The Mugen Honda Legend Max Concept from 2005 was a one-off, high-performance version of the fourth-generation (KB1) Honda Legend/Acura RL created by Japanese tuner Mugen. It wasn’t a factory Honda model but a unique showcase of what the company could do combining racing tech with street car tuning. Under the hood it used a Mugen MF408S, a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated, 32-valve DOHC V8 developed by Mugen for motorsport use. In this car the engine was detuned slightly from its race spec to around 500 hp and paired with a specially developed 6-speed manual gearbox — a rare combination for a large Honda sedan. Mugen also widened the body slightly, added bespoke wheels and brakes, and fitted a more aggressive exterior and interior trim to set it apart from the standard Legend. The project was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Auto Salon but remained a one-off concept; it was never produced for the public.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Concept-X, shown in 2005 at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, previewed the design and direction of the 10th and final Lancer Evolution. It introduced the sharper, more modern styling that later carried over to the production Evo X, along with the next generation of the Evo’s turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance setup.

Shown at the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the Honda Ridgeline Street Sport Concept took the pickup in a street-focused direction, the opposite of Honda’s off-road All Terrain concept. It was built to explore a sport-truck look rather than off-road capability. The concept featured more aggressive front and rear bumpers, wider fenders, and dark Asphalt Shock Metallic paint. A prototype high-flow exhaust with side exits was added for sound and style, not extra power. The truck also wore large Brembo brakes and 22-inch black-and-silver wheels wrapped in wide BFGoodrich T/A tires. Inside, it had Recaro seats for four passengers, black leather with suede and aluminum trim, and LED accent lighting. The Street Sport Concept was never meant for production, but some of its styling ideas hinted at accessories and design directions Honda could apply to future trucks.

2000s 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra Concept The 2004 Ford Shelby Cobra concept car, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, represents a modern reimagining of the iconic 1961 AC Cobra developed by Carroll Shelby. Designed and built by Ford’s Advanced Product Creation team in just five months, the Shelby Cobra concept borrowed elements from Ford's GT production car, notably its space frame and suspension, which the engineers adapted to fit a front-mid-engine setup. The result was a unique, minimalist powerhouse that paid homage to the spirit of the original Cobra while showcasing Ford's technical prowess. Minimalistic Design and V10 Power The Shelby Cobra concept stayed true to Carroll Shelby’s original vision of a high-performance engine in a lightweight roadster. The vehicle sports a powerful 6.4-liter all-aluminum V10 engine, producing an impressive 645 horsepower and 501 foot-pounds of torque. Without the need for supercharging or turbocharging, the engine allowed the Cobra concept to reach a claimed top speed of 207 mph, though it is electronically limited to 100 mph. Weighing just over 3,000 pounds, the concept shed unnecessary features like side windows, windshield wipers, external door handles, mirrors, and even an audio system. Instead, rear-facing cameras provide visibility, linking to a digital rear-view mirror, adding to its advanced yet bare-bones appeal. Chassis and Engineering Adaptation Built on the Ford GT’s aluminum chassis, the Cobra concept modified the structure for front-mid-engine placement, making it almost two feet shorter than the GT and with a wheelbase shortened by seven inches. Despite the GT roots, the Shelby Cobra concept maintained its unique identity with a front-mid-engine layout and a bespoke design, using GT-derived suspension and frame components, including custom mounting brackets for the rear transmission placement. Exterior Design: Inspired by the 1961 AC Cobra Visually, the Shelby Cobra concept took cues from the original AC Cobra, with a large front grille, side vents, and pronounced wheel arches, but with significant dimensional differences. The minimalist, aggressive stance echoed Shelby’s performance-focused ethos, with the sleek exterior painted in a contemporary silver finish. It maintained a clean look with few external details, staying true to the philosophy of blending raw power with straightforward design. Interior: Compact and Driver-Focused Inside, the Shelby Cobra concept continues its minimalistic approach, forgoing many modern conveniences like air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, and a radio. Placing the transmission at the rear allowed the designers to set the driver and passenger seats closer together, creating a compact cockpit reminiscent of the original Cobra’s intimate, focused driving experience. Media and Legacy The Ford Shelby Cobra concept captured attention beyond the auto shows, featuring in films like xXx: State of the Union and video games such as Asphalt: Urban GT and Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Die-cast models by Hot Wheels, in both 1/64 and 1/18 scales, extended the legacy of this concept car to enthusiasts and collectors, immortalizing this modern take on a muscle car classic.

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1990s 1999 Plymouth Howler The Plymouth Howler is a roadster concept car designed and built by Plymouth. It was first presented at the 1999 SEMA Show. It has been described as a redesigned Prowler with increased cargo space versus previous Prowler models and has a 4.7L V8 engine. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission instead of the Prowler's four-speed automatic. This freed up some room in the undercarriage to enlarge the gas tank for the thirstier V8. The Howler also has a removable hardtop instead of the traditional ragtop of the Prowler. The top is manually removed and can be stored in a compartment behind the seats. Though most Prowler enthusiasts appreciated the prototype concept, the low sales volume of the Prowler and the ultimate demise of the Plymouth nameplate ensured that the Howler was never made into a production vehicle. Source: "Plymouth Howler". Fantasy Cars. Retrieved 2011-01-11. Image Source: Chrysler Corporation