5
MERCEDES BENZ F400
The Mercedes-Benz F400 “Carving” Concept, also called the “Active Research Vehicle,” was unveiled in 2001 and was intended to be a testing ground for new technologies that would become standard in Mercedes production vehicles for years to come. Like modern-day aircraft, which employ a fly-by-wire system to move, the F400 uses “active camber control” to tilt the two front wheels by up to twenty degrees. The car also features special tires, similar to the tires found on motorcycles, which provide thirty percent more lateral stability than standard road cars. The F400 uses a computer to control an active hydro-pneumatic monitoring system, which adjusts the car's suspension and shock absorption based on road conditions. In the event of an emergency, the system can tilt all four wheels in a split second, shortening stopping distance significantly. This technology allows the car to go around corners faster and, more importantly, makes the car much safer to drive.
4
BMW CONCEPT 8-SERIES
The BMW Concept 8 is another concept that'll probably closely resemble its production variant set to be released in 2018. It's been 19 years since BMW released an 8-Series, and BMW will reportedly be releasing three variations of the car, a 2-door coupe, a 4-door Gran Coupe, and a cabriolet. The 8 series will be replacing the BMW 6-series and will almost certainly come with a much higher price tag. Although the concept will resemble the production version, the front end of the car will be tweaked to conform to pedestrian-impact safety regulations, and more robust door mirrors will probably be added. The 8-Series sits on 21-inch wheels and features a media controller made from Swarovski glass. The car will likely come with several engine options, but I'm most excited to see an M-badged version. The BMW M8 will share an engine with the upcoming M5, so it's definitely something to look forward to!
3
TOYOTA FT-1
I was lucky enough to see the Toyota FT-1 Concept at the Montreal Salon d’Auto a few years back, and I remember thinking, “It’s been a while since Toyota made something awesome.” "FT" stands for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” represents the ultimate sports car. The FT-1 design was inspired by the wind, with sleek lines and stunning curves that evoke notions of movement and speed. The car is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a low-slung cockpit, a nod to sports car proportions of the past.
This concept represents the successor to the beloved 1990s Toyota Supra and will hopefully become a full production car in the near future
It would seem that by designing the FT-1, Toyota is looking to build a car to be able to compete with the popular Nissan GT-R and the Acura NSX.
2
INFINITI Q INSPIRATION
The Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept is a gorgeous mid-size luxury sedan, and I hope they make it. That being said, I was surprised that the concept features a non-electric engine as that seems to be the trend that automakers are veering toward as of late. Instead of a silent, environmentally friendly battery-powered motor, the Q Inspiration is powered by a VC-Turbo engine ("VC" meaning "Variable Compression"), which combines turbocharged gasoline power and the torque efficiency typically expected from a hybrid or a diesel engine. According to Infiniti’s VP of global sales, Christian Meunier, “The premium sedan segment has become rather conservative, so the Infiniti Q Inspiration previews something that could appeal to a younger audience who seek modern design and new technologies to both inspire and empower them.” It appears that customers want good-looking and performance-based “four-door coupes,” and so, the Q Inspiration will likely compete with the Porsche Panamera and the Audi A7 when it makes it to production.
1
HONGQI B-CONCEPT
Unveiled at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the Hongqi-B Concept is a Chinese luxury sedan based on the current Mazda 6 Atenza platform. The Mazda 6 Atenza is made by FAW-Mazda, which is unsurprising, given that FAW, which stands for “First Auto Works,” also owns the Hongqi brand. The impressive vehicle features suicide doors, a huge grille, and the Hongqi “Red Flag” logo on the hood. The car’s interior is modern and luxurious, with a digital dash and Bose speakers built into the seats. The center of the steering wheel even holds an LCD screen. The Hongqi B-Concept seems perfect for transporting important dignitaries or celebrities, and I can easily imagine it being turned into an armored car for VIPs. While the model on display at the Beijing Auto Show was most likely a non-functioning mock-up, I hope the company moves forward with the production of this concept.