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@patina.research Some of the most interesting automotive test mules 1. Nissan Skyline GT R R32 – Nissan used an R32 GT R prototype disguised with a Nissan Silvia body to complete thousands of kilometers of durability and high speed testing at the Nürburgring before the car entered production in 1989. 2. Plymouth Prowler – Early Plymouth Prowler prototypes wore Jeep Wrangler style bodies to disguise Chrysler’s new aluminum chassis and front suspension during road testing. 3. Porsche 924 – Porsche developed the 924 drivetrain by hiding it beneath a modified BMW 2002 body before the production car’s design was finalized. 4. Jaguar XJ220 – Jaguar engineers disguised the XJ220’s twin turbo V6 prototype inside a plain Ford Transit van to test the powertrain on public roads without attracting attention. 5. Rolls Royce Cullinan – Before the Cullinan SUV was revealed, Rolls Royce tested its aluminum architecture and suspension using a Phantom fitted with an extended ride height and SUV style components. 6. C8 Corvette – Holden built this widebody Holden Ute as a mule to develop the mid engine Corvette platform years before the C8’s official unveiling. 7. McLaren F1 – The McLaren F1’s V12 and chassis were developed using the purpose built Ultima based “Albert” prototype before the final carbon fiber F1 was completed. 8. Ferrari Enzo – Ferrari tested early Enzo mechanicals beneath heavily modified Ferrari 348 bodywork to conceal the upcoming supercar’s new chassis and V12. 9. Mercedes Benz CLK GTR – Mercedes tested the CLK GTR’s race derived mechanicals beneath a McLaren F1 GTR style body before the production bodywork was ready.
