These cars make the rounds of the various car shows around the country which allows the common John Q. Public auto enthusiasts to see, consider, and talk about. If there’s a buzz, auto makers are enticed into bringing in a production vehicle or use the technology, etc., that is causing the buzz in their new models.
Here’s a list of new concept vehicles making the rounds of the auto shows this year:
Audi R8 V-12 TDI
This vehicle is said to have a “sexy shape” and an engine that generates 500 horsepower and 738 lbs./ft. of torque. It is being reported that production of this vehicle is being considered by Audi. The production version may not feature that V12 engine but reports say that if it doesn’t, it will carry a 4.2 liter V-8 diesel that generates 326 horsepower and 561 lbs/ft. of torque. A production version could be on the market as early as 2009.
Buick Riviera
It is not surprising that the concept Buick Riviera debuted in the Shanghai Auto Show in China. China is a great market for Buick where they sold 300,000 models of the nameplate in 2007. It is also no surprise when knowing this that the concept was constructed in China. It is a mid-size luxury coupe featuring 76-inch long gullwing doors which projects the name “Buick” on the ground when open. The car also features a hybrid powertrain. It is said that the car will be put into production and probably constructed in China. Dates have not been given.
Cadillac Provoq
This hydrogen fuel cell powered concept uses E-Flex architecture and is meant to preview an upcoming Cadillac Crossover called the BRX which is expected to be in showrooms in 2010.
Ford Explorer America
This is a smaller version of the Ford Explorer with unibody construction to save weight and a direct injection turborcharged engine. It is planned for production and release within the next five years. When released, it is expected to be offered with a number of direct injection turbocharged engine options.
Hummer HX
This version of the Hummer is said to be a down size with doors and fenders that can be removed to better visibility or make repairs easier on the trails. It features a 304 horsepower V-6 engine used on the Cadillac CTS. It is reported that it will go into production and dubbed the H4 within the next five years.
Land Rover LRX
This concept is meant to turn on the drivers who reside in the country’s suburbs. It is based on the LR2 and is expected to go into production within the next three years.
Lexus LF-A Roadster
This concept has been making the rounds for three years and two versions of it have been seen being tested in Nurburgring, Germany. However, Lexus says that the concept itself won’t be released and will remain a concept. It features a front-mid mounted V-10 engine and an eight speed automatic transmission. It is said to generate 500 horsepower and it is supposed to have a top speed of 200 mph. Pundits expect it to be released in the market within the next five years regardless of what Lexus says now.
Lincoln MKT
This is a crossover that can seat four but a production version of this is supposed to be able to seat six in three rows. It features a glass roof, banana silk carpeting and baroque engraving on the door handles. It is expected to go into production in 2010.
Nissan Forum
This minivan concept vehicle with a full luxury interior that includes a rotating second row of seats similar to Chrysler’s Swivel ‘N Go. It also has a center console microwave and trackless sliding doors and is said to be spacey. Although it is not expected to go into production, elements of it are expected to appear on the Quest that’s due out in 2009 or 2010.
Saab 9-4X BioPower
This concept looks like Saab’s Aero X and uses the same platform as the new Saturn Vue. It has a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 260 lbs/ft. of torque. The engine is constructed to burn E85 ethanol. It is expected to go into production next year.
More details and images can be found here. Our take? Don't be surprised that, when looking back in the next 10-20 years, if you see today's so-called "modern" cars too big, too wasteful, and ugly.