Concept Cars Show The Future

Message from Frankfurt: your automotive future has arrived…
 
By Casey Williams
 
The automotive future we’ve all been promised has arrived. Nearly. From fully automated cars to electric supercars, the recent Frankfurt Motor Show was awash in future-think technology that’s quickly becoming reality. Here are our favourites:
 
Mercedes Project One
Project One sports a Formula One racer–inspired body of smooth forms. The basic interior continues the racing theme with rectangular steering wheel, F1-style controllers and twin flatscreens. Under the suave skin is a 1,000-horsepower hybrid system with 1.6-litre turbo V6 engine and lithium-ion batteries. It runs 0-200 km/h in six seconds, tops out at 350 km/h, and offers 24-kilometre all-electric range. They’re only making 275 of these cars—and despite the $3.3 million price tag, all those beauties are spoken for.
 
BMW iVision Dynamics Concept
This is BMW’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. Sliding between the i3 city car and i8 supercar, the all-electric i5 sedan has a range of 600 kilometres and a top speed exceeding 200 km/h. It accelerates to 100 km/h in just four seconds! Four-door coupe styling with reimagined BMW twin-kidney grille and quad headlights reach for the future. A production version is expected by 2021. BMW will offer 25 electrified vehicles, including 12 EVs, by 2025.
 
Audi Aicon Concept
Presented as an autonomous electric sedan, the racy body accommodates a large interior bereft of a steering wheel or instruments. Front lounge chairs swivel to enhance conversation. The powertrain features four electric motors (two each front and rear) for 349 total horsepower. Audi hopes to one day achieve an 805-kilometre range. No dumb drone, the car features voice control for infotainment and has a Personal Intelligent Assistant to anticipate your desires.
 
Smart Vision EQ Fortwo
Designed for a car-sharing future, the fully autonomous two-seater could become commonplace in urban areas. It’s summoned by smartphone, welcoming passengers with a read-out on the front fascia. Doors pivot wing-like over the rear axle to save space. Inside, touches of rose gold add elegance while white faux-leather seats are easy to clean. The dashboard is replaced by a widescreen; functions are controlled by voice. When not used, the car recharges inductively.
 
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CASEY WILLIAMS is a contributing writer for Gaywheels.com. He contributes to the New York-based LGBT Magazine Metrosource and the Chicago Tribune. He and his husband live in Indianapolis, where Williams contributes videos and reviews to wfyi.org, the area’s PBS/NPR station.