In the late ’80s, the Pontiac Stinger showed off a fun and new way to think about cars. Like the Piranha, this car was also designed to be perfect for younger people who love spending time outdoors. It looked different from the cars that come to mind when we hear “concept cars” because it was inspired by dune buggies, with an open top and a bright neon green look.
The Stinger was a response to market research on future trends done by Pontiac, which concluded that buyers under the age of 35 wanted something very similar to what the Stinger was — a fun car that could drive and handle both work and play. So, GM’s Chuck Jordan and his team went to work. The resulting Stinger had prophetic features, like the carbon-fiber body, removable glass panels, and an interior decked with gadgets for the great outdoors. It also had a 3.0-liter, 170-horsepower engine and an active pneumatic suspension system, which promised performance that could keep pace with its looks.
The Stinger’s interior was pretty neat, too, from integrated tool kits and portable vacuums to garden hoses and picnic benches that unfolded from the back. The seats were made from wetsuit material, and the car also came with various storage solutions for outdoor gear. Keeping with the theme of “concepts and prototypes we wish were built,” the Stinger never made it to production. But, it was a glimpse into what SUVs and adventure vehicles could become.
