Exciting new cars of the near-future
As car technology continues to develop rapidly, we are seeing more green vehicles than ever before and the rise of artificial intelligence in the automotive industry.
New vehicles and tech advancements have got car enthusiasts excited for years. That’s why concept cars are so pawed over.
If, like me, you’re wondering what you’ll be driving in 10 years’ time, read on! I’ve put together a list of the top candidates. These are the most exciting cars being developed right now, blogs Tamara Hinson.
Here’s the lowdown on the concept cars generating the biggest buzz.
Audi AICON
The Audi AICON probably isn’t for you if you’re the kind of driver who loves getting behind the wheel, because there isn’t one.
The four-door electric car, unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, has a sleek glass roof and four electric motors, with one positioned over each wheel.
The most impressive claim? Audi says the car’s battery can be charged to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes, and the AICON can also be charged wirelessly. The mind boggles at such technology!
Lexus LF-1 Limitless
The recently unveiled Lexus LF-1 Limitless is a super-sized vehicle being marketed as a more realistic take on the future of luxury SUVs.
It won’t double as a living room or charge with the tap of an iPhone, for starters. What it will do is get you from A to B in comfort and style, thanks to a series of touchpads and a glass roof that stretches the length of the vehicle.
It’s certainly one of the sleeker concept cars we’ve seen, thanks partly to the decision to replace wing mirrors with 360-degree cameras, the presence of wraparound rear lights, and an incredibly low profile.
Mazda Vision Coupe
When it came to this concept car’s design, Mazda dug deep, researching the Japanese concept of ‘ma’ (negative space) and combining flowing lines with a sporty silhouette.
Designers focused on creating a sense of spatial harmony between the driver and the four-door car’s controls, aided by the use of touchpads.
They also took their time. While concept cars are often knocked up in under 12 months, Mazda produced 10 sculptures over the space of two years prior to unveiling the Vision Coupe.
BMW Concept 8 Series
BMW’s 8 Series is a hi-tech beast.
There’s a heated steering wheel, an entirely-digital instrument stack, and radar-assisted cruise control. But, it’s also one of the most stylish concept cars around. This is thanks to flared rear arches housing 21-inch alloy wheels, an oversized kidney grille, and a distinctive carbon fiber front lip.
When the car was unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, I was instantly smitten with its color. The shade, Barcelona Grey Liquid, was designed exclusively for the concept car.
Honda Clarity
Full disclosure – this is no longer a concept car. It’s now available in the US, but it’s yet to be available in the UK.
But, I reckon its status as the world’s most advanced fuel cell vehicle justifies its inclusion, and I also love the fact that it comfortably accommodates five passengers – a first for this type of vehicle.
It’s also got the longest maximum driving range rating of any zero-emission vehicle (650 kilometres), and the use of ultra-high tensile steel means it weighs 15 percent less than other vehicles of similar sizes. Worth moving to the US for? You decide.
Mercedes-Benz F015
Yes, this four-door car might bear an uncanny resemblance to a mole, but on the inside, it’s a work of art.
Designed to be both a vehicle and a private retreat, the interior is a lounge-like space, complete with coffee table, bucket-style, face-to-face seats, and interior panels which double as high-resolution screens.
Mercedes-Benz promises that the car, which will be an electric hybrid, will be able to cover similar distances to diesel vehicles, but on electricity alone and with no emissions.
Nissan IMx KURO
Say hello to the Nissan IMx KURO, which uses what Nissan refers to as Brain-to-Vehicle (B2V) technology that has the ability to interpret signals from the driver’s brain to assist with driving.
The steering wheel also houses Nissan’s ProPILOT system, which enables fully autonomous operation – with just the flick of switch drivers will be able to recline the car’s seats and let the computer take the wheel.
VW ID BUZZ
A modern twist on the world’s most iconic campervan, the VW ID BUZZ can travel up to 965 kilometers on a single charge.
VW’s Intelligent Co-Pilot system enables the vehicle to assess dangers and respond accordingly. Clever positioning of the electrical components allows the front and rear axles to be spaced far apart, creating a spectacular sense of space.
All eight-passenger seats can move independently, and a built-in tablet allows drivers and passengers to control everything – from air-conditioning to audio – with minimal movement.
Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e
Bentley’s concept car, unveiled last year, is both convertible and electric – my favorite words.
I’m particularly taken with the center console – a huge section of curved glass incorporating a high-definition OLED display. There’s more glass in the steering wheel, where controls for media, communications, and navigation sit beneath hand-cut glass panels. My favorite bit is the button at the top of the wheel. Engraved with the image of a rocket, a quick press will instantly boost the car’s performance. https://www.avis.co.uk/inspires/