37 Visionary Concept Cars To Dream Of

Nissan NX 21

Concept cars, like art and design, may not always cater to the masses, but they excel at challenging norms and sparking innovative thinking. This gallery explores concept cars that, though often ahead of their time, have inspired new perspectives and contributed to industrial innovation.

The Nissan NX 21 was a concept car introduced by Nissan in the late 1980s. Unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, it showcased innovative design elements and advanced technology for its time. The car featured a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, along with a futuristic interior with a digital dashboard. Despite its captivating design, the Nissan NX 21 never made it to production, remaining a notable concept that reflected Nissan's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology. Nissan

Vauzhall SRV

As the car accelerates beyond triple-digit speeds, a slight sense of instability emerges, the wheel lightening as the front lifts. No cause for concern; a simple adjustment of the front spoiler and a press of buttons to lower the rear ride height address the issue, complemented by a quick refuel. Despite the speedometer needle at a standstill in a Middlesex studio, the turbocharger whirs to life with a noisy symphony of fuel and air injection into the compact twin-cam motor. However, this is no runway; it's a studio, and the car's name, Styling Research Vehicle (SRV), hints at its purpose. While lacking in functional engineering for a vision of the future, the SRV feels surprisingly complete and exotic, making the presence of Vauxhall's Griffin emblem on its flanks a somewhat unexpected detail. Vauzhall

Alfa Romeo Alfasud Caimano

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud Caimano was a concept car presented by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo in 1971. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, this compact and futuristic concept aimed to showcase Alfa Romeo's innovative design direction.

The Alfasud Caimano featured a distinctive wedge-shaped body, large glass panels, and gull-wing doors, giving it a unique and aerodynamic appearance. Despite garnering attention for its avant-garde design, the Alfasud Caimano, like many concept cars, never entered mass production. Alfa Romeo

Audi Asso di Picche

The Audi Asso di Picche, which translates to "Ace of Spades" in Italian, was a concept car introduced by Audi in 1973. Designed by noted automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the Asso di Picche showcased a striking wedge-shaped design with a distinctive rear end. The car featured gull-wing doors and a mid-engine layout, emphasizing both performance and avant-garde styling. Audi

Opel GT2

Opel's GT2 concept car, a pinnacle of the brand's innovation showcased in previous decades, stands out for its crisp and geometric design. During an era when Opel enjoyed success in the European automotive market, the GT2 emerged as a testament to the brand's commitment to cutting-edge concepts. Crafted by the then relatively unknown designer Jean-François Venet, the GT2 represented his breakthrough project before making a significant mark in the French automotive industry. Despite Opel facing challenges in the 2010s with changes in corporate ownership, the GT2 remains a symbol of the brand's earlier creative prowess and its influence on emerging talents like Venet. Opel

Volvo Tundra

The Volvo Tundra, a concept car crafted by Bertone in 1979, was based on the Volvo 343 with a design directive to create something captivating. Marcello Gandini's angular design, building on themes from the Lamborghini Silhouette and the Reliant (Anadol) FW11, was ultimately rejected by Volvo due to its perceived modernity and marketing challenges.

There is a common misconception that a similar design was sold to Citroën, resulting in the Citroën BX from 1982 to 1994. However, this is inaccurate, as Citroën independently developed their model. The Tundra's distinctive rear-side window design, featuring a pulled-down top edge, foreshadowed the floating roof trend that gained popularity in the 2010s. Powered by a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine, the car boasted a digital speedometer, delivering 70 PS (51 kW). Volvo

Audi Avus Quattro

The Audi Avus Quattro was a concept car that debuted at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show. Designed to showcase Audi's technological prowess, it featured a sleek and futuristic aluminum body. The car was powered by a W12 engine, a notable innovation at the time, capable of producing around 509 horsepower. The Avus Quattro incorporated advanced materials and design elements, such as the extensive use of aluminum, both in the chassis and body. Audi

Maserati Birdcage

The Maserati Birdcage represents a lineage of iconic concept cars that blend avant-garde design with high-performance engineering. Originating with the Tipo 63 in the early 1960s, characterized by its distinctive chassis and powerful V12 engine, the Birdcage name was revived in 2005 with the Maserati Birdcage 75th concept. This modern interpretation showcased a futuristic carbon fiber body and a mid-mounted V12, embodying Maserati's dedication to innovation and celebrating the brand's rich racing heritage. Maserati

Buick XP-300

In 1951, General Motors introduced the Buick XP-300, a pioneering creation by Charles Chayne, the Vice President of Engineering. Boasting a powerful 335-horsepower V8 engine, the XP-300 was designed to run on both gasoline and methanol, potentially reaching speeds of 140 mph. The vehicle showcased innovative features like push-button seats and windows, which later became standard in future cars. Notably ahead of its time, the XP-300 exhibited stylish elements such as a sleek grille, trim work, and fins, setting design trends that would eventually be incorporated into other GM cars. Buick

Alfa Romeo BAT

Introduced in 1953 by Alfa Romeo, the BAT (Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica) marked a significant series of three concept cars designed by the renowned car designer Giuseppe Bertone. Alfa Romeo aimed to enhance vehicle aerodynamics with these distinctive creations. The BAT series achieved remarkable levels of low drag coefficient, a feat that remains noteworthy even by today's standards. The cars featured striking design elements, including massive rear bumpers and curved fins, showcasing Bertone's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics and performance. Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Carabo

The Alfa Romeo Carabo is a remarkable concept car introduced in 1968. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Carabo is renowned for its futuristic and angular styling, incorporating scissor doors that would later become a Lamborghini trademark. The striking wedge-shaped profile, along with its distinctive upward-hinged headlights and dramatic use of green acrylic glass, made the Carabo an iconic representation of avant-garde automotive design during the late 1960s. Powering this visionary concept was a V8 engine sourced from the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, further emphasizing its performance-oriented nature. The Alfa Romeo Carabo remains a celebrated symbol of automotive innovation and design excellence from that era. Alfa Romeo

Lamborghini Athon

Crafted in 1980 under the design legacy of Carrozzeria Bertone, the Lamborghini Athon faced the formidable task of succeeding the iconic Miura and Countach. Assigned to showcase Lamborghini's future amidst financial challenges, designer Marc Deschamps drew inspiration from the Louvre, envisioning a pyramid-like profile akin to the Karin if the Athon had a roof.

Built upon the Silhouette production car's chassis, sharing its 3.0-litre V8 engine, the Athon featured Bertone's signature style—sharp creases, geometric panels, and innovative glazing, resembling something out of Battlestar Galactica. The interior boasted early touchscreen technology with rudimentary video game graphics, a gear lever resembling a carving knife handle, and a steering wheel with an oddly offset single spoke, showcasing Bertone's commitment to pushing design boundaries. Lamborghini

Briggs & Stratton Six-Wheel Hybrid

In 1980, Briggs & Stratton unveiled the Six-Wheel Hybrid, a pioneering concept vehicle that challenged the prevailing automotive norms. While not the first hybrid concept—Fiat's 131 Ibrido beat them by a few months—the Briggs & Stratton offering stood out with its distinctive six-wheel configuration. Demonstrating a commitment to efficiency during a decade marked by oil crises, the hybrid showcased that a modest yet robust air-cooled 694cc flat-twin engine could meet the demands of cruising at the US national speed limit of 55mph. The unconventional power setup, with one rear axle driven by the engine and the other powered by 12 lead-acid batteries, allowed for an impressive electric-only range of 50 miles and a top speed of 68mph, underlining the vehicle's forward-thinking design and performance capabilities. Briggs & Stratton

ItalDesign Machimoto

The ItalDesign Machimoto of 1986 showcased a peculiar fusion – a hatchback blended with a motorcycle, answering a question seemingly unasked. The quirkiness fully unfolds when seeing press shots filled with passengers, as the Machimoto had the capacity to seat up to nine people on tandem bike saddles arranged in two rows. Despite utilizing the Golf drivetrain, even the GTI version, the challenge of moving such mass wasn't entirely offset by the open design lacking a roof, full windscreen, or conventional doors. The driver positioned behind a steering wheel incorporating fold-out handlebars added to the unconventional steering dynamics, making it advisable for all passengers to wear motorcycle safety gear. Despite its uniqueness, the Machimoto, an idea ahead of its time, didn't gain traction in the automotive landscape. ItalDesign

Bertone Genesis

The Bertone Genesis, unveiled in 1988, defied expectations under its sleek exterior. Contrary to assumptions of a Lamborghini V8 like its predecessor, the Athon, the Genesis boasted a Lamborghini V12 engine, specifically sourced from the Countach Quattrovalvole. Paired with a three-speed Chrysler Torque-flite automatic gearbox, the 5.2-liter powerhouse delivered an impressive 455PS. Positioned at the front, partially beneath the front seats accessible via gullwing doors, it showcased an unconventional layout.

The cabin, adorned in cream and red Alcantara, presented an opulent yet seemingly impractical choice for a family four-seater. With sliding rear doors offering access to plush reclining rear seats featuring adjustable leg rests, the Genesis was a departure from conventional design. While not a modern-day Lamborghini Marzal, which inspired the stunning Espada, the Bertone Genesis stood as a fully functional concept, showcasing the result of substantial investment in design and engineering, even if the exact rationale behind its creation remains somewhat elusive. Bertone

Plymouth Voyager III

Minivans, three-seaters and six-wheels seem to be the design tropes of the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the tail-end of the decade that someone thought to combine them all. Plymouth, recognising that Americans were apt to buy cars far larger than they needed, mistakenly believed that they wanted an alternative. The resulting Plymouth Voyager III was therefore not one car but two.

Car number one was a compact, three-cylinder, propane-burning, front-wheel-drive hatchback with three-abreast seating perfectly sized for the city commute. Its companion vehicle was an attachable pod, with its own engine and double rear axle, which could be mated to the hatchback to provide total passenger carrying capacity of 11. The two engines gave the car four-wheel-drive and, Plymouth claimed, similar power output to a traditional V8. The rear wheels of the front section retracted upwards when the cars were joined to prevent steering problems, sadly hiding the fact that this over-complicated behemoth was in fact an eight-wheeler. Plymouth

Buick Y-Job

Introduced by General Motors in 1938, the Buick Y-Job, crafted by the esteemed car builder Harley Earl, earned the title of "the car of the future" from the 1930s automotive press. This visionary vehicle showcased groundbreaking elements that would become commonplace in modern cars, including innovative features like concealed headlights and electrically powered windows. Earl's forward-thinking design with the Buick Y-Job left an indelible mark, setting a precedent for future automotive advancements. Buick

Ford Nucleon

The Ford Nucleon, conceived in 1957, stands as a pioneering concept car in the realm of nuclear-powered vehicles—a distinctive idea explored by several designers during the 1950s and 1960s. Although only showcased as a scale model, the Nucleon envisioned a future without an internal-combustion engine, proposing instead a small nuclear reactor for power. This ambitious concept aimed to highlight the potential of nuclear energy for automotive propulsion. Despite never advancing beyond the scale model stage, the Ford Nucleon remains an intriguing artifact, reflecting the era's fascination with innovative and unconventional approaches to automotive design and technology. Ford

Chrysler Turboflite

The 1961 Chrysler Turboflite was a groundbreaking concept car that epitomized the futuristic design trends of the early 1960s. Introduced by Chrysler, the Turboflite featured a distinctive and aerodynamic body design, characterized by its prominent, forward-swept wings and a futuristic bubble canopy. The car's exterior design was complemented by a unique tilting cockpit canopy, providing easy access to the interior.Under the hood, the Turboflite showcased an experimental gas turbine engine, demonstrating Chrysler's exploration of alternative propulsion technologies during that era.

The interior of the Turboflite was equally forward-thinking, featuring a space-age design with futuristic controls and seating arrangements. While the Chrysler Turboflite never made it to production, it left an indelible mark on automotive design, embodying the spirit of innovation and experimentation prevalent in the early 1960s. Chrysler

Buckminster Fuller Dymaxion

The Dymaxion car was a concept designed by visionary architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller in the 1930s. Introduced in 1933, the Dymaxion car was a three-wheeled vehicle with a teardrop-shaped body, capable of seating 11 passengers. Its innovative design featured a rear-mounted Ford V8 engine and a single front wheel for steering.

The Dymaxion car aimed for enhanced aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, with a focus on maneuverability.Despite its innovative design, the Dymaxion car faced challenges, including stability issues, and a well-publicized accident during a public demonstration led to negative perceptions. Only three prototypes were built, and the project was ultimately discontinued. While the Dymaxion car was not a commercial success, it remains a fascinating and influential piece of automotive history, showcasing Buckminster Fuller's bold ideas and experimental approach to transportation design. R. Buckminster Fuller

Ford Gyron

Introduced in 1961 by Ford, the Gyron stands as an intriguing example of the fascination with gyrocars, a unique category of two-wheeled automobiles. Unveiled at the 1961 Detroit Auto Show, the Gyron's design resembled that of a motorcycle, utilizing gyroscopes for stability. This innovative vehicle accommodated two occupants and, when stationary, was supported by two small legs on either side. Notably, the Gyron was the brainchild of distinguished auto designer Alex Tremulis, showcasing Ford's adventurous exploration of unconventional automotive concepts during this era. Ford

Ford La Tosca

In 1955, Ford introduced the La Tosca, characterized by elegant tailfins and a futuristic plexiglass bubbletop. Notably, it featured remote control maneuverability and a modular chassis for swift body shell exchanges. The backup lights mimicked jet tubes, and the retractable headlights added to its distinctive features. Impressively, the La Tosca's design influenced the creation of the 1958 Lincoln. Ford

Ford Nucleon

Designed by James Powers, under the mentorship of Alex Tremulis at Ford Advanced Design, the Ford Nucleon emerged as a visionary concept for a nuclear-powered car. Demonstrated solely as a scale model, the Nucleon proposed a revolutionary system featuring a small rear-mounted nuclear reactor and a steam engine fueled by uranium fission, akin to technology utilized in nuclear submarines.

With an anticipated range of 5,000 miles before refueling, the concept envisioned a future infrastructure where radioactive cores could be exchanged at specialized charging stations, a concept that aimed to redefine conventional refueling practices and embrace nuclear energy in the automotive realm. Though never realized, the Ford Nucleon remains an intriguing testament to the audacious thinking of its time. Ford

Ford Seattle-ite XXI

The Ford Seattle-ite XXI, introduced in 1963, stands as a visionary concept car that remarkably anticipated the future of automotive technology. This pioneering concept featured revolutionary elements such as interchangeable fuel cell power units and body shells, showcasing a level of adaptability not commonly seen at the time. Equipped with cutting-edge computer navigation and mapping systems, the Seattle-ite XXI demonstrated Ford's forward-thinking approach.

Notably, the concept incorporated four driving and steering wheels, a groundbreaking feature for its era. The innovative power units, designed for potential nuclear propulsion, reflected the optimistic outlook on nuclear energy as a safe future source. Additionally, the Seattle-ite XXI introduced the concept of six wheels, with designers anticipating improved handling during cornering, thanks to the presence of two front wheels that aimed to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Ford

GM-X Stiletto

The GM-X Stiletto, a visionary dream car by General Motors from 1964, showcased aerospace-inspired design with aircraft steering, a maintenance monitoring system, toggle switch controls, and advanced communication speakers. The instrument cluster boasted 30 flashing lights, 29 controls, and 16 gauges. Although lacking a functional powertrain, steering, and suspension, the distinctive folding roof and rear section design elements found their way into the more practical 1967 Cadillac Eldorado. Notably, the GM-X Stiletto shared its appearance with the Buick Century Cruiser. General Motors

Buick Centurion

Introduced by General Motors in 1956, the Buick Centurion made a bold statement with its innovative design and futuristic features. The body, constructed from fiberglass, showcased the influence of the jet age with an interior resembling an airplane cockpit. The sleek image was further enhanced by a striking two-tone paint job and white-walled tires. The Centurion boasted a bubble top roof and introduced revolutionary winged fenders, which would later become defining features of Buicks and Chevrolets in the late 1950s.

Inside, the Centurion exhibited forward-thinking technology with seats that automatically slid back upon opening the door. Adding to its innovative features, the concept car incorporated a rear-mounted television camera to alert the driver to traffic conditions through a TV screen on the dashboard. General Motors

Citroën Karin

The Citroën Karin, introduced in 1980, served as a captivating diversion for the French automaker during a period when there was a noticeable absence of noteworthy releases. Conceived by Citroën's design chief Trevor Fiore, the Karin was born out of a visionary directive to reimagine the future of motoring from a blank canvas. The resulting concept was a striking embodiment of the brand's double chevron logo, adorned with triangles throughout, resembling a shrunken Louvre Pyramid on wheels, painted brown.

Though only the headlights and rear wheels had a vague nod to Citroën's production models, notably the Citroën SM, the Karin's interior stole the show. Featuring a unique three-abreast seating arrangement, placing the driver at the forefront decades before the McLaren F1, and a steering wheel flanked by what seemed like a Casio calculator and a slide-adjusting graphic equalizer, the Karin exuded a futuristic charm. It effortlessly transformed the mundane into the extraordinary, making even the color beige appear exceptionally cool. Citroën

Lamborghini Terzo Millennio

The Lamborghini Terzo Millennio, a collaboration with MIT, stands as a futuristic beacon in the evolving landscape of electric sports cars. Although a fully electric Lamborghini may be a few years away, this concept car, unveiled in 2017, signifies the brand's commitment to innovation. With its striking design resembling a sci-fi dreamscape, glowing wheels, and a quad-motor system powered by high-capacity supercapacitors, the Terzo Millennio paves the way for the next generation of electric vehicles, showcasing Lamborghini's role in the transformative journey of the hypercar scene. Lamborghini

Lancia Sibilo

The Lancia Sibilo, introduced in 1978, remains a captivating testament to the brand's avant-garde design philosophy. A product of collaboration between Lancia and Bertone, the Sibilo marked an era of automotive experimentation. Its unconventional wedge-shaped body, scissor doors, and distinctive geometric lines conveyed a bold and futuristic aesthetic, setting it apart from its contemporaries. Although the Sibilo never entered production, its impact on automotive design endures as a symbol of Lancia's innovative spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional car styling. Lancia

Lancia Stratos Zero

Unveiled in 1970, the Lancia Stratos Zero is a groundbreaking marvel that epitomizes automotive futurism. Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, this concept car is a radical departure from conventional automobile aesthetics. With its striking wedge-shaped silhouette, large windshield, and scissor doors, the Stratos Zero appears more like a spacecraft than a car. The futuristic design, coupled with its mid-engine layout, was not just a visual spectacle but also hinted at high-performance capabilities. While the Stratos Zero never went into production, it left an indelible mark on automotive design, influencing the development of the legendary Lancia Stratos rally car that followed. Lancia

Maserati Boomerang

Unveiled in 1972, the Maserati Boomerang is an iconic concept car that encapsulates the audacious design trends of the era. Created by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Italdesign, the Boomerang's futuristic and angular design stands as a testament to automotive avant-garde. The striking wedge shape, sharp lines, and distinctive triangular features, including the cabin and rear window, make it an unmistakable classic. With a mid-engine layout and a sleek, low profile, the Boomerang not only pushed design boundaries but also influenced future sports car aesthetics. While only a single unit was produced, the Maserati Boomerang remains a symbol of bold design experimentation and innovation in the automotive world. Maserati

Mercedes-Benz C111

The Mercedes-Benz C111 series, introduced in 1969, marked a significant exploration into emerging engine technologies, including Wankel engines, diesel engines, and turbochargers. The inaugural model, C111-I, unveiled in 1969, became a focal point at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Featuring a Wankel engine producing 280 horsepower, the C111-I accelerated from zero to 62 mph in an impressive five seconds. Notably, Mercedes-Benz employed a lightweight fiberglass construction for the aerodynamic body, enhancing overall performance by reducing the vehicle's weight. This series of cars, spanning until 1977, served as a crucial testing ground for Mercedes-Benz's innovative engine advancements during the late 1960s.

Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet

The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet stands as a pinnacle of breathtaking concept car design in the illustrious lineup of Mercedes-Benz. A visual masterpiece, it captivates with its unparalleled beauty, featuring an extravagantly elongated hood, a gracefully curvaceous body, and a striking sharp feature line seamlessly tracing the vehicle's entire length.The interior of this automotive marvel is an equal testament to luxury, seamlessly blending opulent comfort with cutting-edge modernity, exemplified by the state-of-the-art virtual cockpit.

Powered by an electric drivetrain comprised of four electric motors, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet delivers a formidable 738hp, combining exquisite performance with runway-worthy aesthetics. Mercedes-Benz once again reaffirms its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology with this truly spectacular creation. Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz Biome

The Mercedes-Benz Biome is a concept car that was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Biome showcases an innovative and sustainable approach to automotive design. This futuristic concept envisions a vehicle grown from seeds using advanced bio-technologies, with a body made from a lightweight, biodegradable material called BioFibre. The car is powered by a renewable energy source, such as plants, and features a symbiotic relationship with the environment. The idea behind the Biome is to create a sustainable and eco-friendly vehicle that not only reduces the environmental impact but also explores the possibilities of merging nature and technology in the automotive world. Mercedes-Benz

Rolls-Royce 103EX

In envisioning the next century, Rolls-Royce promises that each of their vehicles will be a bespoke masterpiece, allowing customers to shape every detail from the ground up. The Rolls-Royce 103EX stands as their inaugural vision vehicle, representing limitless possibilities for the future.

This concept car epitomizes seamless autonomous travel, effortlessly gliding through the future cities. Rolls-Royce's VISION NEXT 100 is a testament to their commitment to crafting unique and luxurious automotive experiences for the evolving landscape of the next century. Rolls-Royce

General Motors Firebird XP-21

In the 1950s, General Motors delved into the exploration of gas turbine engines for cars, culminating in the creation of the Firebird series. The Firebird XP-21, later known as the Firebird I, emerged in 1953 as the first gas turbine-powered car tested in the United States. Designed by Charles L. McCuen and led by Emmett Conklin, the Firebird I resembled a jet airplane on wheels, featuring a bubble-topped canopy, a single-seat cockpit, and a fiberglass fuselage with short wings and a vertical tail fin.

Powered by a 370 hp Whirlfire Turbo Power gas turbine engine, it reached speeds up to 100 mph during tests. While impractical for daily use, the Firebird I served as a groundbreaking experiment to assess the feasibility of gas turbine technology in automobiles. Racecar driver Mauri Rose even test drove it at the Indianapolis Speedway, although GM primarily aimed to evaluate practicality rather than push the car's speed limits. The braking system incorporated external drums for efficient cooling, and the car's distinctive design has left an enduring mark, with a miniature version of the Firebird I adorning the Harley J. Earl Trophy awarded to the winner of the Daytona 500. General Motors