The global car market is full of some really exciting vehicles. Sadly, some of the best makes and models never make it to America. While the United States has access to a wide variety of cars from major manufacturers, some of the coolest vehicles in the world are reserved for other countries. Let’s take a look at nine of the coolest cars that you can’t buy in the U.S. (but I wish you could).
9. Holden Commodore SS
The Holden Commodore SS is an Australian muscle car known for its speed and power. It has a V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission. This car provides a pure driving experience that many car enthusiasts in the States would love. Holden, an Australian subsidiary of GM, never brought the Commodore to the U.S. market though. Then, the manufacturer stopped production on the car in 2017, making it a collector’s item that Americans would never get to experience.
8. Toyota Century
The Toyota Century is a seriously cool car. This was Japan’s answer to ultra-luxury sedans like the Rolls Royce Phantom. Each Century was hand-built and equipped with cutting-edge technology. Not to mention, it is powered by a V8 hybrid engine, offering a significant amount of power behind the refined look of the vehicle. Toyota doesn’t have any plans to bring this iconic sedan to the U.S. So, Americans will just have to admire it from afar.
7. Peugeot 508 PSE
Peugeot is a French carmaker and, unfortunately, many of their cars don’t make it to the States anymore. The manufacturer’s Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) division has created some really cool vehicles though. Enter the 508 PSE. It has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that kicks out 350 horsepower. However, it’s the overall look of the car that makes it cool. It has a futuristic look to it with its flared fenders and large air intakes. Again, American enthusiasts will only be able to dream about this car as Peugeot likely won’t ever release it in the U.S.
6. Renault Alpine A110
Among some of the coolest cars that will never be sold in the U.S. is the Renault Alpine A110. This is a lightweight sports car that blends retro styling with modern performance. The Alpine A110 is inspired by the original Alpine from the 1960s. It’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Companied by its mid-engine layout and lightweight body, it is said to be a joy to drive. Sadly, Renault doesn’t sell cars in America. So, the A110 remains a Europe-only gem in the automotive world.
5. Volkswagen Scirocco
I wish they’d sell the Volkswagen Scirocco in the United States. It is a sport hatchback that is comparable to the Golf GTI, but it is said to be more aggressive. Having owned a GTI, hearing this was exciting. Unfortunately, VW decided not to bring the Scirocco to the States. The German carmaker made the choice to focus on the Golf and other models instead.
4. Audi RS Q3
I currently own an Audi Q3, but the RS packs more of a punch, delivering 400 horsepower. For an SUV, it also reaches 60 mph from a standstill in under 5 seconds. For me, it offers the perfect blend of everyday usability and performance. Of course, it still offers all of the bells and whistles you’d expect in an Audi too, including the carmaker’s signature Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi chose not to offer the RS Q3 to the American market though, so it’s just a distant dream for people like me.
3. Honda Civic Type R (Japanese Domestic Market Edition)
While you’ve probably seen Civic Type Rs on the road, they aren’t the Japanese Domestic Market special edition. This Type R is even more performance-focused with a lighter body, improved aerodynamics, and a unique suspension made for better handling. It also has some interesting features like carbon fiber accents and limited-edition badges. The JDM model isn’t offered in the United States though, due to strict import regulations.
2. Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)
Nissan’s Skyline GT-R (R34) is a legendary Japanese sports car. Although it was featured in The Fast and the Furious, it is not available in the U.S. This is because import laws have kept the R34 out of reach for most American enthusiasts. Only a handful of them exist in the U.S. Due to the car’s cool factor and the fact that it has become a pop culture symbol, it has become one of the most coveted vehicles. Sadly, it remains inaccessible for most people though.
1. Lancia Delta Integrale
Coming in at number one is a seriously cool car. The Lancia Delta Integrale absolutely dominated the World Rally Championships in the late 80s and early 90s. It was one of the most capable performance cars of its era. Unfortunately, Lancia doesn’t have a presence in the U.S. car market, so the Delta Integrale never made its way here. For rally fans and enthusiasts, it remains something they’ll never get to see.
Cool Cars, But Off-Limits
These nine cars represent some of the coolest and most unique vehicles on the global market. However, each of these is out of reach for American buyers. Regulations, brand decisions, and market differences all keep them from being available in the U.S. If you’re a car enthusiast like me, it’s hard to see some of the coolest vehicles being limited to other countries. You can still hold onto hope that one day they’ll make it the the U.S. shores though (fingers crossed).