Concept car

Design

Concept cars are often radical in engine or design. Some use non-traditional, exotic, or expensive materials, ranging from paper to carbon fiber to refined alloys. Others have unique layouts, such as gullwing doors, three or five (or more) wheels, or special abilities not usually found on cars. Because of these often impractical or unprofitable leanings, many concept cars never get past scale models or even drawings. Other more traditional concepts can be developed into fully drivable (operational) vehicles with a working drivetrain and accessories. The state of most concept cars lies somewhere in between and does not represent the final product. A very small proportion of concept cars are functional to any useful extent, and some cannot move safely at speeds above 10 mph.

Inoperative "mock-ups" are usually made of wax, clay, metal, fiberglass, plastic, or a combination thereof.

If drivable, the drivetrain is often borrowed from a production vehicle from the same company or may have defects and imperfections in design. They can also be quite refined, such as General Motors' Cadillac Sixteen concept.

Notable concept cars

References

Works cited

References

1. [http://www.calcars.org/calcars-news/1005.html Chrysler "Jolts" PHEV Race; PHEV Ads; V2Green Acquired] {{webarchive. link. (December 19, 2008 , September 24, 2008, CalCars (California Cars Initiative))
2. (October 4, 2021). "What is a Concept Car? – Kelley Blue Book".
3. Vicky. (2022-11-25). "What is a Concept Car? Understanding Its Concept and Purpose – APW".
4. [http://www.cardesignnews.com/autoshows/2003/detroit/highlights/h06-cadillac-sixteen.html Cadillac Sixteen] {{webarchive. link. (November 26, 2005 , by Nick Hull, Detroit Auto Show 2003 Highlights, Car Design News, Inc.)
5. "Vision Gran Turismo".
6. (24 November 2017). "CCotW: Auburn Cabin Speedster (1929)".
7. (17 May 2015). "Sensation and Tragedy: The Auburn Cabin Speedster Story".
8. Wilkinson, Stephan. (2005). "Man And Machine: The Best of Stephan Wilkinson". Rowman & Littlefield.
9. "Manzù’s prototype for the Fiat City Taxi stars in the "Che macchina!" (“What a car!”) exhibition".
10. (June 22, 2007). "Bold Holden wins top US award". [[News Limited]].
11. (3 December 2024). "Jaguar's concept car divides opinion".
12. (2004). "Car Design". teNeues.
13. (1998). "30 Years of ItalDesign". Jack Yan & Associates.
14. [http://www.archinode.com/mitcar1.html Concept Car] {{Webarchive. link. (March 4, 2020 w/ GM & Frank O. Gehry)
15. Lasse Swärd. (April 24, 2012). "Ett säkert kort från Hisingen". Dagens Nyheter.
16. (April 19, 1973). "Volvo questions need for safety vehicles...".