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Demanding Unobtanium: Cars We Want, But Can't Have

Demanding Unobtanium: Cars We Want, But Can't Have

Lyndon Conrad Bell

Contributing Writer

LATEST ARTICLE
Demanding Unobtanium: Cars We Want, But Can't Have
Believe it or not, there was a time when Mitsubishi's Evo and Subaru's WRX were not available on... Read More

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1,292 views May 24, 2011

Volkswagen Scirocco R

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Believe it or not, there was a time when Mitsubishi's Evo and Subaru's WRX were not available on these shores—they were that ultra-rare element known as unobtanium. Famed all over the world for their outstanding abilities, they were denied to U.S. drivers until popular demand convinced their manufacturers these cars would sell in the United States.

There are usually a number of reasons why builders are convinced certain cars won't make enough money to bother certifying for the standards a car must meet to be qualified for sale in this market. Other times, a builder may already have something so close to the car in question, there is a fear importing it will serve only to drain business from the existing model, but not accrue enough to the new model—causing both to be losers.

Still, they've been wrong before. Here are three cars we're pretty confident would make it here—if only their manufacturers would give them a shot.

Audi A1

Audi A1

About the same overall size as a MINI Cooper, the Audi A1 possesses all the attributes we love about Audi cars; styling that is sophisticated, yet understated; outstanding fit and finish; an exceptionally pleasing interior; and good power from fuel-efficient engines. Audi is actually considering bringing the next generation of the A1 here, if they can make a business case for it. Fire up the email folks!

Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R

Anyone who has ever driven a Honda Civic Si understands immediately why the Civic Type R is a highly desirable car. Packing 201 horsepower and weighing some 100 pounds less than the Si, the Civic Type R is a thoroughly exciting car, albeit with a very high $37,000 price tag. Still, by the time you tweak a standard Si with enough aftermarket go-faster gear, you could be pretty close to that price.

VW Scirocco R

Volkswagen Scirocco R

A 265-horsepower, six-seconds-to-60 sports coupe with mouth-watering style, an overwhelming amount of go-fast tech and unobtainable status—well, here in the United States anyway. If you want a Scirocco R, you'll have to apply for citizenship in a European country, as VW has no plans to bring this one here either—currently. In addition to price, there are concerns it'd cannibalize the GTI and Golf R.

Thing is, all three of these cars are built by companies doing business here, with extensive distribution networks here, and lots of support. Just as Subaru and Mitsubishi learned, if they offer them, we will buy. It's time to crank up popular demand folks, make enough noise, wave enough green, we could get a response.