Driving The Future: Concept Cars

NEW YORK, April 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Revealing the possibilities of tomorrow by giving us a glimpse into the future, the 2017 New York International Automobile Show will push the boundaries of technology and design with this year's concept car displays. These amazing automobiles may shine light on a carmaker's future design language or provide some tantalizing technical details that are close to becoming a reality, but whatever their size and shape, they always provide us with a new way of looking at our future driving needs.

Here are some of this year's most exciting new concept vehicles:

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ
Volkswagen's I.D. BUZZ is a versatile, zero-emissions, all-wheel drive Microbus with an electric driving range of 270 miles and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds.  Its design configuration allows seating for up to eight and two luggage compartments and in fully autonomous "I.D. Pilot" driving mode, the driver's seat can be turned 180 degrees to face the rear.  An excursion with two families over the weekend? A gig with the band in another city? A vacation trip with bikes and boards? Driving to a business meeting with colleagues who need to prepare on the way? None of these scenarios pose a problem with the multi-variable seating layout. 

Infiniti QX50
The QX50 Concept showcases Infiniti's vision for a next-generation mid-size premium crossover.  Its "cabin-forward" silhouette combines with taut, muscular lines and flowing surfaces giving it a dynamic yet practical look.  Inside, the organic forms of the "driver-centric, passenger-minded" cabin harmonize with the exterior. Blending progressive design with elevated levels of modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept's interior reflects Infiniti's desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design. Its driver assist system is part of the company's development of autonomous drive support technologies.

Toyota Concept-i
Designed from the inside-out, the artificial intelligence-enhanced Concept-i follows from Toyota's belief that the vehicle shouldn't start with technology – it should start with the experience of the people who use it. Every element of the vehicle is designed to strengthen the user experience, from the advanced AI agent, nicknamed "Yui," to the interior lines that allow Yui to communicate critical information using light, sound and even touch. And as you drive Concept-I the vehicle gets to know you – learning to anticipate your needs and building a warm, friendly relationship.

Chrysler Portal Concept
Chrysler's Portal Concept is the company's next-generation family transportation idea. The interior offers the driver and passengers a "third space" – an open and serene atmosphere that bridges work and home. The mono-volume exterior centers around an illuminated, portal-shaped articulating front, and rear doors make it easy to get in and out of. The electric-powered Chrysler Portal concept is estimated to have more than 250 miles of range on a full charge. 

Audi Q8 concept
Designed to be dynamic, highly efficient and extremely comfortable, Audi's Q8 concept combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the emotional lines of a coupe. Propulsion is provided by a powerful, yet highly efficient plug-in hybrid engine.  Despite the sloping, coupe-like roofline, even the rear-seat passengers enjoy ample head and shoulder room. Inside, the control concept uses large touchscreens in the cockpit and is rounded out by an expanded version of the Audi virtual cockpit and a contact-analogue head-up display.

Lexus UX
The UX Concept is a new variety of four-seater crossover which combines the 4x4 presence of an off-roader with a low ground clearance and a coupe-like driving position. It's advanced in-vehicle electrical technologies include electro-chromatic windows, and the door mirrors that are replaced by e-mirror camera housings are far slimmer than conventional mirror housing. Left and right e-mirror images are displayed on internal screens, the integration of which -rather than serving as a mere detail- informs the entire 'inside-out', deconstructed architecture of the dashboard design. All switchgear is electrostatic, and housed under transparent covers.

Nissan Vmotion 2.0
Nissan's Vmotion 2.0 is a new concept vehicle that signals the company's future sedan design direction. It combines a high sense of style, emotional design, roominess, comfort and technology to make the mobility experience seamless for busy professionals constantly on the go.  Providing hints at the future of "Nissan Intelligent Mobility" – Nissan's roadmap to achieve zero emissions and zero fatalities – the lighting around the front Nissan emblem glows to indicate when the vehicle is in ProPILOT mode, which is envisioned to provide autonomous driving support technology on urban roads and at intersections.

Cadillac Escala
The Escala Concept is the next evolution of Cadillac's design language and previews the craftsmanship and technology being developed for many future models.  Escala — Spanish for "scale"— is a concept for a larger, more elite and expressive vehicle than currently available from Cadillac.  It is designed to be both a driver's car and an indulgent flagship sedan. Escala uses a new 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, a prototype of a new system in development for future Cadillac models. The advanced engine utilizes Active Fuel Management technology, enabling fuel-saving 4-cylinder operation.

Jaguar I-PACE
The all-electric I-PACE Concept previews a Jaguar car that will hit roads in 2018. It is a five-seat sports car; a performance car, a family car and an SUV all in one. Jaguar's new model features cab-forward, sporting driving position, exceptional interior space and, of course, zero tailpipe emissions and instant acceleration. Inside, there are two super-intuitive touchscreens that serve up information where and when the driver needs it. Packed with proven Jaguar sports car technology, the I-PACE Concept features exceptional ride quality, authentic handling and a 0-60mph time of around four seconds.

About the New York Auto Show
The New York International Automobile Show is an awesome combination of new ideas, technological innovation, exceptional concept cars and nearly 1,000 of the latest new cars and trucks.  Over one million visitors are expected to visit the Show this year to see what is truly possible from the automotive industry.  The New York International Auto Show is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and has an economic impact on New York City of some $300 million.

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SOURCE New York International Auto Show