Looking To The Future Of The Industry

Looking To The Future Of The Industry

Mercedes has used concept cars to showcase some of the most groundbreaking innovations in the auto industry. Some of these models even make it onto the production line. It's important for car producers to continually evolve with changing technology, engineering, and consumer trends, which is one of the reasons why Mercedes has remained at the forefront of vehicle innovation. In order to remain competitive in an increasingly tight market, vehicle makers can't always risk safe choices and modest model makeovers. One way that vehicle companies exercise their creativity and gauge public reaction is through the creation of concept cars. Usually only one is made and showcased around conventions across the country. Concept cars are important because they are ultimately the blueprints for future models or changes to existing ones. They allow designers to experiment with ideas that they normally wouldn't be able to on a standard line, such as alternative fuel sources. However, most vehicles are much more radical in their specs and appearance than their final incarnation.

Few people would bother driving a concept car as it sits on the showroom floor, as most are impractical for daily drives (and some are just plain wild-looking). There have been many notable models made throughout the years, several of which have been produced by Mercedes. While many concept cars never make it to the production line -- or when they do it's only bits and pieces -- in 2013, Mercedes will be unveiling a showcase vehicle that stays surprisingly true to its original form. The SLS AMG is called a luxury grand tourer, and if it looks like something from the future, that's probably thanks to the uncommon Gullwing design and longer than average hood, making the body look sleek. There are plans for four different versions to be made available, and the one that has many auto enthusiasts excited is the E-cell. It's an all-electric version, but rumors are that it may not be made available in North America.

Another concept is the newly redesigned A-class Mercedes. The popular family ride was given a much needed facelift and now looks more hip than heavily rounded. It's expected that all high-tech features will come standard as that seems to be the new trend, and will even include a dock to attach cell phones. While it may be a bit smaller on the interior than other family vehicles, it definitely makes up for any loss of space with plenty of style. It certainly isn't based on traditional soccer mom designs. The company's concept vehicles haven't all been hits. In 1997, a strange little number called the Mercedes F 300 Life-Jet was created. It's difficult to describe, but imagine crossing the body of a jet plane with the steering of a motorcycle. It only had three wheels (two in front and one in the rear) and drove with an active tilt control system, meaning when turning the pivoting side would completely lean inwards while the outer would stay in position. It wasn't the type of ride suitable for the average commute, but the tilting action did get some adjustments and was later used on another concept model, the F 400 Carving. It has yet to be used in production line models.

Cadillac Understands The Importance Of The Grille. High Quality Materials: a Nice Place To Be. Rear Fascia Is Clean Simple & Elegant with Cadillac Styling Cues. 3 Billion in development - but for 2014, they're here. 135k for the i8. And while The Model S could benefit from more distinct styling, BMW's cars may just have too much of it; both are radical departures from what the general public is used to. Notice, however, how BMW acknowledges the importance of the heritage kidney grilles. Both the i3 and i8 are estimated to achieve 75mpg-e; The i3 will be offered in two versions: all electric with a 100 mile range; Extended-engine option doubles that. Both models should also qualify for Federal and State tax credits. The i8 Interior is more traditional than one would have expected. Toned Down For Production; Neon Blue Accents Remain. The New BMW i3 - Love It or Hate It, It's Distinctive.