Gone too soon: Discontinued vehicles for model year 2024

Easy come, easy go. As the industry evolves, automakers have to make decisions constantly about how to develop their lineups to keep up with marketplace demand, advances in technology and ever changing federal regulations. Adding to this shift are the rapid development of electric vehicle offerings and the autonomous capabilities that will collectively alter the future of driving as we know it.

There are a number of vehicle models that won’t live to see another year — some of which have had rich and storied histories within the brands they represent. Here are five familiar vehicles that will drive off into the sunset at the close of 2023.

Audi R8

After two generations spanning 16 model years, this two-seater is being discontinued. This midengined supercar first made its mark in the performance car segment beginning in 2008. Throughout its life, the R8 became renowned for its well-balanced handling that was made possible via an aluminum “monocoque” chassis and Audi’s standard Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system (although a later version was offered with rear-wheel drive). 

The Audi R8 is one of several amazing cars being discontinued for 2024. Photo by Audi.

An R8 Spyder convertible variant debuted in 2010. A GT model marks the final version available, but the retail price is a hefty $253,290, and there are only 333 units being produced.

Chrysler 300

The 300 launched in 2005 as a full-size sedan on the Chrysler LX platform that was available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive variants. The range of trim levels started with a base model V6 and ranged up to a 425 horsepower SRT-8 in the first generation; the second, from 2011 onward, was similarly diverse. 

After stunning drivers since 2005, The Chrysler 300 is on the chopping block. Photo by Stellantis.

Sales in the first few model years peaked at over 140,000 units per year in the United States but diminished to only about 15,000 units for the last few years. That downward trend was one of the reasons why Stellantis — Chrysler’s parent company — elected to put the 300 on the chopping block.

Dodge Challenger

Another Stellantis model, the Challenger performance coupe, is going out with a bang. The limited-edition 2023 SRT Demon 170 variant cranks out a mind-boggling 1,025 horsepower and 945 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 time is just 1.6 seconds. But to appreciate the newest Challenger, we have to look at the oldest. This model dates back to 1970, when it first became known in the muscle car segment. 

It's going to be a real challenge to let go of the Dodge Challenger. Photo by Stellantis.

The modern Challenger that most people will recognize came to market in 2008. Since then, over 700,000 units have been sold in the U.S. under various trim designations, including a high-performance Hellcat. Retro styling and diverse drivetrain options were two of the attributes that made it so successful.

Kia Stinger

This performance minded Korean midsize sedan is, in fact, technically a liftback, since it has a versatile cargo hatch in the rear. It has only been around since 2018, slotted in one of the industry’s most competitive segments. 

The Kia Stinger went out in style making the 2023 model a Tribute Edition. Photo by Kia.

Kia marketed the Stinger as a street-style icon throughout its lifespan, and in so doing injected a strong dose of performance. The GT2 version, for example, uses a 368-horsepower twin-turbo V6 and is available with all-wheel-drive. For model year 2023, the Stinger’s final iteration is a Tribute Edition, of which only 800 units are available for non-South Korean markets.

Nissan Maxima

KSL Cars looked at this model’s pending discontinuation last year, but it is now official that the car is saying farewell. The Maxima was around for over 40 years as what Nissan called a four-door sports car, leveraging its efficient yet capable series of VQ V6 engines for most of its later years. It remains to be seen when or how Nissan will bring the name back in the future, but rumor has it that an all-electric Maxima is in the works.

The 40-year run of the Nissan Maxima is coming to an end...at least for now. Photo by Nissan.

Closing window of opportunity

If you have ever dreamed of buying one of these five automobiles — off the showroom floor, anyway — begin your search with haste, because the clock is ticking and these cars are an endangered species. But if you miss out on buying one new, that’s OK because KSL Cars has a wide selection of previously owned vehicles. And these models are now future collectibles.

*The makes and models mentioned in this article are not placed in any particular order, nor intended to be viewed as a ranked list. KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.