Concept cars are getting increased attention at auto shows as manufacturers test public reaction before deciding whether to put their ideas into production. Here are a few of the most dazzling concepts that were featured at the Detroit show in early January. At least a few of them will also be on display at the Greater St. Paul and Minneapolis International Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center, March 10–18.
The United States’ "Big Three"
The snub-nosed Chevrolet Volt is a four-door compact that proves General Motors is serious about hybrid technology. The Volt has an E-Flex power plant—its electric motor can go 40 miles on a charge, and the battery pack can be recharged on a household electrical outlet or by the car’s generator, which is powered by a 1.0-liter engine that runs on gasoline, E-85, biodiesel, or hydrogen.
Like GM, Ford brought several concepts to Detroit, including the Airstream, a cube-like crossover vehicle designed in collaboration with the travel-trailer company. It extends Ford’s domestic lead in hybrid vehicles, using a lithium-ion battery pack. Rear doors open to reveal a mini-living-room setting in the back.
Chrysler Group showed the Jeep Trailhawk in Detroit, a Wrangler-Cherokee type SUV, along with the nassau, a sleek, luxury people-mover loaded with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine.
Asia
Perhaps the most stunning concept at the major shows is the Mazda Ryuga, with extremely low-slung styling. Full-length doors rise up to allow simultaneous access to both the front and rear seats in the lounge-like interior.
Toyota and Lexus are showing their LF-A, an exotic sports car styled in the U.S. that has a 500-horsepower V10 engine.
Honda tends more than other automakers to put concepts into production, and expects its FCX hydrogen-fueled car to be on the market in a year, complete with a unit to make and store hydrogen.
Nissan’s squared-off Bevel hybrid has an electrical outlet inside, just like a household outlet, that can be used for recharging a laptop computer or other gear. When the engine isn’t running, solar roof panels provide the power.
Europe
Mercedes has a stunning new concept for a four-door luxury convertible called the Ocean-Drive, which could someday be the brand’s signature cruiser.
Audi has joined Daimler-Chrysler in using Bluetec clean-burning diesel technology, and has a showstopper in the R6 sports car, a potential challenger for Porsche.
Sweden’s Volvo goes beyond safety to advance styling in its streamlined XC-60 SUV.
