Acura NSXFor a couple of decades after Lamborghini introduced its 1967 Miura, mid-engine supercars remained the domain of niche Italian automakers. Along with Ferrari, Maserati, DeTomaso, and a couple of other boutique carmakers, few challenged Italian hegemony. However, the end of Italy's dominance unexpectedly came in the form of a concept from Japanese automaker Honda when it presented the Acura NS-X concept at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show.Under the codename New Sports Experimental, Honda developed a car that would fulfill a desire to introduce Honda as a company making not just practical, economical, and reliable cars, but one that could make desirable cars capable of delivering performance beyond expectations. Thus, the concept featured multiple sophisticated design and engineering choices such as four-channel anti-lock braking, electric power steering, and all-aluminum construction. When the NS-X concept became the production NSX, it saw only modest changes, such as being slightly longer to accommodate its DOHC VTEC V6. And although it only produced 270 horsepower, its low weight meant it was still very fast. Furthermore, the NSX offered a rare supercar attribute: reliability. Not only was it the first mass-produced car with an all-aluminum monocoque chassis, it was the first supercar you could drive every day like any other Honda.Cadillac EldoradoEstablished in 1902 and named after the founder of Detroit, Cadillac is among the oldest car companies in the United States. Early on, Cadillac established itself as a leader in the luxury automobile market, selling opulent cars with the latest technology. As Cadillac prepared to celebrate its 50-year golden anniversary, it did so in the most appropriate way, with a car.Built for display at the 1952 General Motors Motorama, it was a one-off concept convertible show car demonstrating the ample luxury that Cadillac offered. Consistent with the theme of golden anniversary, Cadillac named it Eldorado after the mythical city of gold. Built on the existing Series 62 model, the show car featured multiple luxury upgrades such as power windows, AM/FM radio, and disappearing top. A compass sat atop the dashboard and aviation style gauges were installed above the glove box. They included a tachometer, clock with stopwatch, altimeter, and manifold pressure gauge. The Eldorado was also one of the first Cadillacs to offer air conditioning as an option.The success of the show car led to its inclusion in the lineup for the 1953 model year, starting at the extraordinarily high price of $7,700, although air conditioning would add $620 to that price. Clearly it was a success as Cadillac retained the Eldorado model until 2002, 50 years after its debut.Alfa Romeo Brera ConceptSomething nearly all cars ever built by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo have in common is beauty. Regardless of how well-built, efficient, powerful, or reliable any of them are, Alfa's styling through the decades manages to stir emotion through visual appeal. Its many concept cars share this trait whether they are likely to be produced or not. And while many concepts have little potential for production, the sporty 2002 Brera concept showed much more potential.Styled by the inimitable Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Brera concept looks like an elegant blend of practicality and style. With an elongated roof terminating at a rear hatch, the Brera concept provides a space for luggage while the vertically opening doors serve no purpose but to show off, and that's okay. Without a doubt, Giugiario knows how to sculpt an attractive machine, and the Brera is no exception.Once the Brera made it into production, the design was tamed but only a little. Alfa retained the shape and style almost completely but nixed the impractical doors and fitted it with a sensible interior. Otherwise, it remained a stunningly beautiful car. BMW Z4Roadsters have long been an integral part of BMW. The first came in 1929, and BMW has continued to build fun open-top two-seaters ever since. Highlights include the beautiful 507, while the Z1 of 1988 ushered in the modern BMW line of Z roadsters. The Z4 roadster, which was later introduced for the 2019 model year, first appeared as a concept back in 2017.While it appeared big and a bit aggressive with a shark-like quality to its nose, the kidney grille immediately branded it a BMW. However, as this concept made its way through the various Bavarian committees that approve new BMW models, it received a bit of Tokyo influence. It might be more specific to say the influence came from Toyota City because Toyota and BMW jointly developed the Z4 along with the new GR Supra.When the partnership became public, BMW insisted the Z4 and Supra would not be the same cars wearing different badges, and that proved to be true. While the Supra is a Japanese performance icon with a Bavarian heart, the Z4 remains a purely Teutonic luxury roadster as expected from the company. And while the concept strikes an impressive pose, the production car toned down some of its panache into something sensible for the buying public.