Innovative Cars From The Past: 7 Over-Engineered Classics

When it comes to pushing technological boundaries, some cars are so far ahead of the curve it's like they drove straight from the future. Join us as we uncover the 7 most ambitiously engineered vehicles that defied conventions and transformed industries through their groundbreaking innovations, world-beating performance, and visionary designs - long before anyone demanded it. You won't believe how ahead of their time these legendary automobiles truly were.
Mitsubishi DTO
The Mitsubishi DTO. Developed in the early 1990s, the DTO was arguably the most electronically complex car ever built when it debuted. Everything from the windows and sunroof to the adjustable suspension and even the exhaust system flaps were controlled by computers. But wait, it gets even more futuristic - the DTO featured active aerodynamics and rear steering, technologies that most sports cars today still don't have.
Mercedes G-Wagen
The only vehicle I can think of that was used by train killers as well as the head of a religion - the G-wagon. Some people don't actually know this but the G-Class was first developed as an army vehicle. As such, it was tough, rugged and thanks to a unique three-way differential, pretty much unstoppable.
Mazda MX-5
Claiming the #5 spot is Mazda's iconic MX-5 roadster, which gets there through revolutionary engineering of the gram. Known as the "gram strategy", Mazda's approach centered around the meticulous removal of even the smallest weight from every component without compromising function.
Mercedes-Benz Grosser
Debuting in the extravagant 1960s as the #4, the Mercedes-Benz Grosser reigned supreme as the most expensive and lavishly appointed automobile on the market.
VW XL1
Sliding into third place is a green machine so efficient it seems otherworldly - the VW XL1. Unveiled in 2013, the two-seater XL1 shattered records with an astounding 234mpg through pioneering innovations.
Lexus LS400
Three major things happened in the 80s - Michael Jackson popularized the moonwalk, your boy Stipe entered the world, and Toyota declared war on the Germans with this beast, the Lexus LS400.
Bugatti Veyron
Few know about how outrageous the Veyron's development truly was. It cost $5 million to produce but sold for just $1 million each. Unveiled in 2005, the Veyron stunned the world with a quad-turbo W16 engine producing a mind-bending 1,000 horsepower.