Top Concept Cars of 2016

Auto shows can be very exciting — experiencing all the shiny new production cars under one roof is a rush, but it’s the concept cars that usually grab most of the attention. Often conceived without safety systems, emission controls or other mass-production requirements, concept cars allow designers to color outside the lines and engineers to stretch their minds, fueling our fantasies about what cars could be. That said, some concepts look as if they could hit the highway tomorrow with little alteration, while others are so advanced or unique there’s no way we’ll see them on the road anytime soon. Here’s a quick look at concept cars that have been wowing crowds at auto shows thus far in 2016.
Acura Precision Concept — Detroit

Premiering at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the Acura Precision Concept is a sleek 4-door sedan developed to express “Precision Crafted Performance.” The low, wide front end is dominated by a Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by Jewel Constellation LED headlights, composed of organically arranged fractal elements. The sides are deeply sculpted and at the rear sit floating LED taillights. Created by the Acura Design Studio in California to explore new design ideas for future Acura products — particularly sedans — the Acura Precision Concept makes a strong case for function following form. The Diamond Pentagon grille is expected to become the new signature grille for Acura models.

Acura says the car’s key design theme, referred to as “quantum continuum,” takes the structure and materials from the exterior of the car and transitions them seamlessly to the interior. For example, the large rocker panel under each door flows into the interior side sill and then into a cantilever for the rear seats. The driver gets presented with a two-layer instrument panel, a compact race-inspired steering wheel with paddle shifters and a head-up display. The center stack is cantilevered with a wide, thin curved display screen.
Future Plans: There may be some design elements from the Precision Concept (such as the grille) that find their way into future mass-produced models, but it’s unlikely that this concept would ever reach production as is.

Audi h-tron quattro — Detroit

The German automaker showcased its vision of a new hydrogen-powered crossover at this year’s Detroit show. The Audi h-tron quattro concept presents the fifth generation of fuel-cell technology from Audi and Volkswagen. Lighter materials reduce the weight and improve performance, responsiveness and efficiency. The fuel cell delivers power to two electric motors — a 90kW motor on the front axle, 140 kW on the rear — representing a new possibility for Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive. Audi claims a zero to 62 mph time of less than 7 seconds, with a total range of about 372 miles with a full tank of hydrogen.

The h-tron also provides a test bed for the latest in autonomous driving and parking — features expected to go into production next year with the new-generation Audi A8. The system computes a model of the car’s surroundings in real time and makes this information available to the assistance systems, which can aid in parking or in stop-and-go traffic on freeways at speeds up to 37 mph. Another advanced technology in the h-tron incorporates multiple large OLED displays in front of the driver — wafer-thin films that can take on virtually any shape. The driver controls the lights and systems for autonomous driving with one of the screens, while the large display on the right is for managing media and navigation.
Future Plans: This car as we see it today will not become a production model, and fuel cells are still lacking an infrastructure to be feasible; however, many of the autonomous driving systems and some styling cues will certainly be found in upcoming Audis.

Buick Avista — Detroit

One of the surprise hits of the 2016 North American International Auto Show, the Buick Avista concept — an elegant 2+2 coupe — debuted the night before the Detroit show press days. Powered by a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, the Avista is a contemporary version of a grand touring coupe. “The Avista embodies the dynamic soul of Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of global Buick sales, service and marketing. “It is a modern expression of the brand’s heritage of sophisticated performance, communicated with beautiful elegance,” Aldred noted.

The Avista’s flowing body lines stretch front to rear; the roofline profile is uninterrupted by B-pillars. Headlights and taillights incorporate lighting elements that illuminate the edges to create 3-dimentional shapes, and a mesh grille includes Buick’s new winged tri-shield insignia. Twenty-inch aluminum wheels feature paint accents that match the Dark Sapphire Jewel exterior color. The interior design also features flowing, uninterrupted lines that are both elegant and simple. Door and seat trim are 3-D printed, and the wide instrument panel display includes a new version of Buick IntelliLink with touchscreen controls. A Superior Blue interior with Mist Gray leather seating inserts, console and door trim complements the exterior color. Exposed carbon fiber and aluminum trim complete interior details.
Future Plans: This is one of the most beautiful Buicks we’ve ever seen, but GM says they have no plans to put this car into production. That’s a shame.

Kia Telluride — Detroit

A new design for a 7-passenger luxury SUV, the Kia Telluride concept is the first look at a bold new direction for Kia, featuring advanced technology with an emphasis on the comfort and experience of second-row passengers. Designed in California and built on a stretched Sorento chassis, the Telluride is taller, wider and longer than the current Sorento. Finished in Dark Pyrite green paint, the Telluride fascia includes a larger version of Kia’s “tiger nose” grille flanked by recessed quad LED headlights, horizontal LED indicator lights, and a polished metal skidplate below the bumper. Pronounced wheel arches, 22-inch wheels and thin vertical taillights complete the muscular look. The hybrid all-wheel-drive powertrain combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a powerful electric motor to produce 400 horsepower while achieving 30 mpg on the highway. A fingerprint-activated start-stop button fires up the Telluride.

The first- and second-row seats include a series of diamond-cut openings in the seatbacks with embedded sensors that capture the occupant’s vital health information, displaying it on door panel screens and synchronizing it with a Light Emitted Rejuvenation system utilizing a massive, wing-shaped LED panel mounted beneath the sunroof. The LED panel displays a pattern of therapeutic light to treat desynchronosis (jetlag) and improve energy levels. Telluride also introduces new Swipe Command technology with a thin, touch-sensitive band in the second-row console; rear-seat passengers can select media with the swipe of a hand. Second-row passengers can listen through a premium Harman Kardon audio system or via a set of portable Harman Kardon headphones that charge wirelessly when stowed in the console. The dashboard, door panels and steering wheel include Kia’s first use of 3-D-printed components.
Future Plans: While no official announcement has been made regarding the Telluride, we could see a new 7-passenger crossover in Kia’s future based on this stylish SUV concept. Many of the high-tech features could also have a future — but don’t expect the suicide doors to make the cut.

Lexus LF-FC — Detroit

The Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept debuted at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show last October and was also on display in Detroit at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in January, featuring a look at the direction of design and technology for a future Lexus flagship sedan. The profile reveals a 4-door coupe roofline with elegant flowing lines, a long hood and short rear deck. At the front is a new version of the Lexus signature grille with a new mesh pattern, and daytime running lights that flow forward from the front fenders

The LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel-cell system that operates the rear wheels and two electric motors housed in the front wheels, making the LF-FC all-wheel drive with sophisticated torque-distribution control between the front and rear wheels. New technology inside includes an advanced human/machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures.
Future Plans: The styling of the LF-FC concept fits perfectly with the rest of the Lexus lineup, looking like the next generation without going too extreme. Again, in our opinion fuel cells likely won’t make sense for mass-market production, but only time will tell.

Nissan IDS Concept — Detroit

Appearing for the first time in Detroit this past January, the IDS Concept debuted in Tokyo last October to showcase the automaker’s attitudes on the future of autonomous driving. The IDS allows the driver to choose between manual or automated driving, providing more choices of assistance in every situation or taking over command of the vehicle completely, allowing the driver to relax. The interior configuration changes depending on the driver’s choice.

In manual drive mode, the steering wheel and controls direct the driver’s attention to the road. When piloted mode is selected, the steering wheel retracts into the instrument panel and is replaced with a large display, while the four seats rotate toward each other for easier communication between passengers. The Nissan IDS Concept also communicates with the outside world, providing recommendations for departure times, driving routes and even restaurant options.
Future Plans: Future Nissans may carry styling similar to the IDS, and although autonomous driving at scale may still be several years away, the communication technology in the IDS is more likely to reach production in the near future.

Nissan Titan Warrior — Detroit

The all-new Titan XD pickup is just arriving in showrooms, but Nissan decided it was already time to showcase a custom Titan. This Titan Warrior concept certainly stands out from the crowd with carbon fiber fenders, functional hood vents, carbon fiber cabin and tailgate spoilers, and a large front skidplate. Custom LED lights front and rear with integrated, roof-mounted LED off-road lights add to the concept’s aggressive styling. The custom suspension, large off-road tires and matte gun metal paint complete the look.

Designers had just as much fun creating the Warrior’s interior as they did the exterior. Seats are swathed in a carbon-colored high-strength seat fabric trimmed with “Magma” orange accents. The interior gets trimmed in carbon fiber, polished chrome and leather with accented Magma orange stitching as well. Other interior features include unique hot-and-cold drink containers integrated into the center console, and robust auxiliary toggle switches integrated into the center stack for additional off-road accessories.
Future Plans: Initially Nissan said they had no plans to build a vehicle like this; however, the custom truck has been very well received by show attendees and the press, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see a special edition Titan similar to the Warrior at some point.

Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active — Detroit

In Detroit Volkswagen provided a glimpse of the upcoming all-new Tiguan via this GTE Active concept. The concept was designed to showcase the possibilities of a plug-in hybrid with true off-road capability. With all-terrain tires and integrated roof lights, the GTE Active certainly looks the part. Dr. Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen brand board of management, explained: “The Tiguan GTE Active Concept shows the potential of the Volkswagen plug-in drive systems. The powerful all-wheel drive system ensures that an SUV such as the Tiguan offers superior off-road performance, even in 100 percent electric mode.”

The innovative powertrain in the Tiguan concept features a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine with two electric motors — one on the front axle, one on the rear. In normal driving situations the Tiguan GTE Active can run in electric-only mode, utilizing both electric motors when 4WD is needed. Tiguan can travel up to 20 miles without burning any gasoline; with a full charge and a full tank of fuel, the GTE Active boasts a range of 580 miles. The new Tiguan is slated to go on sale in Europe this spring, with a long-wheelbase version coming to the U.S. shortly after the European launch.
Future Plans: Although this concept features some special off-road styling and equipment, underneath all of that is the next version of the Tiguan. We don’t expect to see a plug-in hybrid version at introduction; however, it isn’t much of a stretch to see the high-tech powertrain making its way into the lineup soon.

Hyundai Vision G Coupe Concept — Chicago

When the Hyundai Vision G Coupe first debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, it predated the announcement at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November that Genesis would become the new luxury brand from Hyundai. On display in February at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the elegant Vision G Coupe design combines luxury and performance with advanced connectivity and new technologies that now indicate what to expect in future Genesis models.

From a performance standpoint, the Vision G is powered by Hyundai’s 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. Inside, new technology includes the Remote Wheel, which is an ergonomically designed semi-sphere haptic touchpad in the center console that offers intuitive touch and gesture interaction, responding to a simple wave of the hand to minimize driver distraction. In the center of the instrument panel is a curved display for a high level of detailed information, and all physical buttons have been removed for a simplified overall appearance.
Future Plans: Even though this car is clearly a concept, with the introduction of the Genesis brand the production of a performance coupe based on the Vision G makes a lot more sense.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Extreme Concept — Chicago

Sprinter vans are big vehicles providing excellent cargo-carrying capabilities. The Sprinter Concept makes standard Sprinters look tiny. Measuring 20 feet long and almost eight feet tall, this custom Sprinter Cab Chassis can carry 6,400 pounds of cargo or tow 7,500 pounds. Mercedes-Benz’ customizing partner RENNtech added a number of elements to make this Sprinter extreme, including a custom roof rack to support the six forward-facing spotlights, a custom brush guard with additional fog lights, and a powerful winch located on the front bumper.

A suspension lift package raises the Sprinter Extreme, making space for six G-Class-inspired beadlock wheels and aggressive off-road tires. Custom rear fenders provide additional room for suspension travel and tire clearance. A head-turning bright green vinyl wrap and chrome exhaust stacks on either side of the cab complete the extreme packaging.
Future Plans: We don’t expect to see anything like this on the road; however, this Extreme Concept provides an excellent showcase for the level of customization possible on the versatile Sprinter Van.

Nissan Winter Warrior Concepts — Chicago

There wasn’t much snow on the ground at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, which was too bad for Nissan since they brought the perfect snow vehicles. The company outfitted a Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue to conquer extreme winter conditions with a full snow-track system. The DOMINATOR Tracks come from American Track Truck, Inc. The tracks are 48 inches long, 30 inches high and 15 inches wide, replacing the vehicles’ wheels and tires. The suspensions and wheelwells were modified to fit the snow tracks, but otherwise all drivetrain components remain stock.

Nissan Design America created identical, custom matte-red chrome body wraps for each vehicle, featuring a unique “track” design and Nissan “Winter Warrior” signage. “With their solid Nissan underpinnings and exceptional ground clearance, these Winter Warriors are serious, extreme weather machines, not toys,” said Christian Meunier, senior vice president of Nissan sales, marketing and operations for Nissan North America, Inc.
Future Plans: Naturally these won’t ever be production models from Nissan; however, adding tracks to an SUV is certainly possible with aftermarket companies, but there are limitations — they don’t work so well on dry pavement.

Apollo Arrow — Geneva

Auto enthusiasts will remember the odd-looking but very fast Gumpert Apollo that still claims one of the fastest times for a production car around the famed Nurburgring track in Germany. In 2015, Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH was rebranded as Apollo Automobil GmbH, and in March at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Apollo showed off its all-new Arrow supercar.
Boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing an amazing 1000 horsepower, the Arrow will reportedly reach 62 mph in less than three seconds and boasts a top speed of 220 mph. Although the Arrow is still a prototype, Apollo fully expects the new supercar will exceed the impressive feats performed by the original Gumpert Apollo.
Future Plans: Assuming Apollo can get funding, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a production version of this Arrow in the next few years.

Opel GT Concept — Geneva

The European arm of General Motors brought this new GT Concept to Geneva. While reminiscent of the original Opel GT design from the 1970s, this concept is clearly looking more to the future than the past. “We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of the Opel brand. It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations,” explained Mark Adams, vice president of design at Opel.

With a long hood and short overhangs, the GT Concept has no mirrors or door handles to interfere with its pure sports-car-like lines. Building on a true sports-car theme, this small, lightweight 2-seater has a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels, with a 6-speed gearbox actuated by paddle shifters. On paper this looks like great fun to drive.
Future Plans: In 1965 Opel showed the Experimental GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show, then went on to build the Opel GT a few years later. So there might be hope for a new sports coupe based on this concept.

Subaru XV Concept — Geneva

Subaru has been providing glimpses of the next-generation Impreza over the last six months, and in Geneva we saw the planned direction of the Impreza-based XV Crosstrek. The Impreza 5-Door Concept debuted last fall in Tokyo, while the Impreza Sedan Concept made an appearance at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show. The XV represents what we expect will be the third and final Impreza-based concept. Like the current XV Crosstrek, the XV Concept features a raised suspension enhanced by black cladding running from the front bumper over the wheel arches to the rear bumper.

Showcasing a new look, the XV Concept features performance styling with a wide stance. The hexagonal grille clearly identifies this as a Subaru, flanked by what Subaru calls “hawk-eye” headlights. Bold fender flares reinforce Subaru’s legendary all-wheel drive system. Similar to the Impreza 5-Door Concept, the XV’s wide stance carries through to the rear, enhanced by the hatchback’s powerful shoulders.
Future Plans: Now that Subaru has shown the production-version of the Impreza, we expect to see new XV Crosstrek based on this concept later this year.

Genesis New York Concept — New York

At last fall’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai introduced Genesis as its new luxury car brand. At this year’s New York show the new brand revealed a very sexy sport sedan concept that provides a glimpse into the future product design we can expect from Genesis. “The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. “The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis, in New York.

With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the ‘Athletic Elegance,’ that characterizes GENESIS products and will continue to do so for future models that come from our luxury brand,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis. In addition to the sleek lines and futuristic interior, the New York Concept features an advanced hybrid powertrain with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Future Plans: With Genesis launching the new brand, we find it very likely that there will be a sports sedan in the lineup with lines very similar to this concept car, and we’d expect to see it in the next year or so. The interior of the concept is a bit too futuristic for production, but expect to see some of the high-tech features make it to production.

Honda Civic Hatchback Concept — New York

Honda is moving full-speed ahead with its Civic lineup. At last year’s New York show the Japanese automaker debuted the Civic Concept, and followed up shortly after that with the production model. Available currently as a sedan or coupe, the Civic line will soon be expanding to include a hatchback, as seen in this concept version of the upcoming Civic 5-Door.

With Euro-inspired styling and a versatile interior, the hatchback will be powered by the brand’s new turbocharged 174-horsepower engine. Honda also announced that the new hatch — as well as the sedan and coupe — will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission starting this fall.
Future Plans: Honda has already announced that the production version of this thinly-veiled concept car will go on sale this fall.

Lincoln Navigator Concept — New York

In March Lincoln debuted a stunning Navigator Concept at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, offering a look at what to expect next in a full-size SUV from Ford’s luxury brand. Inspired by luxury sailboats and yachts, a nautical theme carries throughout the design via the body lines, Storm Blue paint and teak wood trim. At the front is a larger, taller version of the grille design from the new Lincoln Continental sedan. Power gullwing doors provide easy access to a spacious interior. The doors are wide enough to access both rows and feature a series of three deploying teak stairs that drop when the doors are raised.

Inside, the Navigator Concept boasts the most spacious Lincoln interior ever with six Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats that adjust 30 different ways, finished in light blue leather. Monitors behind the head restraints provide second- and third-row passengers with Wi-Fi connectivity to share music and content from personal devices. For the driver a large panel displays key information and can be customized from a touchscreen in the center stack. The cargo area has a wardrobe management system replete with everything you might need for a day on the water. Power comes from a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces more than 400 horsepower, along with new technology to adjust for variable surfaces and weather conditions.
Future Plans: The Navigator is the last model in the Lincoln lineup to get a complete redesign, so we fully expect a production version based on this concept to be arriving soon. However, don’t expect these large gullwing doors in the production model, and the wardrobe management system is also unlikely to make the cut.

June 25, 2016