Concept cars are like your dream boyfriend or girlfriend: elusive, beautiful, and hard to get your hands on. But that doesn’t stop you from dreaming, does it? Here are 10 concept cars that you’ll drool over… most likely in public as you betray your chance of asking that cutie on the bus for their number because they saw you drooling on yourself.
Don’t even act like you haven’t been there.
1. Volkswagen Microbus
Debuting at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show, VW seemed to be ahead of its time as a futuristic, yet functional van that had amenities that are standard now but were virtually unheard of back then. If this concept went into production when it should have, the term “Mom Van” wouldn’t exist.
The “Bus” (as the cool kids would have called it) came equipped with motorized sliding slide doors, a ceiling-mounted LCD TV, rear-camera, 3.2-litre V-6 engine and more. Spacious, with three rows of seats and monitors, this was the one that got away.
2. Ford Shelby GR-1
The successor to the popular Ford GT, the GR-1 was built on the earlier 2004 Shelby Cobra concept roadster platform, which included a 6.4-liter V10 engine that had 605 horsepower. How valuable is it? It once sold for USD $82,500 at a
Sotheby’s auction. The body panels were created from polished aluminum, which definitely would have stood the test of time as chromed out cars are becoming more prevalent on the streets today.
3. Mini Beachcomber
The lovechild of a Jeep and a Mini Cooper, this concept would have been the ultimate car for adventurers and outdoorsy types. The open concept of the vehicle just screams “Adventure Time.”
Originally presented at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, the Beachcomber was a preview of the Countryman crossover. It’s basically a dune buggy-esque ride meant for fun. A modern imagination of the Mini Moke, the Comber was rumored to not be safe enough to pass crash standards tests. Might be due to the lack of doors and all.
4. Toyota A-BAT
No, this isn’t Batman’s next iteration of the Batmobile. The A-Bat stands for Advanced-Breakthrough Aerodynamic Truck and was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. This hybrid pickup truck was supposed to resemble a car, with its aerodynamic lines and distinct style that is unlike the competition. This hybrid had it all: 19-inch alloy wheels, solar panels, a 4-foot long bed, a modern interior design, 7-inch display screen, internet connectivity and more.
5. Toyota FT-1
Wonder what the FT stands for? It’s Future Toyota. The FT-1 is the successor to the popular 90’s Supra and a concept car that is actually close to production. Although technical specs of the vehicle are largely unknown, what has been made public is that it’ll posses a front engine rear-wheel drive configuration. It’ll also come fitted with an F1 inspired steering wheel, a
low-slung cockpit and a Heads-Up Display right above the wheel and in the driver’s line of sight.
Want to know more? Rumors state that Toyota will be announcing more details by the end of 2015 or early 2016. What’s crazier is that the FT-1 is a playable vehicle in the popular video game Grand Turismo 6.
6. Cadillac Sixteen
You know when a concept car really is a concept car? When it measures in at 19-feet long, has a V16 engine and weighs 5,000 pounds, while producing 1000 horsepower.
The Sixteen, according to Robert A. Lutz, GM vice chairman for product development and chairman of GM North America, in 2004, stated: “The Sixteen is a modern interpretation of everything that made Cadillac the standard of the world and can again.”
Originally debuting in 2003, this vehicle has made appearances in
Top Gear, Adam Sandler’s
Click and Hugh Jackman vehicle
Real Steel. Let’s hope it appears elsewhere, like the streets too.
7. Jaguar C-X75
Created to celebrate Jaguar 75
th anniversary , the Jaguar C-X75 is the ultimate expression of the Jaguar’s design and engineering innovation. While not planned for production, the C-X75 concept will be used for continuing research and development of future Jaguar technologies.
8. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
The Sesto Elemento is a masterpiece of extreme lightweight engineering and demonstrates the outstanding expertise of Automobili Lamborghini in all areas of carbon-fiber technology. Thanks to its sensational power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 Kilograms per hp, this very limited edition supersports car delivers unparalleled performance.
9. Alfa Romeo Disco Volante
It’s no surprise that the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante is quite a handsome fellow, but it’s not just it’s looks that make it a masterpiece. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, powered by a 4.7-liter 450-hp V8 good for a 0 to 60 sprint of 4.2 seconds.
10. Nissan IDX Freeflow
The IDx Freeflow, reflects a casual/lifestyle-focused vision. Its exterior color is a sophisticated combination of white and flax, invoking a casual feeling like that produced by the pairing of the venerable white T-shirt with khaki chinos, and highlighted with silver accessories or a belt. The overall visual effect is completed by the addition of stylish 18-inch chrome wheels wrapped in 195/50-18 tires.
