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During the Mid-1980s, Roy Axe spearheaded the revival of the MG marque by producing concepts wearing the revered octagonal badge. The idea was to produce interesting, affordable, and saleable sporting cars using many parts from existing models. The culmination of this philosophy was the EX-E show car, launched at the Frankfurt motor show in 1985, but this was not the only car in development. Using the AR6 as a base, the design team produced a spiritual successor to the MG Midget. This concept car was the result, and close scrutiny of the picture reveals that it was essentially an AR6 with the roof chopped off. Additional body addenda added and some mean-looking cooling slats in the bonnet. Apart from that, the car was almost pure AR6, right down to the individualistic rear lamps and heavily stylized door mirrors. With the K-Series 1.4-litre engine under the bonnet, it would have been a very lively drive… Source: www.aronline.co.uk Images: www.aronline.co.uk

The 1980s pass under the roar of high-performance motors. Among Sbarro's best-known works from this period are the 1982 Super Twelve three-door hatchback with a 12-cylinder engine (the in-line engine was derived from two 1.3-liter Kawasaki 6-cylinder motorcycle units), and it's Super Eight successor with a 3-liter V8 from Ferrari. Shanin is a coupe based on the Mercedes S-Class in a 126 body with gullwing doors and the insane Volkswagen Golf 300S with a 310-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 Porsche. Source: carstyling.ru (translated from Russian) Images: Espera Sbarro

The 1983 Mazda MX-02 was a study for an experimental sedan featuring a 4-wheel steering system. At speed below 40 km/h (25 mph), MX-02's rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front. This unique, four-wheel steering system gives its concept car low-speed agility and high-speed stability, says Mazda. The vehicle has a "heads-up" windshield instrument display. It was presented at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. Engine & performance: Type: Mazda 626, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve Capacity: 1.3-liter Drive: 4WS Top speed: 200 km/h Dimensions: Length: 4500 mm Width: 1700 mm Height: 1400 mm Wheelbase: 2800 mm Weight: 890 kg Source: Popular Science (Apr 1984) Images: Concept Car Central

In 1982 Luigi Colani had moved to Tokyo and accepted a position as a professor there. This resulted in collaboration with Mazda, for whom he proposed this radical Le Man’s car powered by a four-rotor Wankel engine producing 950hp and capable of 235mph. At a later stage, the plan was to use a 4-chamber Mazda Wankel rotary engine, capable of between 960 and 1400 hp for the Le Mans vehicle, which was only available as a life-size model. Unfortunately, it never raced. Source: www.colani.de Images: Colani Design

Ford Motor Company's Continental Concept 100 has an aerodynamic design and a vast array of advanced electronics. The exterior features new low-profile halogen headlamps with aerodynamic covers, bronze-tinted glass with compound curvature, a heated windshield, and pearlescent paint. There are no door handles to mar the sleek lines. An aerodynamic antenna for satellite navigation is mounted on the trunk lid, and sensors for at Sonar Detection system are installed in ports in the front and rear bumpers. The car is driveable, and all electronic features are functional. It was presented at the Detroit Auto Show. Engine & performance: Type: 4-cylinder, turbo Capacity: 2.3-liter Source: Ford Press Release Images: Ford; Concept Car Central; Custom_Cab's photostream

Presented at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show, the 1983 Isuzu COA was one of three COA concepts that Isuzu would release. It has more similarity to the 1985 Isuzu COA II than the bubble-dome COA III concept. Source/Image: Concept Car Central

By 1983, General Motors had already released the Aero X and Aero 2000 concepts, pushing the aerodynamic boundaries. The new Aero 2002 was further refined in GM’s Warren, Michigan wind tunnel testing facility. Drag coefficient (referred to by a “Cd” value) is a means of judging how aerodynamic a shape is. The lower the rating, the better the shape slips through the wind. Designed under GM styling chief Irv Rybicki, the Aero 2002 boasted a 0.14 Cd, the lowest of any car of its size tested by the company. To put a Cd rating of 0.14 into perspective, a modern Chevrolet Volt (a case study in production-vehicle efficiency through aerodynamics) achieves a 0.28 Cd and a modern C6 Corvette, in its most aerodynamic form, achieves the same 0.28 Cd. Both Volt and Corvette are road-worthy production vehicles, and the Aero 2002 didn’t even have an engine. But considering the decades between the shapes, GM’s aerodynamic engineers were definitely onto something in the early eighties. GM was proud enough of the Aero 2002 to display it at Disney World’s future-inspired EPCOT Center (now known simply as Epcot). GM also ran featured ads about the concept touting in bold, capitalized print, “We’re the best GM ever.” The ads went on to proclaim, “[…] we provide our designers and engineers with facilities, equipment, and the latest technology. But most of all, we allow them Freedom. To think, to reject old ideas and to come up with better ones.” The text continues, “Freedom means we can look beyond the bounds of what’s possible today. Right now, for example, we’re working with voice-actuated controls and computerized navigation systems, with a speed-variable attitude adjustment, column-centered electronic instrumentation, and aerodynamic body skins.” Although the interior wasn’t Aero 2002’s key feature, the ads teased a technology-laden environment including digital instrumentation, along with pod and steering wheel-mounted controls. General Motors’ Aero 2002 would ultimately lead to the 1984 Chevrolet Citation IV concept car, a modified, running version of the Aero 2002. Source: Mike Rosa - autosofinterest.com Images: GM; adclassix.com

In the Trio, three seats were arranged in an arrowhead arrangement in a width of only 53 inches. The floor was a honeycomb sandwich of glass fiber and Kevlar, while the seat frames were aluminum and glass fiber. The rear-mounted 250cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine drove the rear wheels through a continuously-variable belt transmission. It was presented at the 1983 Geneva Motor Show. Source: Concept Car Central Images: Ford; Concept Car Central

Based on the architecture of the Fiesta XR2, the Ghia Barchetta was an advanced concept for a two-seat sports car, an attractively open market niche at the time. Barchetta was inspired by the barchettas of the 1950s. It achieved Ford’s goal of demonstrating the potential of an affordable sports car, intriguing European driving enthusiasts about its production possibility. Barchetta was finished in silver with matte dark grey bumpers and wraparound front indicators and fitted with perforated 13-inch wheels with Goodyear NCT tires. XR2’s 1.6-litre, 16-valve engine powered it. The Ghia Barchetta’s shape can be recognized in the eventual Capri sports car created by Ford Australia. Source: Ford Media Site Images: Concept Car Central; Ford; JOHN LLOYD Collection

Running prototype exhibited at 1983 Geneva Motor Show but designed in 1981. Based on Fiat Ritmo Abarth 125 TC chassis. Most exterior accessories are integrated into the body surfaces for aerodynamic reasons. Clean, aerodynamic (CD=0,29) and essential lines for this proposal of sports coupé on Fiat Ritmo Abarth mechanicals, thought to be produced in small series, to be addressed to those clients willing to own a car with great drivability, beauty, and comfort. Engine & performance: Position: front, transversely Type: Fiat Ritmo Abarth 125 TC, 4-cylinder, DOHC Capacity: 1995 cc Power: 125 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 172 Nm @ 3500 rpm Drive: FWD Top speed: 200 km/h Dimensions: Length: 4060 mm Width: 1680 mm Height: 1330 mm Wheelbase: 2440 mm Source: Pininfarina; Fumia Images: Pininfarina; Concept Car Central

The 1983 Ferrari Meera S was a one-off prototype by Michelotti. This Ferrari Speciale’ was built and named by the King of Arabia’s son, Prince Saoud, in honor of his lady of the moment. Documented by Michelotti, the Meera has many unusual features, including twin air conditioning, electric sunroof, unique instrument binnacle by Michelotti Technica, windscreen wipers on all four sides. An in-dash monitor takes the place of a traditional inside rearview mirror, and it has a state-of-the-art sound system built in from new. It also has a unique air exchange system built into the doors and exterior brake ducting. The Michelotti Meera Speciale’ is also featured in books. This is a true icon of the oppulent ’80s. This was the last Ferrari built by Michelotti. Engine & performance: Type: Ferrari 400i, V12, DOHC Capacity: 4823 mm Power:315 hp @ 6400 rpm Torque: 412 Nm @ 4200 rpm Top speed: 240 km/h Dimensions: Length: 4760 mm Width: 1800 mm Height: 1320 mm Wheelbase: 2700 mm Source: Ferrari Meera S by Michelotti. http://www.italian.sakura.ne.jp/bad_toys/meera/ Images: shorey.net; www.ferraridatabase.com

The culmination of 30 years of evolutionary engineering was meant to be dedicated to perfecting the complete performance machine. 1983 was meant to be strikingly new, taut, and thoroughly contemporary. Rather than just being a new Corvette, the 1983 model strove to be a better Corvette. “Or else why change?” Quotes the sales brochure from that year. The goal was a better Corvette from the ground up. Production of the C4 was pushed back, from the fall of 1982 to January of 1983, and as a result, the C4 was introduced as an early 1984 model-year car. Chevrolet built several prototypes and pilot cars in 1983 to test the fourth-generation Corvette before it hit production. Of the 43 prototypes and pilot line cars, only one, a pilot-line car with VIN 1G1AY0783D5110023, remains. This one-of-a-kind Corvette piece of history is on permanent display at the National Corvette Museum. Source/Image: 1983 Corvette Specs – National Corvette Museum. https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn/about-corvette/corvette-specs/1983-corvette-specs/

General Motors had taken over five months alone to complete the plans for the Questor's computer systems. Buick is General Motors' electronic study division and had packed all the latest technology into a single automobile. Though the instrument panel had no instruments, the monitor near the steering wheel provided a clear wide-angle view of the rear. There were no exterior door handles or side minors. Most of the gauges and controls were placed on either the steering wheel or the central transmission tunnel dividing the two front seats. A laser key system operated on an invisible light beam. By pressing a switch in a hand-held unit raised the car about six inches for easier entry. The laser key opened the door, turned on all onboard systems - including the pop-up systems sentinel - and automatically adjusted the seat, pedals, steering column, and entertainment and interior systems to the driver's personal settings. The car automatically lowered to a driving position when the doors were closed. The laser key replaced the standard ignition key. Pressing it again would activate all the accessories: the system sentinel dropped out of sight, and the rear-view television monitor, navigation center, and touch command center would activate. When the engine was running, the instrument panel rose from the base of the windshield. Since this panel was transparent, it did not tamper with the driver's sight of the road. There was also a voice-activated radiotelephone. When the Questor reached 25 mph, the front end nosed down for better fuel economy and aerodynamics. The rear end rose up three inched when cruising at highway speeds. The Questor ran on more than fourteen computers, all of which were fully functional. It would be presented at both the 1983 Detroit and Chicago Auto Show. Source: Concept Car Central Images: General Motors Corp.; Concept Car Central

Presented in 1983 at the Geneva Motor Show, Zagato’s compact 2+2 Zeta 6 was based on Alfa Romeo GTV6 running gear with a 2.5 V6 engine. It was a self-financed Zagato project, and can be singled out as one of the most beautiful Zagato creations of the 1980s. The Zeta 6 was styled by Zagato’s chief stylist Giuseppe Mittino, applying trademark cues from the Milanese house such as the short overhangs, compact cockpit, and double-bubble roof. This car prompted Victor Gauntlet at Aston Martin to develop the attractive Aston Martin Zagato project, another graceful design from the ‘80s to bear the famous Z badge. Source: Passagen.se Images: Zagato; Andre LE ROUX Site; Classic and Sportscar, May 1989

The Bertone Delfino came out when the 1983 Geneva Motor Show was on. Its presentation was evidence of the manufacturer's faith in the type of niche product it represented: the elegant-sporty coupé. The choice of Alfa 6 mechanics derived from the long, established Bertone-Alfa Romeo tradition, which had produced some brilliant results over the years: the Giulietta Sprint (1954), a precursor to the modern GT, the Giulietta Sprint Speciale, and the 2000/2600 Sprint Coupés spring to mind. In designing the Delfino, Bertone deliberately chose to follow classic design criteria. The car was to interpret the revival of the GT concept, bearing the demands and expectations of European and American clientele in mind. Thus we have a two-seater with front engine and rear traction, with proportions reflecting the traditional look of the original mechanics and remarkably sober and modern lines. The ample window surfaces, original touches, and fusion between glazing and panel, and the original styling of the boot established new styling concepts for the sector. The frontal view recalls the characteristic elements of the Alfa Romeo image, given a decidedly "Bertonian" interpretation. Engine & performance: Type: Alfa 6, V6, OHC Capacity: 2492 cc Power: 160 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 220 Nm @ 4000 rpm Top speed: 200 m/h Dimensions: Length: 4140 mm Width: 1830 mm Height: 1180 mm Wheelbase: 2600 mm Source: www.bertone.it; allcarindex Images: Mario Buonocunto Concept Cars Page

A 1984 well-developed designed prototype resembles the B3 model code Audi 80 (designed by Pininfarina). Based on the previous generation B2 80, the Cw-Studie 80 featured a round front end with an inclined grille, flush windows, rounded windshield, singular side mirror (on the driver's side), wheel covers, flat underbody paneling, longer rear, and revised door handles. These subtle changes produced an impressive drag coefficient: just 0.198. The prototype was an advanced attempt by Audi to create more aerodynamic passenger vehicles in response to the Second Oil Shock of 1979. The prototype was powered by a 2.3-liter Inline 5 engine developing 136 Horsepower. The car was hidden from the public until the opening of the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt in 2000. Source: No. 254 The Eurozone Crisis and Its Impact on Asia .... https://ciaotest.cc.columbia.edu/wps/rsis/0027368/f_0027368_22342.pdf Images: oldconceptcars

Little is known about this four-door saloon that goes by the name of 1984 Alfa Romeo Alfetta 2.0i Break. On a forum, it was alluded to as a Zagato design. Comment below if anything is known. Image: oldconceptcars

The second Bi-motor Scirocco was created by the VW development department. This incarnation used two 16v engines. Each engine gave a power output of 141 bhp. A special bodykit was grafted onto the car to cater for the Audi Quattro alloy wheels. The 280/4 was finished to a much higher standard than the 360/4, maybe to try and push for a limited production run which sadly never came to fruition. The grill for the rear radiator is neatly incorporated between the tail lights. The number plate is re-located into the new bodykit. The 280/4 instrument cluster had two rev counters, two oil temp gauges, two water temp gauges and a single digital speedo. It featured 15″ Audi Quattro Fuchs alloy wheels. It could achieve 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Source: Scirocco Bi-motor 360/4 and 280/4 - IAAG. https://iaag66.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1594 Images: oldconceptcars

Following on from the experimental ‘Twin-Jet’ Jetta, VW created the Bi-Motor Scirocco 360/4. VW Motorsport built the first prototype in 1983. It featured two 1.8 liter four cylinder engines that were tuned to produce 180 bhp each. These were mated to manual 5-speed gearboxes transmitting power to all four wheels. The total power output was 360 bhp from what could be considered a 3.6 liter 8 cylinder vehicle. The Scirocco 360/4 (360bhp/4wd) could go from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a potential top speed of 180 mph. This must be the ultimate incarnation of the Mk2 Scirocco. Special bodywork was created to accommodate the wide 15″ Centra Type 6 alloy wheels. The car had U.S.-style headlights, probably because it was based on an early Mk2 Scirocco GTI. An interesting rear view of the 360/4 shows extra air intakes for cooling and breathing. Note also the twin exhausts that exit the car through the rear valance. The car originally carried ‘Volkswagen’ and ‘Scirocco GTI’ badges on the tailgate. Due to the rear engine, the fuel tank and filler neck had to be re-located. The original filler flap was used as an intake for the induction system. There is also an underside deflector plate, visible forwards of the wheel. Source/Images: Scirocco Bi-motor 360/4 and 280/4 - IAAG. https://iaag66.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1594

The Lamborghini LM004 was a prototype off-road vehicle designed and built by Lamborghini. The LM004 was essentially a modified LM002 to appeal to a new range of customers. It was outfitted with bucket seats, a phone, a refrigerator, and several other luxury features. The main change in the new vehicle was to outfit it with an all-new, noticeably larger, 420 bhp (313 kW), 7 L V12 engine. The engine did not perform as well as expected, and the increase in weight and size was determined not to be worth the additional development. Only a single prototype was produced. Engine & performance: Position: front Type: V12 Capacity: 7257 cc Power: 420 hp @ 5400 rpm Torque: 589 Nm @ 3500 rpm Drive: 4WD Top speed: 206 km/h 0-100 km/h: 8.5 s Dimensions: Length: 4900 mm Width: 2000 mm Height: 1850 mm Wheelbase: 3000 mm Weigth: 2700 mm Source: Lamborghini LM004 - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_LM004 Images: oldconceptcars