5. Peugeot Flux
Winner of the 2007 Peugeot International Design Competition, the Peugeot Flux is a hydrogen-powered concept car, made from an aluminium chassis, covered with plastic body panels and fitted with polyurethane seating. Although not as inventive or unique as the rest of the cars on the list, the looks of the Flux alone are capable of transporting onlookers into the future and, for that reason, it has made this list of top concept cars.
4. Jaguar C-X75
Another stunningly attractive car, the Jaguar C-X75 steps ahead of the Flux on account of its possession of four separate electric motors – one for each wheel! Combined, these motors take the Jag from 0 to 62 in 3.4 seconds, generating 780 break horse power and over 1100 pound-feet of torque! Not only is this car a good-looking fuel-saver, therefore; it’s also a true sports car. Despite the 68-mile range of the electricity, the car features two micro-turbines, which increase the range to a massive 560 miles.
3. BRB Evolution
A concept car should be a step forwards; a statement about how technology should evolve to tackle the issues of the future. The BRB Evolution, therefore, is a concept car in the truest sense of the world – tackling the much-overlooked problem of overpopulation. As well as being electricity-powered, the BRB Evolution is capable of folding up to half its size, effectively doubling the amount of parking space available in the world.
2. The Magnet Car
In this day and age, the most important concept to which a car’s design can adhere is that of making use of alternative fuel sources. In this regard, Magnetic Air Cars Inc. have to make this top five list, as their Magnet Car goes one step further, managing to use no fuel whatsoever!
Using four air tanks of compressed air, the Manget Car can travel 500 miles at 35 miles an hour! Replacing gasoline with air also removes the need for cooling and ignition systems, carburettors and the rest of the moving parts that make conventional engines tricky and expensive to maintain. In terms of efficiency, running costs and eco-friendliness, the Magnet Car is arguably the best in the world.
1. BMW GINA Light Visionary Model
BMW’s GINA Light Visionary Model makes it to the top of this list for sheer originality, if nothing else. By replacing the conventional metal skin we associate with cars with flexible, stretchable fabric, BMW have created a car that is capable of shape-shifting to the extent that it can even blink its headlights, not something your typical used Mercedes Benz or BMW can shout about!
The “Geometry and functions In ‘N’ Adaptations” is not just a gimmick, however. Designed to “challenge existing principles and conventional processes”, the flexible skin is also water and temperature resistant and allows the driver to change the shape of the car at will. Yet, at the same time, every requirement of a conventional skin is met by this new fabric system; the engine can be accessed through a slit in the bonnet, the headlights are revealed like eyes opening and the rear lights shine through the translucent skin. Even headrests and a rear spoiler can ‘grow’ from inside the fabric, should they be required. The butterfly-wing doors open like leaves curling outwards from the stem of a plant, in a matter organic enough to be disconcerting. A thing of beauty, the GINA is a most exceptional concept car.