2023 marks the end of production for arguably some of the most legendary cars to ever exist. It’s always sad to see vehicles go, especially if they were popular or had a loyal following. However, it’s important to remember that the automotive industry is constantly evolving and companies need to make decisions about which models to continue producing and which ones to discontinue in order to stay competitive and meet the changing needs of consumers. It’s also worth noting that while a particular model may be discontinued, the company may continue to produce other vehicles that are similar or may introduce new models to replace the discontinued ones.
The Acura NSX, Ford GT, and Lamborghini Aventador are all supercars known for their powerful engines and high-performance capabilities. It’s not uncommon for supercars like these to have a limited production run, so it’s not surprising to see them being discontinued after a few years. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t shed a few tears as we wave the chequered flag and bid farewell to these supercars!
It can be difficult to say goodbye to a favorite vehicle, but it’s important to stay open to the possibility of finding a new model that meets your needs and preferences or a new supercar to lust over! Let’s dive into our goodbyes and look at which legendary cars we are saying goodbye to this year!
Well-regarded vehicle, and its discontinuation may be disappointing for those who were fans of the car. However, it’s important to remember that Acura may continue to produce other vehicles that are similar or may introduce new models in the future.
Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan that was introduced in 2012 and was based on the ninth-generation Honda Civic platform. It was known for its fuel efficiency, sporty handling, and upscale features. The Acura Integra, on the other hand, is a sporty compact car that was introduced in 2022 and is based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic platform. It’s not uncommon for car companies to update their models or introduce new ones to replace older models, and it seems that this is what happened with the Acura ILX and the Acura Integra. The introduction of the Integra may have marked the end of the ILX, but the Integra may offer similar features and performance to the ILX, making it a suitable replacement for those who were fans of the ILX.
Acura NSX
The Acura NSX is a hybrid sports car that was first introduced in 2016. It was known for its advanced technology, powerful engine, and high-performance capabilities. In its final year of production, Acura released a special version of the NSX called the Type S, which featured an increase in horsepower from 573 to 600. It’s not uncommon for car companies to release special editions of their vehicles as a way to celebrate the end of a model’s production run, and it seems that this is what Acura did with the NSX Type S. The NSX was a popular and well-regarded vehicle, and its discontinuation may be disappointing for those who were fans of the car. However, it’s important to remember that Acura may continue to produce other vehicles that are similar or may introduce new models in the future.
Buick Encore
The Buick Encore is being discontinued after nearly a decade of production. It was a popular and well-regarded vehicle, known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and luxurious features. The Encore GX is a similar vehicle that was introduced in 2020 and is based on the same platform as the Encore. It’s not uncommon for car companies to update their models or introduce new ones to replace older models, and it seems that this is what happened with the Encore and the Encore GX. The introduction of the Encore GX may have marked the end of the Encore, but the Encore GX may offer similar features and performance to the Encore, making it a suitable replacement for those who were fans of the Encore.
Dodge Challenger
Dodge’s SRT performance brand deserves praise for the magic it extracted from the vintage muscle car that was revived in 2008. It was going to happen sooner or later. Without essentially altering the car’s fundamental body and construction, the Challenger underwent a series of incarnations and newsmakers, including the Hellcat, Redeye, Jailbreak, and Wide Body. Enthusiasts have one final chance to purchase Dodge’s limited-run “Last Call” versions as well as the standard V-6 and V-8 candidates in the range as production runs until the end of 2023.
Dodge Charger
The Charger is in the same predicament as the Challenger, with the exception that it is the only muscle car with four doors. The 2023 Charger King Daytona Last Call model ends with an 807-hp explosion and is the only one with the exterior color Go Mango. Dodge is skilled at maintaining interest.
Ford GT
The Ford GT is a mid-engine supercar that was introduced in 2005. It was a tribute to the Ford GT40 racers of the 1960s and was known for its powerful engine, high-performance capabilities, and unique design. The GT was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and was capable of reaching speeds of over 200 mph. It was a limited production vehicle and was offered in a variety of special edition versions throughout its production run. The last of these was the LM Edition, which was released to honor Ford’s endurance racing successes.
Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact hatchback that was known for its unique three-door design and sporty performance. It was introduced in 2011 and was offered in a variety of trims, including the high-performance Veloster N. The Veloster N was powered by a 275 horsepower engine and was known for its agility and handling. It seems that the majority of the Veloster line was discontinued after the 2021 model year, with the exception of the Veloster N, which was offered for one additional year in 2022. However, it appears that the Veloster N has now also been discontinued.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 is a luxury coupe that was introduced in 2016. It was known for its powerful engines, sporty handling, and stylish design. The Q60 was offered in a variety of trims, including the high-performance Red Sport 400, which was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine that produced up to 400 horsepower. It seems that the Q60 has been discontinued and will not see the 2023 model year. The discontinuation of the Q60 is a disappointing blow for fans of the luxury coupe who will now be forced to look for a replacement.
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK
Duck, duck, Jeep! Not quite as iconic as some other names on this list but Jeep fans will surely miss this car. The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK was a version of the Grand Cherokee that was offered for a limited time after the introduction of a new, updated version of the vehicle. It appears that the WK was offered at a lower price point than the newer version of the Grand Cherokee and was available for the 2022 model year. It seems that the Grand Cherokee WK has now been discontinued and is no longer available for the 2023 model year.
Lamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador is a high-performance sports car that was introduced in 2011. It was powered by a V12 engine and was known for its extreme speed and agility. The Aventador was offered in a variety of trims and special editions throughout its production run, including the LP780-4 Ultimae, which was a limited edition version that was produced in a run of 600 units (350 coupes and 250 roadsters). It seems that the Aventador has now been discontinued and is no longer in production. Lamborghini has announced that it is working on a successor to the Aventador, which is expected to be released by mid-decade and will feature a gasoline-electric powertrain. While the loss of the Lamborghini Aventador is a huge disappointment to fans we can be sure the Aventador’s successor will blow us away!
Lamborghini Countach
The Lamborghini Countach was a special edition version of the Aventador that was offered for a limited time only but that doesn’t mean we can’t still mourn the loss of this iconic supercar. It was inspired by the iconic Lamborghini Countach that was produced from 1974 to 1990 and featured styling elements from that car, as well as modern technology and performance capabilities. The Countach was powered by a V12 engine that was aided by a small electric motor and a supercapacitor, giving it a total output of 802 horsepower. It seems that the Countach was only offered for a single year and is no longer in production. Lamborghini has announced that it is working on a successor to the Aventador, which is expected to be released by mid-decade and will feature a gasoline-electric powertrain. This new vehicle may incorporate similar technology to that used in the Countach.
Lexus RX L
The Lexus RX is a mid-size luxury SUV that was introduced in 1998 and has undergone several updates and redesigns since then. The RX L is a similar vehicle that is based on the same platform as the RX but has an extended wheelbase and an additional row of seating, allowing it to accommodate up to seven passengers. It seems that the RX L has been discontinued after the 2022 model year and will not be available for the 2023 model year. It’s possible that the RX L was discontinued to make way for a new three-row SUV that is expected to be introduced by Lexus and will reportedly be called the TX.
Mercedes-AMG CLS 53
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 53 is a high-performance version of the CLS that was offered in the US and Europe. It was powered by a hybridized inline-six engine that produced 429 horsepower and featured a temporary boost button that added an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The CLS 53 has been discontinued for the 2023 model year in the US, but is still available in Europe. The discontinuation of the CLS 53 in the US is a big disappointment for those who were fans of the car.
Mercedes-Benz A-class
The Mercedes-Benz A-class and CLA-class are two similar vehicles that were offered in the same price range and shared a similar position in the Mercedes lineup. The A-class was a compact sedan that was known for its affordable price and spacious interior, while the CLA-class was a sportier and more stylish option. It seems that the A-class has been discontinued for the 2023 model year, while the CLA-class remains available. It’s not uncommon for car companies to update their models or introduce new ones to replace older models, and it seems that this is what happened with the A-class and the CLA-class.
Subaru WRX STI
The good news is that a new WRX will still be available in 2023. With a new appearance and a more potent engine, Subaru completely overhauled its mid-range performance sedan. According to Subaru, a new STI would need to be electrified, therefore there won’t be a hotter STI version available next year.
Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size sedan that was introduced in 1994 and has undergone several updates and redesigns since then. It was known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced technology. The Avalon has been discontinued after nearly 30 years of production and will not be available for the 2023 model year. Instead, Toyota has introduced the 2023 Crown, a hybrid-only full-size sedan with SUV-like attributes.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan that was introduced in 1973 and has undergone several updates and redesigns since then. It was known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency. It seems that the Passat has been discontinued and is no longer in production. To celebrate the end of its production, Volkswagen offered a limited edition version of the Passat called the Passat Limited Edition, which featured subtle references to the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee where the Passat was built for the final decade of its production.
Some other honorable mentions that we bid farewell to in 2023 include:
- Chevrolet Spark
- Chevrolet Trax
- Chrysler 300
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge/Lincoln Nautilus
- Ford Transit Connect
- Honda Insight
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Kia Stinger
- Lexus RX L
- Nissan Maxima