Automobiles have evolved dramatically since their inception, from being practical conveyances to representing status symbols, technological innovation, and artistic expression. While most vehicles on the road today are built for general consumer needs, a subset of the automotive world defies the norm and pushes the boundaries of design, technology, and performance. These unique machines go beyond the realm of the ordinary, offering driving experiences that are as individual as their owners.
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BMW i3
The BMW i3 stands out because of its eco-friendly construction and design. This compact electric car features a lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body and an interior with renewable materials like eucalyptus wood and recycled plastics. It was released in 2013 as a part of BMW’s electric “i” sub-brand. Prices start around $44,450.
Morgan 3-Wheeler
The Morgan 3-Wheeler is unique because, as its name suggests, it has three wheels – two in the front and one in the back. Its design harkens back to the earliest days of motoring and Morgan’s own history, offering a raw, vintage driving experience. It is a throwback to another era, powered by a V-twin engine mounted up front. Prices start at around $45,000.
BAC Mono
The BAC Mono is an extremely rare and unusual single-seat car designed with the utmost focus on performance. Inspired by the design of a formula race car, it provides a purist driving experience for the true enthusiast. Powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. Prices start at around $250,000.
Ariel Atom
The Ariel Atom is an ultra-lightweight, open-air, road-legal sports car that provides an intense, raw driving experience. Its exoskeleton design lets you see the car’s inner workings and tubular chassis while driving. The Atom’s power comes from a supercharged Honda 2.4-liter engine that can propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. Prices start at around $74,750.
Polaris Slingshot
The Polaris Slingshot is a unique three-wheeled vehicle classified as an “autocycle” in many jurisdictions. It features two wheels up front and a single wheel in the back, with an open-air cockpit that offers a motorcycle-like driving experience but with a steering wheel and conventional car controls. The base price is around $19,999.
Citroen C4 Cactus
The Citroen C4 Cactus is noteworthy for its ‘Airbump’ panels – air-filled bumps with scratch-proof surfaces- acting as a protective shield. The car is an SUV with a quirky, standout design and a focus on comfort. Prices start at approximately $20,000.
Elio Motors Elio
The Elio is a three-wheeled car with a very unusual tandem seating arrangement – one seat in the front and one in the back. The design aims to achieve high fuel efficiency, with a projected highway rating of up to 84 mpg. The projected base price for the Elio is around $7,450.
Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube lives up to its name with a distinctively boxy design. The Cube’s most unusual feature is probably its asymmetric design, most noticeable at the rear, where the wraparound window covers only one side. Inside, the Cube features a ripple design headliner inspired by a calming “pond” effect.
Toyota i-Road
The Toyota i-Road is a unique ‘Personal Mobility Vehicle.’ It is a three-wheeled, all-electric vehicle designed for city driving. It seats two in tandem and features ‘Active Lean’ technology to automatically balance the vehicle when cornering or traveling over uneven surfaces. Prices are not readily available as the i-Road is mainly used in car-sharing fleets in specific regions.
Rimac C_Two
The Rimac C_Two is a unique electric hypercar known for its mind-boggling performance. With almost 2,000 horsepower, it can reach 60 mph in under 2 seconds. It also features Level 4 autonomous driving tech and a top-notch luxurious interior. The price is approximately $2.4 million.
GMC Hummer EV
The GMC Hummer EV is an all-electric supertruck that revives the Hummer brand with a focus on zero-emissions. Uniquely, it has an ‘Extract Mode’ that lifts the vehicle approximately six inches for improved off-road clearance and a ‘CrabWalk’ feature that allows it to move diagonally. The price starts at approximately $79,995 for the base model and goes up to $112,595 for the Edition 1.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
