Cars that defied logic... but went into production anyway

Some car concepts appear to defy logic, but still reached production, according to this roundup of unusual vehicles from the past five decades. The article says the market often rewards proven formulas, yet certain management decisions backed ideas with unconventional styling or extreme specifications. It begins with the Chevrolet SSR, launched in 2003 as a retro-styled pickup-style roadster concept that combined a V8 engine and a folding hardtop, despite low interest at dealerships. It then covers the Dodge Viper, noting that while the 1989 concept had impractical proportions and an oversized 8.0-litre V10, public demand led Dodge to rush development, followed by refinement across three generations from 1991 to 2017. The piece also recalls the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (2011 to 2014), a short-lived convertible aimed at affluent older buyers. Finally, it introduces the Mitsuoka Orochi, described as a retro-inspired second-stage model with a mid-engine coupe layout. The article continues beyond these entries.