What makes a car "ahead of its time"? In this episode, the Driveway team explores vehicles that pioneered features or designs that became industry standards—even if they weren't always appreciated when they first arrived. From split headlight designs to adaptive suspension that debuted in 1956, these picks showcase automotive innovation that was years (or decades) ahead of the curve.
Cars Ahead of Their Time | The Driveway Podcast #40
The Driveway Podcast
Episode 40
Published: February 11, 2026
This Week in Auto News
Audi A6 Review
Dave recently drove the new gas-powered Audi A6 midsize luxury sedan. His take? It's competent, but wouldn't be his first choice over the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class.
Corvette ZR1 Hits 0-60 in 1.68 Seconds
Chevrolet announced jaw-dropping acceleration numbers for the Corvette ZR1 with ZTK package: 1.68 seconds on a prepped track. With 1,250 horsepower and pricing around $300K (with dealer markups), this American muscle car is competing with million-dollar hypercars.
Cars Ahead of Their Time: The Picks
Natalie's Picks
- Lincoln Mark LT (and Blackwood)
- Acura NSX (Second Generation)
- Citroën DS (1956-1972)
Elliot's Picks
- Honda Insight (First Generation, 1999)
- Subaru Baja (2003-2006)
- Chevy Volt (2011-2019)
Matt's Picks
- Volkswagen New Beetle (Late 1990s)
- Toyota FJ Cruiser (2007-2014)
- Honda Accord CrossTour
Dave's Picks
- AMC Eagle (1980)
- Nissan Juke (2011
- Infiniti FX45 (2002)
In Our Driveways This Week
Dave - Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
After finding the gas-powered Palisade underpowered, Dave was impressed by the hybrid version. He achieved 27 mpg over 300 miles of testing, with the torque and acceleration the gas version lacks. Starting at $44K for the base hybrid, it's expensive but delivers on space, efficiency, and performance.
Natalie - Range Rover Sport (Plug-in Hybrid)
At 75% the cost of the full Range Rover but delivering 90% of the experience, the Range Rover Sport impressed with its luxury execution. Natalie particularly enjoyed the polite, British-accented seatbelt warnings—a far cry from her Honda Accord's insistent beeping.
Speed Round: Our First Cars
Were they ahead of their time?
- Natalie: Acura Legend - Yes, a more affordable, reliable executive sedan
- Elliot: 1995 Chevy Blazer - Perfect for its time
- Matt: 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic (XJ) - Ahead of its time in 1980 when it debuted
- Dave: 1984 Volvo 240 GL Wagon - 20 years behind its time (but beloved)
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