Motor Shows are a time for car manufacturers to show off the latest, soon-to-be-launched models but they are also used for a glimpse into the future.
Concept cars are headline makers for manufacturers and with Frankfurt, one of the biggest motor shows in the world having just reached it’s conclusion the array of concept cars on show didn’t disappoint.
Concept cars let manufacturers roll out their ideas and technology, showing-off what is technically possible for the future. They are also used to test the press and public’s reaction to future model designs - a bad reaction can see ideas binned whilst other concepts move forwards to becoming a future production car..
Here’s a round-up of some of the concept cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017 that caught our eye.
The Audi Aicon
Audi showcased it’s concept Aicon, a four-door four-seater car. It’s one of the largest concept cars on show, at 5.4m long it’s 20cm bigger than Audi’s long wheelbase A8.
The Aicon promises a 500-mile pure electric range, and the tech is mind blowing, how have we coped without a mini drone to illuminate our path once we step out of the car?
The Honda Urban EV
There’s something about this boxy little Honda that stands out from the rest of the sleek and sophisticated concept crowd
Honda says the Urban EV takes inspiration from the original Civic of the seventies, and will form the basis of a small electric production car arriving in 2019.
It’s small (smaller than the Honda Jazz,) minimalist and a four seater - we kind of love it’s simplicity and can imagine this on the UK’s roads in the not too distant future.
The Mercedes AMG Project One
Many of the big car magazines have said this AMG Project One was the star of the show.
This is not a supercar! It’s a hypercar! With an estimated price tag of £2.4million.
The Project One features a powertrain that isn’t just inspired by Formula 1, but lifted almost in its entirety from the racing cars. The turbocharged 1.6 litre V6 has four electric motors, over 986bhp and can take it from 0-124mph in six seconds.
The Smart Vision EQ for Two
Smart have long produced cars with a futuristic vibe and the Vision EQ for Two concept that was unveiled in Frankfurt is an electric, autonomous two-seat city car that could hit the roads in 2030.
It’s the same length as Smart’s ForTwo, but this autonomous vehicle it has no steering wheel or pedals. A central screen displays any info or entertainment the occupants require, while the front grille is a digital readout that can display welcome messages or alert pedestrians. A production car would have no private owner – instead customers can ‘hail’ it via a smartphone app.
Now that’s futuristic!