Meus Renaissance
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It doesn't matter whether you're into cars or not, at some point or another, you've seen a 'concept' car design that, arguably, has looked more futuristic than what you've glimpsed of even in science fiction films. You're impressed that it isn't just a drawing but rather a physical object complete with the brand's insignia; it's actually real, you think to yourself. Let's look at some of these designs by beginning with perhaps the most talked about.
1. Chevy Volt
I know what you're thinking.
It isn't a new trend by all means. Take for instance the 1958 Ford Nucleon
What is the point of concept designs?
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/
1. Chevy Volt
Let's take the case of the Chevrolet Volt. At the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, this was the car of the show, green or otherwise. Heck, it's one of only two recent concept vehicles on Wikipedia's list of "Notable Concept Cars" (the other is the Holden Efijy). The Volt concept was muscular, aggressive and had this amazing thing called a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The PHEV powerplant wasn't unique to the Volt, but it wasn't available in any production vehicle at the time (still isn't). Since General Motors announced soon after showing off the car that it would go into production, the preview that people saw at the show (above) needed to somehow morph into a vehicle that could actually go into production (below). Many, many changes were made, but there are vital clues in the production version that were carried over from the concept model. The thin side mirrors got a bit taller, but they still have a skinny yellow light on them. The blades on the wheels remained, mostly, intact. And the powertrain, of course, is still there. Not everyone liked the way the production model turned out – it was the concept that got people excited, after all – but production versions are almost always toned down from their concept forefathers.
What did they turn out to look like when all was said and done?
I know what you're thinking.
It isn't a new trend by all means. Take for instance the 1958 Ford Nucleon
What's under the hood or available in the cabin can be just as wild as the exterior shell. One of the most famous concept cars is the Ford Nucleon, which was to use a radioactive core powertrain and could go a theoretical 5,000 miles before needing a recharge. The concept was never explored for production at any great length, but when we're talking about reasons to make a concept car, the Nucleon stands as a great example of what's possible.
The Mercedes BIOME, for instance, looks ridiculously gorgeous and their functionality seems incredible. But in many ways it reads like the wet dream of a car enthusiast because I'm not convinced any of these 'concepts' do, or will, actually come to reality. The article I've been quoting above reasons the intent behind these concept designs and their public unveiling is to simply get journalists talking about something. To hype them up. But ifs also a realisation that these things are never going to get made, whats the point of paying any attention to them?
What is the point of concept designs?
http://green.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/greenlings-whats-the-point-of-concept-cars/