Mercury Messenger
In 2003, Mercury presented an exciting concept, which was unlikely for a boring brand that sold rebadged Ford with more luxury items. The car was called the Messenger and it was a prototype of a two-door coupe sports car, which reminded many people of the classic Mercury Cougar of the 1960s (via Consumer Guide).
The Messenger was based on the Mustang just like the Cougar was, was powered by the same 4.6-liter V8, but had a modern sequential six-speed gearbox and a futuristic interior and looks. As we all know, the Messenger never progressed beyond the concept car stage. Mercury continued to solider until recently when Ford decided to kill the brand.