Concept Cars always look radically different than their production counterparts. Some are pure design concepts and some are meant to be an actual glimpse of what we will see in the near future for a particular model line. The LA Autoshow had both on display this year with cars such as the spectacular Mercedes AMG Vision GranTurismo Concept and the formal production version of the BMW i8.
Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept
Not to be mistaken for the LF-A (although it sure does look similar) – the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept is a design evolution that started with the CT and GS models. Designed by the CALTY in Newport Beach, The LF-LC is their response to a request by Lexus of Japan to create a future hybrid Sports concept. The front bumper is very new-gen GS inspired (checkout that front grille) along with the L-Shaped daytime lighting (new IS) cut into each front corner. High polished aluminum accents surround the deep 3D mesh grille. The rear taillights of the LF-LC were inspired by the look of a jet afterburner after takeoff. Incidentally, they repeat an “L” theme (Lexus) throughout the exterior of the vehicle. Deep cuts in the rear bumper appear to be even more exaggerated due to integrated lighting from the tail and fog lamps.
Cadillac El Miraj
The Cadillac El Miraj is one of those “design concept only” vehicles that is meant to display the future of the classic Cadillac Art and Science motif. There is also a bit of CTS in the exterior design if you squint hard enough ;) This thing is a beast - The wheelbase measures 121 inches, and 205-inch overall - about the same length as a Mercedes S-Class sedan. A 500HP 4.5L twin turbo motor propels this sled, with 22” wheels filling the wells quite nicely. Cadillac states they took queues from the original Caddy Coupe – the El Dorado. Although visually a coupe, the rear seats allow more than ample room for passengers, including a trick valet option that automatically moves up the rear seats AND the front seats to allow easier access for rear passengers.
Mercedes AMG Vision GranTurismo
Designed to coincide with the latest release of the most famous successful race simulation video game, the Mercedes AMG Vision GranTurismo is an in-game only experience unfortunately. Talk about hella-flush and reverse concave, the wheel package alone had everyone talking. I’d hate to have to pull this thing up next to a high curb! Splitting the 8 individual exhaust pipers in the rear is a long wrap-around rear brake light (and incase you don’t see that, there’s an F1 brake light immediately below). The mid-section of the car has an SLS feel to it, along with a rear ¾ window that recalls the SLR. The rest of it is pure CGI sexiness. That front grill? It’s made entirely of LED’s! What’s cooler than that? Not much... I really wish they would bring this car to life as the SLS replacement – you never know!
BMW X4 Concept
BMW continued its onslaught of new products, which includes the new BMW X4 concept. Think of it as a mini X6 (which it basically is) slotted between the X3 and X5. Recessed door handles probably won’t make it to production but those wheels look very reminiscent of the X5 5.0 Sport package wheels. Sportier than the X3, there will be some compromises in rear head room due to that roofline. This view shows how much the X4 looks like its bigger brother X6.
Honda FCEV Concept
Some of us got an accidental early sneak peek of the FCEV during a testing of the presentation. Wind came up while the waterfall was running which caused the silky car cover to slip off. The guy with the headset was understandably freaking out. The other guy…was just standing there. Honda’s VP Tetsuo Iwamura recovered gracefully by saying “Here is the OFFICIAL first look at the new Honda FCEV”. No waterfall this time, just the cover getting sucked up into the wall – ahh, that’s how it was supposed to work. This guy was taking a selfie for his instagram w/Iwamura-san. “This guy” = American Honda Exec LOL. The FCEV is the next gen Honda FCX Clarity – using advanced fuel cell technology, which is incredibly green. Despite electric cars like the Tesla taking center stage, Honda hasn’t given up on hydrogen fuel cells and believes that the FCX will continue to push this technology into the future. I’m normally not a huge concept fan, but it’s crazy to think that some of these cars (or technology derived from them) will be driven by my son possibly! The future isn’t too far away and I’m hoping that it includes cars that look closer to their concept counterparts and maybe even cars direct from a video game. -Albert Roxas Continue below for a gallery of even more concept cars from the 2013 LA Auto Show:
