Automotive design is one topic of conversation that seemingly never ages. Over the last 22 or so years we’ve seen super-futuristic designs and those that intentionally looked back at the past for inspiration. Which one during all that time is the coolest though? That’s up for debate in today’s QOTD.
No rules for today’s question other than the fact that it has to be a concept from 2000 or later. Digital concepts count too so long as they’re from an actual automaker. That leaves the door wide open for cars that never came anywhere near production to those that clearly signaled the future of their brands. Here are just a few to ponder.
The Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet deserves special mention for finding a way to be futuristic and retro all at the same time. It clearly leans into its brand identity while at the same time being far from something that could be called a cynical cash grab too.
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There are a number of other great options too. Lamborghini brought us the Estoque and the Asterior, the latter of which could inspire whatever the first all-electric car from the brand will be in 2027. The Honda Sports EV and the Mazda RX Vision also featured gorgeous styling and a small glimpse of their brand’s futures.
Domestic companies have provided interesting concepts too. The Chevrolet Code 130R, the Ford Interceptor, and the Jeep Wrangler Trailcat are all pretty enticing in their own ways.
If I had to pick just one it would have to be the digital-only Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo. Sure, it’s not real and never could be (as far as we know), but it was powered by lasers guys. LASERS. It also gets points for perfectly characterizing what Chaparral was, a wild, future-thinking, ahead of its time racing company.
So now that we’ve given you a little bit of food for thought, which concept from the 21st century is the coolest in your opinion? If you had the cash to bring any one of them to life, which would you put in your garage? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to vote on your favorites!
