Futuristic Concept Cars Too Advanced for Their Day
Concept cars are the way vehicle manufacturers can see what their audiences might like for their next car, whether it's a new chassis design, a futuristic dashboard, or wheels with unnecessary neon lights. These cars are presented at auto shows to gather feedback from experts and reviewers, making it easy to make decisions once they dive into their next big car.
Most concept cars and prototypes are bold and full of risks in all departments, so they usually look like spaceships on wheels or like something you haven't seen before. Sadly, not much of that carries on when they make a new car, so fans wonder what they did with the concepts. Is someone driving it in their hometown? Does an employee have a concept car in their garage?
While we keep waiting for those important answers, here are some futuristic concept cars that were too advanced for their day, and maybe still are.
Volvo YCC
This Volvo concept was designed for women. It lacked a hood and had dent-resistant bumpers, among other features.
Vector WX8
This prototype was controversial for looking like other sports cars at the time, but fans were never able to see it in action.
Toyota Fine-S (2003)
When Fast & Furious and Need for Speed: Underground were taking over the world, everybody wanted neon lights everywhere.
Mercedez-Benz Nafa (1982)
It could've been the best car for parking purposes.
Mercedes-Benz C112
Almost a spaceship.
Mazda interior
They don't concept like they used to.
Iso Grifo 90
After some trials with Corvette and Chevy components, the Iso Grifo 90 concept was abandoned.
Holden Efijy
The Australian manufacturer wanted to bring back a fan-favorite from the 50s.
GT by Citroen (2008)
This concept was a collaboration between Citroën and video game developer Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series.
Ford GT90
This was supposed to be Ford's staple car in the 90s and beyond, but it was too futuristic for the times.
Car or Spaceship?
Some concepts are better just as concepts and nothing else. What is all of this for?
Mobility Outfitters Gear Box (1998)
Designer Stewart Reed described it as a “Space Vehicle for Earth Exploration.” And yes, those are solar panels on the roof.
Futuristic Dashboard
Looks like something out of an Alien movie.
Isuzu Como Super Truck (1991)
A truck with an F1 engine? Too good for this world.
Italdesign Brivido (2012)
So many screens for a dashboard. Aren't you supposed to keep your eyes on the road?
Oldsmobile Expression (1990)
Only concept car with a built-in NES console in the back.
Isdera Commendatore 112i (1993)
Isdera went bankrupt before they could mass-produce the Commendatore.
Subaru BLT (1987)
A spaceship for the whole family!
Volkswagen Concept T (2004)
The All-Terrain coupe looks like an RC toy car made real.
Mazda Telecom Delivery (1985)
A mailman's dream.
