Creative Concept Cars
Though They Can’t Make it to Production,
They Still Inspired Future Designs
Recently, most cars have been released with little to no changes after testing consumer reactions through concept car designs. This means that designs that can be produced are adopted into the concept design, which is a practical advantage.
In the past, many concept cars stood out for their unique designer ideas, even if they were far from reality. Although they didn’t make it to production due to cost issues and unsuitability for mass production, they surprised fans with their creative designs. Here, we introduce three such concept cars.
Inspired by a Spaceship
With 24 Holes in the Rear
The first is Ferrari’s 512S Modulo. Designed by Paulo Martin, this concept car was unveiled at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. Its design was inspired by a spaceship. The canopy-style glass shield was designed to slide, allowing passengers to board from the front. The hood-integrated pop-up headlights partially covering wheels are unique. The rear engine cover has 24 holes. In the 70s, car manufacturers often adopted wedge-shaped designs for their future designs.
This car was produced only once and sold to James Glickenhaus, the American sports car brand Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus’s CEO, in 2014. He planned to make the Modulo concept car roadworthy. Initially, the Modulo could only move slightly forward and backward, but with the addition of a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-12 engine, it could hit the road. There was an incident where the car caught fire from the exhaust, but it was reported to have been successfully repaired.
Fabric Covered Exterior
Changes in Appearance Depending on the Situation
Next is BMW’s GINA, which was produced in 2008. The car structure is made of aluminum wire without steel panels, and a resilient waterproof fabric cover completes the exterior. In contrast to most car exteriors, which are made of aluminum and steel, the fabric cover gives it a rough appearance.
The GINA is built on the base of the BMW Z8 roadster, which has been in production since 1998. Some of its shape can change depending on the driving speed and weather conditions. The cover is waterproof and resistant to high temperatures and cold. The doors move horizontally in a scissor door style, unlike traditional doors that move vertically around a central axis. This design allows the doors to open up and down like scissors. The rear spoiler can be hidden and brought out as needed.
Resembles a Living Organism
Smooth Curved Lines
Last is Mercedes-Benz’s Vision AVTR. This concept car, displayed in Hanam, South Korea, was produced in collaboration with the production team of the movie Avatar. It is based on the theme of multiple organisms coexisting, as in the movie, 33 biomechanical bionic flaps were applied to the rear.
The bionic flaps move delicately like scales, giving the impression of a breathing organism. Except for this part, the car body is entirely made up of curved lines. Wave-like volumetric lines are applied to the fender and smoothly connect from the front to the rear in one line. The interior uses eco-friendly, non-animal materials, and the floor is decorated with wood.
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