With the constant development of new car models, some are inevitably killed off. Usually, cars are discontinued because of a lack of sales, and therefore interest, so no one's too sorry to see them go. But sometimes, iconic nameplates have to be axed too. The last few years have already seen plenty of notable names get the can, including the Chevy Impala and Toyota Land Cruiser. But, there might be even more very soon.

RELATED: 10 Coolest New Car Nameplates Launched In 2021

Mostly, these endangered cars are slow sellers, but there are some that the manufacturer decided aren't worth the cost of developing a new model, even if there's still interest in the current generation. It's an issue that stretches right across prices and segments, from the electric hatchback sector right through to one very well-loved muscle car nameplate. It's uncertain whether these cars will be killed off yet, but based on reports and leaks, it seems very likely they'll be discontinued soon.

8 VW Arteon

VW Arteon
Via VW Media

Volkswagen's premium sedan sits in a very competitive sector that's dominated by other German imports, like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. There's nothing particularly wrong with the Arteon, but its lack of a unique selling point has failed to attract customers away from its rivals.

VW Arteon
Via VW Media

VW's brand image also has less appeal than the likes of BMW and Audi, and it means the Arteon is a consistently low seller, shifting just 2,449 units in 2019. With numbers like that, it seems inevitable that VW will have to kill the model off sooner or later.

7 Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar F-Type
Via Jaguar Media

Since the arrival of its new CEO Theirry Bolloré, Jaguar has been having a bit of an identity crisis. The problem it faces is existential: its sales numbers are stagnating and it's having trouble attracting new clientele. To solve this, Bolloré has ordered a huge shake-up of the brand's range, including the axing of the upcoming XJ sedan.

Jaguar F-Type
Via Jaguar Media

The XJ is a long-running model in Jag's lineup and shows there are no sacred cows where the rejuvenation drive is concerned. There are rumors the F-Type might well be next on the chopping block since it's a relatively low seller and hasn't attracted as much attention as Jaguar had hoped. It's recently been given a mid-life refresh, so it's safe for a few years, but it may not live to see another generation.

6 BMW i3

BMW i3
Via BMW Press

When it first launched, BMW's "i" range was very innovative, but it's suffered from several key problems. Firstly, there were initially only two models in the i lineup, which didn't give buyers much choice. Secondly, the more affordable option, the i3, was downright ugly.

RELATED: These Upcoming EVs Make The Future Look Bright

BMW i3
Via BMW Press

BMW reportedly isn't phasing the i3 out just yet as there's still enough demand for it in the current market. When that demand eventually drops, the car probably won't survive though, as in the last year or so BMW has broadened its i range to include cars like the i4 and crossover iX. It means there won't be much need for the i3 anymore, so it's likely to face the chop.

5 Chevrolet Spark

Chevrolet Spark
Via GM Media

In 2018, Ford made headlines when it decided to phase out all but two of its car models, changing to crossovers and trucks. So far, it seems to have been a successful strategy, which begs the question of whether Chevy will do the same. It's already discontinued the long-running Impala, leaving just the Spark and the Malibu as its passenger cars.

Chevrolet Spark
Via GM Media

Out of the two, the Spark is more likely to be axed, as it's the smallest and therefore means Chevy will make less profit on each unit. Parent brand GM has already announced they're aiming for an all-electric lineup in the future, and the Spark is too small to realistically make a profitable EV out of. Therefore, it's on the danger list for disappearing altogether.

4 Audi R8

Audi R8
Via Audi Media Center

It's been in production since 2006, although it might not be for much longer. The Audi R8 is the German brand's halo product, and also their only true supercar. It's enjoyed much success over the years, both critically and in sales numbers. But, when the current generation comes to the end of its life, the R8 might be axed.

Audi R8
Via Audi Media Center

However, there will likely be an equivalent replacement. It should be developed alongside the successor to the Lamborghini Huracan, with which the R8 shares its underpinnings. However, it probably won't be called the R8, which means the nameplate will probably be retired.

3 Infiniti Q60

Infiniti Q60
Via Infiniti Press

As the popularity of the premium coupe sector continues to decline, manufacturers will start trimming their lineup to better match demand. Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti has struggled to make a dent in the US market for years, and their Q60 coupe is now part of a segment that's dying anyway.

RELATED: Complete Guide To Infiniti's Car Lineup

Infiniti Q60
Via Infiniti Press

Reports from last year suggest that the Q60 will be eventually discontinued, as it's simply not worth the money for the brand to develop a new generation of the car. Nissan is already cutting Infiniti's budget thanks to their recent financial troubles, so it may well be that other models get cut along with the Q60.

2 Ford EcoSport

Ford EcoSport
Via Ford

Let's get one thing straight: the Ford EcoSport isn't a very good car. It's essentially a hatchback on stilts, with an underpowered engine and a harsh ride. Around the world, it's sold fairly well, but Ford has already taken steps to replace the EcoSport with something better.

Ford EcoSport
Via Ford

Ford closed their factory in Naberezhnye, Russia, in 2019, ending production of the EcoSport there. There have also been reports that the brand has been readying a Fiesta-based SUV as its replacement, although as of yet it's not been named. It might not have been officially killed off yet, but it seems the EcoSport's fate is sealed.

1 Dodge Hellcat

Dodge Challenger Hellcat
Via Stellantis Media

It's a best-seller and loved by car fans and owners across the US, but the Hellcat brand might not live too much longer. Dodge's CEO Tim Kuniskis has already admitted that the days of the V8 are numbered, as they simply can't meet emissions standards anymore. The brand's parent company Stellantis is already preparing for electrification anyway, so that's likely where the development money will be going.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat
Via Stellantis Media

It may be that the Hellcat nameplate continues as an electrified model, but this seems very unlikely. After all, the whole reason fans love the Hellcat motor is that it's a gloriously old-school, tire-shredding slice of American metal. An electric version just couldn't live up to the name. So, as the electrification of Dodge takes place, it seems the Hellcat name may soon be consigned to the history books.

NEXT: These 2021 Models Will Last You 300,000 Miles