Five concept cars from 2018 we wish they would build
MOTOR NEWS/ Last year was a year of many future concept cars shown. These are just a few of those we hope make it to production, writes Phuti Mpyane
From coupes to SUVs, 2018 offered a good glimpse of what new models to expect in future. These are five concept cars that bowled us over to a point of wanting to write letters to each brand pleading for them to be produced.
First shown at the 2018 Paris motor show, the e-Legend concept is the French brand’s vision for a fully electric and autonomous vehicle that looks nothing like the typical ho-hum, predictable looks of some modern concept cars.
In style it reimagines the Peugeot 504 sold from 1968 to 1983. It was such a refreshing hit with visitors at the Paris Motor Show, drawing big crowds to its stand surrounded by a bevy of bulbous new-shape cars and concepts.
We understand why. Nothing tugs at the heart strings like a classic coupe shape to remind the world why the past is actually the future. One of its lovely features is a 49-inch digital screen curved towards the occupants, who can watch films, media content or even a shot of the road, depending on the driving mode selected.
Subaru’s initial 2017 Viziv concept which harks back to the company’s station-wagon heritage is pleasant and good looking. But the second installation here, the VIZIV Performance STI Concept, really is the business.
It conjures futuristic, aggressive fantasies of how the STI performance car of tomorrow could look with hallmark STI design cues such as pink highlights and a massive rear wing and more aggression in tribute to Imprezas from years past.
It is believed that it will go into production since Subaru’s announcement that it will retire the current model, which we’ve recently driven in WRX STI Diamond Edition form. There is talk that it will be a hybrid drivetrain powering this VIZIV STI Concept but either way, it’s a worthy and exciting next step for the legendary pocket rockets. Please make it, Subaru.
With each generation of car lovers born since 1950 when the vehicle was first sold, certain people have fallen in love with Volkswagen’s kombi. The I.D. BUZZ concept is an EV bus that’s nearly 5m long, 1.97m wide and 1.96m high.
In short, it still offers the practicality enjoyed by hippies, families and modern day CaraCara lifestyle junkies, but it’s greener (no weed pun intended there). We love how VW has successfully captured much of the original’s trademarks such as two-tone colouring and that bulbous nose. The good news here is that the company has confirmed production within the next three to four years and there will be an I.D. BUZZ CARGO variant as well.
Audi’s logic-first approach to looks may have won it fewer fans than its segment rivals, however there’s always been a low lying rebellious streak in the design department. There already are a handful of new concepts from the brand like the GT e-tron concept but this PB18 e-tron stands tall.
The shooting brake electric hypercar is inspired by Audi’s Le Mans racing exploits while its name is derived from Pebble Beach a festival of extreme, rare and new concepts. Underneath the dramatic skin is an electric drivetrain with batteries and three electric motors.
Audi claims two seconds from 0-100km/h but with such a jazzy look it’s a pity it isn’t lumped with the screaming V10 from the R8. Even so, we love it.
This is in homage to the W125 Silver Arrow from 1937 and you have to see the Vision EQ Silver Arrow in the metal for your senses to be fully assaulted by its devastatingly good looks.
It sits very low off the ground, invoking the surreal aura of a speed demon. Preposterously large and thick wheels reminiscently poke out beyond the car’s shoulder height like the period racers.
It’s an astonishing collision of digital and analogue foundations. Either way, it’s one of the more exciting cars showing the potential of electric drive thrills.