With Audi announcing the resurrection of the RS6 and the 1980s Quattro as all-electric sports cars, it seems that there is a new trend of classic oldies making a comeback in the auto market as eco-friendly revamped versions. The electric version of the RS6 is set to debut in 2025, after the last gas-powered RS6 was made in 2010. To fill the void, Audi released the Audi Avant. However, the Audi E-Tron GT Quattro, released in 2022, did not stick to its funky 80s design and instead opted for a more modern look.
As more cars leave the market to make space for EVs, there is a growing possibility that manufacturers will continue to revive and electrify classic car concepts. Here are four beloved sporty cars – one classic and three recently discontinued – that would be highly sought after as electric vehicles.
Bringing Back The Beloved Honda S2000
In 2000, Honda introduced the Honda S2000, a convertible sports car designed for speed enthusiasts. The S2000 left the market in 2009 but still holds its appeal due to its powerful engine. Electric vehicles are now implementing artificial engine sounds to cater to gearheads’ preferences. The S2000’s lightweight design can easily be adapted to fit the sustainable material options commonly found in modern electric vehicles. In today’s economy, the S2000’s original price tag of $30,000 would equate to around $53,026.94, making it more affordable compared to electric sports cars on the market today.
2009 Honda S2000 Specs
|
Price |
$35,705 |
|
Engine |
2.2-liter, four-cylinder |
|
Top Speed |
149 mph |
|
0-60 mph |
5.8 seconds |
|
Horsepower |
237 horses |
|
Torque |
167 pound-feet |
Honda sold over 100,000 S2000 models, with more than half of them sold in the U.S. market. If revived as an electric vehicle, the S2000 would likely have continued success in the American EV space. There are rumors that Honda is planning to bring back the S2000 in 2024 as a fully electric version with a range of 300 miles and a price range similar to the original model.
The Audi R8 Could Be Better Than Ever As An EV
Audi is electrifying its lineup, and it should consider adding the Audi R8 to the fleet. Although not a classic, the Audi R8 will be discontinued after 2023. With its high performance and 602 horsepower, the R8 has been considered an “icon” by Forbes. It gave tough competition to classic supercars like Porsche’s family tree. As it makes room for Audi’s electric future, the R8 can bring even more style and innovation with an electric powertrain.
2023 Audi R8 Specs
|
Price |
$151,895 |
|
Engine |
5.2-liter V-10 |
|
Top Speed |
199 mph |
|
0-60 mph |
3.1 seconds |
|
Horsepower |
602 horses |
|
Torque |
413 pound-feet |
Given its success in an oversaturated market of gas-fueled cars, the Audi R8 would certainly shine in an underdeveloped EV market.
Why The Hyundai Veloster N Has Electric Potential
The Hyundai Veloster N, although not a classic, has the potential to be electrified. Hyundai discontinued the Veloster name in 2022 after 11 years. The Veloster N gained popularity for its high performance at an affordable price. With Hyundai’s success in the electric vehicle space with the Ioniq lineup, there is an opportunity to create an electric-powered high-performance model based on the Veloster N.
2022 Hyundai Veloster N Specs
|
Price |
$33,595 |
|
Engine |
2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged |
|
Top Speed |
155 mph |
|
0-60 mph |
4.8 seconds |
|
Horsepower |
275 horses |
|
Torque |
278 pound-feet |
Considering Hyundai’s prowess in creating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an electric version of the Veloster N would offer affordability and innovation in the electric vehicle market.
The Acura NSX Hybrid Was Halfway There
The Acura NSX, discontinued in 2022, was unable to achieve significant success despite being a popular supercar. Initially introduced in 1990, the NSX had undergone several revivals and reintroductions. The NSX became one of the quickest sports cars in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the NSX had a hybrid powertrain, in today’s EV market, a fully electric powertrain would have been more appealing to consumers. Acura and Honda have the opportunity to push the limits of electric top speeds with a revived and fully electric NSX.
2022 Acura NSX Hybrid Specs
|
Price |
$171,495 |
|
Powertrain |
3.5-liter Hybrid twin-turbo V-6 |
|
Top Speed |
191 mph |
|
0-60 mph |
2.9 seconds |
|
Horsepower |
600 horses |
|
Torque |
492 pound-feet |
Sports cars have yet to fully explore their potential in the electric vehicle space. Reviving classics without their gas-powered engines opens up opportunities for more electric vehicle options that auto enthusiasts would love. The rumored revival of the Honda S2000, the return of the RS6, and the future Quattro models signal a bright future for nostalgic, high-performance, and sustainable vehicles.
