I have just finished reading an interesting automobile news article by Popular Mechanics, entitled “12 Concept Cars Headed for the Dealership.” The article highlights 12 concept cars presented by different automobile manufacturers at various auto shows that Popular Mechanics thinks will go into production in the near future and be available to the general public.
They probably know more than me about this sort of thing, but, hey, I thought I would give my thoughts on these concept cars anyhow. I agree with them that several of these may not look like the concept version when production starts. In fact, it will be an interesting comparison of the concept look versus the production look for those that do go into production. It would not surprise me if a few did not even go into production.
The twelve concepts cars that made the list are:
I listed them in order of my favorite to least favorite, strictly my opinion as a guy that likes cars
2013 Alfa Romeo 4C: It is a pretty nice looking car, but, to me it looks like a cross between a Mazda Miata, Mazda RX 7, Mazda RX 8, and second and third generation Corvette. I can not place my finger on which car it is, but the roof and front windshield remind me of another car. I agree with Popular Mechanics that at 250 horsepower, it does not jump out at you, but if curb weight comes in under 1800 pounds, it sure be pretty quick. One of my sons had a fourth generation Honda Prelude with a 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual transmission that was surprising quick and it weighted around 2850 pounds. If I remember correctly, his Prelude was putting out around 180 horsepower.
2012 Scion FR-S: Is it just me or do a lot of the inexpensive sports cars offered by some manufacturers look alike? Do not misunderstand me, I am not saying that they do not like good; I am just saying that they look very similar and I can not easily tell them apart. Unlike the Mustang, Camaro, or Dodge Challenger where at a glance I know exactly what brand of car I am looking at. Maybe it has something to do with the fact I grew up in the America muscle car era. I am not sure how well this Scion will compete against the V-6 Mustang or Camaro, performance wise it may be okay, however, I believe the Mustangs and Camaro lovers may not go for the look.
2012 Mazda 6 (Shinari): Hopefully it will look very close to the one that was revealed at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show. It sure looks nice. The engine area looks longer than the 2011 model. It has a diesel in it but no mention of a gas model.
2014 Audi Quattro Concept: Sounds like this may get some changes prior to production. Have to wait and see what it looks like closer to the estimated production timeframe.
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: Not bad. The cost looks be inline with similar models.
2012 GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept: Looks nice, maybe GMC will change their mind and offer a diesel version at production time, especially if gas prices stay too high. I wonder what the mpg will be for the gas version, hopefully good enough for people to want to buy this model.
2012 Ford Vertrek Concept: Popular Mechanics believes this will be the 2012 Ford Escape. If the production model looks stay the same as the concept, it is taking on the appearance of current crossovers offered by competitors. If that is true, I will no longer think of it as the baby brother of the Explorer and Expedition, but the baby brother of the Ford Edge.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell: I fully agree with Popular Mechanics with regards to the paint color on the concept car. Offer at least one other color. A purely electric car with motors on each wheel that produce an equivalent of 526 horsepower. Zero to 60 in a little over 4 seconds, hmmm. No hint as to pricing, but I believe will be up there.
2011 Mini Rocketman Concept: Sounds like the concept will not make production, but a weight reduced Coupe with two seats will be available. Every time I see one of these on the road, I wonder how it would stand up to being hit by an 18-wheeler.
2013 Jaguar C-X75: Nice looking car, but at an estimated $1.1 million, I do not believe you will see a lot these driving around on the streets in the USA, even though it is a hybrid. A hybrid that supposedly will go from 0 to 60 in under 3 seconds and a top end of 200 mph, now that is real interesting. Hmm, I wonder if that is in the electric-only mode. (Just kidding.) The estimated price was the controlling factor with this car.
2014 VW Bulli: Just does not work for me. Hopefully it will for VW.
2013 Cadillac ATS: This is one concept that I thinks needs a totally new look before going into production, to put it bluntly, in my opinion, this concept is one ugly looking car.
The first three on the list could all be switched around within the top spots. The Alfa and Scion are sports cars, whereas, the Mazda6 is a sporting four-door, so it would depend on what style of car I was looking for.
Well, there you go; my opinion on 12 concept cars that may go into production. (Oh why did I ever sale the 69 SS Camaro I once owned. The one I bought from my brother who special ordered it directly from the factory.)
