This year has also proven to be a bumper period for exciting concepts and new-car releases. Even though the year isn’t over yet, we’ve already seen a nearly never-ending list of fresh designs and clever technologies.
We’ve taken a look over the year so far to find out some of the most exciting.
Citroen 2CV Concept
How could we not start with the Citroen 2CV Concept? Reviving one of the most iconic names in motoring, the 2CV Concept captures the spirit of the original with its cutesy styling draped over a new electric platform.
Inside, the concept is just as stylish, with a removable front picnic bench and a central cubby which has been styled to look like a wicker picnic basket.
BMW M Concept Neue Klasse
BMW is going through a big period of transformation and that’s evident in the Concept Neue Klasse. It has been launched to give an indication of what the next M3 will look like and features an aggressive exterior design which uses the latest i3 electric saloon as a base.
BMW hasn’t released performance figures for the concept, but we’re expecting big things when the production-ready version is revealed next year.
Renault 8 Gordini
Renault has been on a roll of late with cars like the 5 and 4, and it might be delving into a sportier area of its history with the 8 Gordini. It’s hard to ignore this striped concept which harks back to the original 8 Gordini of the 1960s.
Still relatively compact, it gets a single electric motor with 270bhp while the interior gets loads of classic features as well.
Vision Alpina
Alpina has now become a fully-fledged part of the BMW Group and the Vision Alpina was released to give an idea of where the brand is heading. Sleek in design, the Vision Alpina is 5.2 metres long, making it the same length as some Rolls-Royce models.
Full-grain leather has been used inside and while it’s unlikely that the Vision Alpina will make it into production, it provides a good insight into where this brand is heading.
Bentley Bentayga ‘X’ Concept
Released at the very start of the year, the Bentley Bentayga ‘X’ Concept made an entrance at the famous FAT Ice Race in Austria. Based on the standard Bentayga, the X Concept has been upgraded with chunkier tyres, beefed-up suspension and a roof rack capable of carrying a go-kart.
It’s even got a unique spotlamp setup to help light the way more effectively.
Genesis X Gran Equator Concept
Genesis has been on a roll with its concepts, releasing several over the past few years. The Gran Equator Concept is one of its latest and features 24-inch wheels and a big focus on off-road capability.
Inside, Genesis says that the concept takes inspiration from vintage cameras, with plenty of old-school touches combined with high-end materials.
Vauxhall STX Concept
More recently, Vauxhall gave us an insight into the future of its estate cars with the STX Concept. Released at the Paris Motor Show, the STX Concept is a striking ‘tourer’ which uses an electric powertrain and can manage up to 124mph, according to Vauxhall.
It’s also equipped with lots of active aerodynamic features to help it cut through the air as efficiently as possible.
