911 R appeared with the same signature features in modern form. The new 911 R has a lightweight body but lacks any luxuries.

They gave it cloth seats and a fantastic naturally aspirated engine delivering 493 HP. Also, it has a perfect six-speed manual transmission. Basically, this is a blend of modern technology with an old-school driving feel, but with one flaw. Porsche built only 991 of them, so they all sold out quickly. That means if you want one today, be ready to pay a cool million dollars.

  1. 2020 Ford Mustang GT 500

Most drivers were stoked when the 2007 GT 500 appeared. After all, it was the first time since 1970 Ford used that name for series of super-fast Mustangs. And many Mustang fans were astounded when they revealed the 2013 version with 662 HP and some brutal performance figures.

Soon, Ford will present their 2020 model and most Ford enthusiasts are glad this car is coming. The only thing anyone knows so far is that the engine is may produce more than 700 HP. Ford wants to fight the Hellcat, so they need that kind of firepower under the hood.

  1. Tesla Roadster

Do you remember the original Tesla Roadster? It was a heavily modified Lotus Elise with batteries and interesting driving dynamics. But even though the original model wasn’t so successful, it stared a trend. Also, it marked the arrival of the Tesla Company as well as the electric vehicle age.

The new Tesla Roadster is on schedule for the 2020 model year. It will feature a unique design, more powerful batteries and insane acceleration times. Tesla claims that it will be the fastest production vehicle from 0 to 60 mph, so most Tesla fans can’t wait to see if it is true.

  1. Ford Bronco

Even though no one knows exactly what the new Ford Bronco looks like, most are excited about its arrival. This model was one of the most popular and original SUVs. However, it has been decades since Ford withdrew it from the market. Ever since the current SUVs became so soft and lost their off-road appeal, customers have been asking for the return of the Bronco.

So, for 2020, Ford has announced a new Bronco they will build on the Ford Ranger chassis with a wide array of engines and options. All most fans know is that it will have all-wheel drive, a tough drivetrain, and rugged looks.

  1. Dodge Challenger

The return of the muscle car was almost unimaginable decade or so ago. Then, the 2005 Mustang arrived, followed by the Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. And suddenly, it was 1970 all over again. Even though they built the Dodge Challenger on the big, heavy Chrysler 300C platform, it still retains the classic muscle car look.

With numerous Hemi engine options, it is fast, loud and brutal. And that is exactly what a muscle car should be. So, for that reason, many muscle car fans are glad it is going to make a comeback.

  1. Acura NSX

The original Acura NSX was one of the greatest affordable analog supercars of the early ‘90s, so thousands of satisfied customers fondly remember it. Ever since the early 2000s, Honda has released statements and concept cars that resemble a future NSX, but nothing happened. However, in 2016, the new Acura NSX finally appeared in a slightly different form.

This is still mid-mounted supercar, but this time, it comes with a hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive and loads of advanced features. There’s no more six-speed close ratio manual transmission, but instead, it has a nine-speed automatic. Interestingly, the displacement stayed the same at 3.5-liters. However, Acura turbocharged the modern engine to pump out 600 HP.

  1. Alpine A110

The Alpine A110 belongs on this list since it is the epitome of the perfect driver’s car, even though it isn’t available in the USA. If you are familiar with the classic Alpine, you will instantly recognize the shape and the idea behind this fabulous car. It’s a small, lightweight sports coupe, with a rear mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.

Best of all, this car can offer much driving excitement along with its unparalleled road holding and feel. This small coupe weighs just over a ton and has a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder behind the driver powering the rear wheels. The power is more than adequate at 252 HP running through the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

  1. Ford GT

The original Ford GT 40 made history in the ‘60s and its early 2000s counterpart became one of the fastest cars of the period. Now, Ford has presented a superbly advanced but basic Ford GT with modern technology and unbelievable performance. But the engine of the new GT is particularly interesting.

It is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 656 HP that gives the car a 0 to 60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. Also, the top speed is 216 mph. What is interesting about it is that the GT engine is the same as the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 from an F-150 pickup truck. And although there is a lot of different details, the basic architecture, block, displacement and turbo technology are all the same.

  1. Shelby GT 350

The last true Shelby GT 350 was available in 1970. And, 46 years later, Ford provided the perfect reincarnation in the form of the modern GT 350. Despite the fact they based the Shelby on the Mustang GT, much of the car’s suspension, design, aero package, and engine are new. The biggest single difference was the fantastic Voodoo engine, which has 5.2-liter displacement, 526 HP and 429 lb-ft of torque.

The main feature of this high-revving powerplant is the flat plane crank technology that allows the big V8 to scream to almost 9,000 rpm. It is the same technology the exotic manufacturers like Ferrari use. However, this is the first time a muscle car has had such an advanced engine.

Ford’s investment into the Shelby GT 350 R has paid off since the performance is mind-boggling with 3.9 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. But the numbers don’t do justice to this car. The Shelby GT 350 R is a pure sports car that delivers fantastic driving dynamics and experience to the driver.

  1. Toyota Supra

Ever since the debut of the 2007 Toyota FT-HS concept car, the market has been speculating about the return of the legendary Supra. Finally, in 2014, Toyota introduced a Supra concept but remained silent on their plans for production. However, the long wait is finally over, and the car is coming this year.

Judging by the initial reports, it will be the pure sports car everybody waited for so long. Constructed and built in cooperation with BMW, the Supra will feature specific styling, powerful six-cylinder engines, and a world-class suspension. Most Toyota fans can’t wait to see it in person.

  1. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Chevrolet killed the Camaro in 2003, leaving Chevy fans without a replacement for seven years until the first retro-looking model arrived. However, most fans are glad that it did since it introduced modern technology, raising the bar for other companies like Dodge and Ford.

Also, most Camaro fans are glad Chevrolet decided to reintroduce the fantastic nameplates from its rich history like the ZL1. Chevrolet took the biggest, most powerful engine GM has, which is the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 and stuffed it into the Camaro.

The result was a 580 HP street terror with a highly advanced Magnetic Ride suspension, performance Goodyear tires and Brembo brakes. The 2012 Camaro ZL-1 was not the one trick pony like its 1969 predecessor was, either. Rather, it is a pure sports car that could put the Porsche 911 to shame. In fact, it can out handle and outrun much more expensive and exotic cars.

  1. Honda Civic Type R

All those JDM fans asked Honda to return the legendary Type R name for years and finally, in 2018 their wait was over. The Civic Type R became one of the hottest hot hatches currently on the market. The new performance Civic looks like every racer’s dream with numerous spoilers, scoops and air vents all over the body. The aggressive design, great performance, and JDM appeal make this Civic a valuable and highly sought-after addition to the hot hatch class.

Honda has resisted the temptation to turbocharge its performance engines for a long time. But, the Civic Type R has exactly that under the hood, just like any other competitor in class. The 2.0-liter turbo four delivers 306 HP and can propel this nasty-looking Civic Type R from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. And best of all, it can top 170 mph.

  1. Nissan 370Z

Nissan introduced the 370Z in 2008, bringing a new design and upgraded V6 engine to the market. And it has remained popular ever since. Despite being a modern sports car, the 370Z is the reincarnation of the legendary 240Z from the early ‘70s. Most Nissan fans are glad that Nissan respected its heritage and reintroduced the concept of an affordable coupe in modern form.

The handsome front-engine rear-wheel drive car has a potent V6 engine and limited slip differential as standard equipment. This feature makes it safe to drive hard and also makes it a favorite drift car. And don’t forget the enormous aftermarket support for this model, which means you can easily tune and customize your car.

  1. BMW Z4

These days BMW is more concentrated on building luxury SUVs and sedans than perfecting the subtle art of making a sports car. So, most BMW enthusiasts were surprised to learn a new Z4 roadster was is in the pipeline. And, more so, that it will be available to buyers all over the world starting from the first part of 2019. The Z4 was always a cool-looking and capable roadster with great performance, so drivers are glad it is making a return.

Constructed with the help of the Toyota engineers, new Z4 will be sharing a lot with the upcoming Supra. However, BMW made sure that the design, engines and suspension trim were unique to this brand. The company released the exact price for the entry-level model and although it is somewhat expensive at over $60,000, consumers are sure it is well worth the investment.

  1. VW Beetle

The original VW Beetle was a car born out necessity and a model that became a utilitarian icon for millions of drivers. It was an economy car and basic transportation that helped rebuild Germany from the ruins. Also, it was one of the most recognizable shapes in the car world and car that is still relatively common despite being out of production for almost four decades.

So, in the late ‘90s when retro was the big thing in the car industry, Volkswagen decided to revive its biggest icon. However, the Beetle was no longer an inexpensive model, but instead a lifestyle vehicle they based on the VW Golf platform. Regardless of that, most drivers are still glad that it made a comeback.

  1. TVR Griffith

One of the biggest news in the sports car world is the return of the TVR brand. This small British company always produced interesting, fast coupes and convertibles. And that earned them the respect of sports car enthusiasts all over the world. However, as it often happens, financial problems stopped its production and the TVR was clinically dead for a few years.

Fortunately, the TVR management found enough investors to secure a new model they called the Griffith. It is a proper sports machine with a 5.0-liter V8 and 500 HP shooting to the rear wheels over its six-speed manual transmission.

These are the top 20 cars most drivers are glad made a comeback. Have you picked your ultimate favorite from this list? Why not drive a piece of the past they’ve combined perfectly with modern technology? That’s a win-win for most car fans.

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