Automotive Excitement
Auto shows are the ultimate venue to see the latest new cars in one location, and although new production models are always fun to explore, the real excitement comes from seeing one-of-a-kind concept cars. These visionary vehicles are the product of designers and engineers who have the freedom to create vehicles unfettered by emissions or even safety standards, and often without any specific price point in mind. Typically created as showcases for future technology or next-generation styling, concept cars add another level of excitement to an auto show. Take a few moments to feast your eyes on these amazing machines — concept cars from major auto shows around the globe in 2018.

Acura RDX Prototype — Detroit
Acura debuted the 2019 RDX at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show as a prototype — a few months before the production version of the updated crossover launched. The design incorporates new Acura design language revealed with the Acura Precision Concept, adapting the low, wide, sleek look to a 5-occupant SUV with a wider track and longer wheelbase than its predecessor. The interior features a floating console, new design power sport seats, a sport steering wheel and premium materials including Napa leather, brushed aluminum and open-pore ash wood.

Acura RDX Prototype
The RDX Prototype has a lighter yet stiffer body structure as well as a new chassis. Power comes from a new 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower and torque ratings were not been released for the prototype, but Acura said the new engine produces 40 percent more low-end torque than the outgoing model. All-wheel-drive versions will receive the next generation of Acura Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive with a new rear differential and more rear-wheel torque. An available new Adaptive Damper System is tied into an Integrated Dynamics System with four drive modes: Sport, Sport +, Comfort and Snow.

Audi e-Tron GT Concept — Los Angeles
This German car company continues its march toward producing fully-electric vehicles with the introduction of its latest e-Tron model, the e-Tron GT. This stunning, low-slung four door possesses sleek styling, thanks in part to its flat-floor architecture and further emphasized by captivating 22-inch wheels. Looking a bit like a futuristic A7, the GT is adorned with the familiar Audi Singleframe grille as well as large air inlets that cool the battery and brakes. The overall look features a sloping roofline that flows smoothly to incorporate the rear hatch. At the rear is a light strip that widens into taillights at each side.

Audi e-Tron GT Concept
The e-Tron GT will have power appropriate to its sporty styling. Twin electric motors — one powering each axle — combine to generate a plentiful 590 horsepower. Audi expects that the production version would be able to sprint to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, and 124 mph would arrive in around 12 seconds, with an eventual top speed limited to almost 150 mph. The GT should be able to travel up to 249 miles between charges. The e-Tron GT is expected to go into production in late 2020, following the e-Tron SUV and e-Tron Sportback. Audi plans to offer 12 fully-electric vehicles by the year 2025.

Audi PB 18 e-tron — Pebble Beach
A high-performance concept car designed with a focus on the driver, the Audi PB 18 e-tron exists in welcome contrast to Audi’s current research and development around technology for autonomous cars. The PB 18 e-tron shares an electric drive system with the Audi Aicon concept from 2017, which was a fully automated long-distance luxury vehicle. In opposition to the Aicon, the PB 18 e-tron is all about performance and the driving experience, with the name derived from the mystique of the Pebble Beach debut location and from the Audi R18 e-tron LMP1 race car.

Audi PB 18 e-tron
One of the most unique aspects of the Audi PB 18 e-tron is the central or “monoposto” driving position — the Italian word for single-seat race cars in the 1930s. For performance driving, the pilot sits in the center of the car for better weight distribution and visibility. But in the PB18 e-tron, the driver’s seat and all necessary driving controls can be moved to the left to create room for a passenger and access to a second seat located close to the ground. Power comes from three electric motors — one driving the front wheels, the other two driving each of the rear wheels. Total output is around 670 horsepower, which Audi claims is enough to move this unique sports car to 60 mph in a bit more than 2 seconds.

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe — Geneva
BMW revealed the Concept M8 Gran Coupe in Geneva — a look at the further evolution of the 8 Series and the M brand. “The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” said Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series,” he noted. The new 8 Series coupe and convertible are now on sale, with the 8 Series Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe joining the lineup in 2019.

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe
Building on the design of the BMW Concept 8 Series, the broad kidney grilles are flanked by headlights that are slightly higher and contain a new interpretation of the BMW four-headlight front end with influence from the M8 GTE race cars, including yellow lighting elements. More than simply a 4-door sports car, the entire theme of the car is the intersection of luxury and performance with a long hood, flowing roofline and short decklid that place the emphasis on performance.

BMW Vision i-Next – Los Angeles
While some concept cars look almost ready for production, others are quite futuristic — the i-Next falls in to the latter camp. “The BMW Vision iNEXT represents a new era of sheer driving pleasure,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Kruger. “It underlines the leading role Germany plays in the future of mobility.” The jury is still out on whether driving pleasure and vehicle autonomy can play well together, but let’s see what BMW has in mind.

BMW Vision i-Next
This futuristic vehicle seeks to integrate four strategic fields of innovation that BMW has identified: Autonomy, Connectivity, Electric and Services. Inside, the BMW Vision iNEXT has space for a total of four occupants. Surfaces are swathed in beige cloth and wood, and its patterned wood floor makes the interior of the Vision iNEXT feel more like a living room than a vehicle. Chock full of advanced technology such as a personal assistant and surfaces that can be turned into controls, the i-NEXT is designed to function with a driver or completely autonomously. Don’t look for the i-NEXT to be arriving in showrooms anytime soon — this vision has a distant horizon.

Genesis Essentia Concept — New York
With stunning looks and a futuristic interior, the Essentia Concept was a favorite at the 2018 New York Auto Show. Following the debut of a Genesis SUV concept last year, this incredibly sexy Essentia concept hopefully is a peek at a future Genesis product. The Essentia is a pure electric vehicle with multiple motors that would drive all four wheels. Performance would match the sleek styling — it’s estimated that a vehicle such as this would be able to sprint to 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds. The Essentia’s silhouette emphasizes classic GT styling with its long, low hood and swept back cabin. Butterfly doors allow for easy ingress and egress. With no internal combustion engine to work around, designers were able to give the Essentia a very low hood which flows into the windshield.

Genesis Essentia Concept
Inside Essentia, the front seats look like modern furniture, trimmed in cognac leather with herringbone quilting. Oxford Blue leather swathes the rear seats while blue velvet trims the roof pillars. The gauges and other driving information display in front of the driver on an 8-inch widescreen. A larger display fills the entire dashboard, providing infotainment, climate, communication and other details for both driver and passenger. Currently the Essentia is only a concept vehicle with no production plans. However, Genesis will likely carry over some Essentia technology and styling cues to a future GT car that fits well within the Genesis brand.

Infiniti Project Black S — Paris
Over the last few years, Infiniti has shown a number of electrified concept vehicles as key components of its commitment to having its entire model lineup fully electrified by 2021, and the latest in this line of concepts debuted the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The Infiniti Project Black S prototype is based on the Q60 Red Sport 400 and employs a Formula One-inspired dual-hybrid powertrain to showcase how a high-performance hybrid system might work in a road car. The powertrain of the Infiniti Project Black S prototype uses three motor-generator units. One of these reclaims energy from braking, while the other two are connected with the engine’s twin electric turbochargers to harvest heat energy from exhaust gasses. In this way electrical power is generated under braking as well as acceleration.

Infiniti Project Black S
The unique dual-hybrid system in the Black S prototype recovers enough additional energy to bring the overall output of the powertrain to 563 horsepower — a significant jump compared to the 400-horsepower produced by the standard twin-turbo V6. Based on the power-to-weight ratio, Infiniti expects this sporty coupe to reach 62 mph in less than 4 seconds. The amount of complexity in this Project Black S prototype makes it unfeasible to be mass produced as is; however, the unique hybrid system is extremely intriguing. For now, this dual-hybrid Infiniti remains a prototypical step in Infiniti’s quest to achieve electrification for its entire model lineup.

Infiniti Prototype 10 — Pebble Beach
Last year Infiniti wowed Pebble Beach crowds with the beautiful Prototype 9 — a modern take on a vintage open-wheel race car with a completely electric powertrain. This year Nissan’s luxury brand took the next logical step with the debut of the Prototype 10 — an entirely different but equally stunning futuristic sports car. With a long, low hood, open cockpit and dramatic fin behind the driver’s seat, the Prototype 10 has the look of a proper sports car. Up front a large Infiniti badge is integrated into the bodywork, while slashes at the base of the hood reveal ultra-thin headlights. A black chin spoiler not only contrasts nicely with the silver bodywork, it provides additional downforce on the front wheels for better handling.

Infiniti Prototype 10
To emphasize its focus on the driver, the Prototype 10 is a single seater. The interior features a clean and minimalist design with a 4-point harness as well as brake, accelerator pedals and a race-inspired steering wheel mounted on carbon fiber struts. With an electric powertrain there would be no gears to shift, further simplifying the cabin and driver experience. The driver’s seat is fitted with black leather featuring contrasting red stitching that matches the center of the steering wheel. The seat is mounted low in the cabin so only the driver’s head is visible — which is why Infiniti designers refer to the cockpit as the “bathtub.” Infiniti was quick to point out that the Prototype 10 is purely a design study at this time, so no specifics are available regarding its electric powertrain. However, the ducts and vents could be used to cool a battery pack, and the flat floor could indicate motors at the axle(s).

Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept — Detroit
Nissan’s premium brand selected the Detroit show to provide a peek at what the next generation of Infiniti vehicles might resemble. Easily one of the most beautiful cars at the show, the Q Inspiration echoes the basic shapes of current Infiniti designs but with much more interesting details. At the front, the grille opening resembles a Q50; however, the concept has a grille within the grille. Bladelike headlights sweep back and comingle with sharp louvers in the hood. Lines trail back to broad shoulders over the rear wheels, meeting at a single-strip brake light that wraps around the back of the car.

Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
Inside the Q Inspiration, Infiniti took a minimalist approach with seats that appear to free float as does the center console that runs the length of the cabin. All displays and controls are digital, with a touchscreen for each passenger. The powertrain for this concept also looks to the future, utilizing an innovative variable-compression-ratio engine, which combines turbocharged gasoline power with the torque and efficiency of a hybrid or diesel engine.

Lagonda Vision Concept — Geneva
The Lagonda marque has been part of Aston Martin for more than 70 years. There have not always been Lagonda automobiles in production during that time, but they have always been associated with the utmost in luxury. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin announced that Lagonda will become a new luxury brand exclusively dedicated to zero-emission powertrains. As part of the announcement, the first look at what that could mean was showcased as the Lagonda Vision Concept. “We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them,” commented Aston Martin President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Andy Palmer. “Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts,” Palmer noted.

Lagonda Vision Concept
The Lagonda Vision Concept previews both design styling as well as the type of technology and abilities that could be expected from the reborn Lagonda brand as early as 2023. Designers of the Vision Concept were free to take full advantage of the platform — not having to fit the styling around a large internal combustion engine. The concept is rather large with sleek lines but offers a roomy interior. Suggesting more living room than automobile, the four seats swivel like lounge chairs so they rotate to face each other. As with many other advanced concept vehicles, the Lagonda is designed to be driven autonomously. The Vision Concept accepts advanced solid-state batteries that could provide a range of up to 400 miles and be charged wirelessly.

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept — Detroit
The LF-1 Limitless Concept is intended to introduce a new type of vehicle for the Lexus brand: a flagship luxury crossover. Combining high performance with elegance, the LF-1 Limitless Concept could be motivated by a range of powertrains including fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline or battery-electric. Developed at CALTY Design Research in California, the Limitless design is said to combine the organic shapes of molten metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword.

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept
“This is our vision for a new kind of flagship vehicle that embraces crossover capability without giving up the performance and luxury delivered by today’s top sedans,” said Kevin Hunter, president of CALTY Design Research. With a low roofline and raised ride height, the LF-1 Limitless profile falls somewhere between a sports car and a wagon. Like all Lexus models, the spindle grille is an important element with a three-dimensional design and new colors developed by CALTY. Even though the LF-1 Limitless is clearly a concept vehicle, Lexus has a reputation for bringing production cars to market that remain true to previous concepts, so don’t be surprised to see this vehicle in production form in the next couple years.

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow — Pebble Beach
Taking a page from its long history with a look to the future, Mercedes-Benz rolled out the stunning EQ Silver Arrow concept at a private event near Pebble Beach, California, prior to the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance. The single-seat Silver Arrow pays homage to the historic Mercedes Silver Arrows while utilizing a futurist electric powertrain. Although the original Silver Arrows bore the silver sheen of bare metal to avoid the weight of a paint layer, the EQ Silver Arrow concept’s body is constructed from carbon fiber and then covered in multiple layers of Alubeam Silver paint. The result gives the appearance of liquid metal, which has a stunning effect in any light.

Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow
Conceived as a fully-electric vehicle, the EQ Silver Arrow produces 738 horsepower. The thin battery pack resides in the underbody and offers a range of 250 miles. Side air vents keep the batteries cool. The sleek concept sits low to the ground on massive 24-inch front and 26-inch rear wheels. Upon close inspection, the slick tires feature the Mercedes star embossed as the tread. Wheels have non-rotating hubs with 168 spokes per wheel; lightweight aluminum spokes are painted Rose Gold. The cabin is a gorgeous mix of traditional and advanced materials. The seat and steering wheel are wrapped in soft Saddle Brown leather, and the entire cabin gets swathed in soft gray suede that matches the exterior color. The floor is solid walnut, while trim pieces are of brushed aluminum.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept — Los Angeles
Mitsubishi debuted the all-electric, high-performance e-Evolution Concept at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, combining all-wheel control, an electric powertrain and a bold crossover design to outline what to expect from future Mitsubishi vehicles. The e-Evolution Concept is powered by three electric motors: one powering the front wheels and two motors powering the rear wheels, connected through a Dual Motor Active Yaw Control system with electronically-controlled torque vectoring that distributes torque from side to side. The Active Yaw Control uses individual brakes with electric calipers that replace traditional hydraulic calipers.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept
The e-Evolution Concept features a new version of the Mitsubishi front-end design with a black grille under glass and large air intakes to cool the electric brakes. The profile reveals a sharply-slanted windshield, high ground clearance, short overhangs and strong shoulders. Inside, the e-Evolution Concept gets an instrument panel that floats in front of the driver, and the dashboard includes a large flat screen for outside conditions, navigation and coaching information with a smaller screen on each side projecting images from front and rear cameras.

Nissan Xmotion Concept — Detroit
Nissan revealed the Xmotion concept in Detroit — a 6-passenger, 3-row compact SUV said to combine Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship with American-style utility and next-generation Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology. The exterior design of Xmotion (pronounced cross motion) begins with a large version of Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille flanked by unique U-shaped headlights. Overall the surface shapes are simple, topped by a retractable rooftop box and rounded out with taillights inspired by Japanese woodwork. Aggressive off-road tires are laminated over rugged 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels, creating a single unit.

Nissan Xmotion Concept
The Xmotion interior design symbolizes a Japanese landscape, with an aesthetic that suggests the floor is a river and the center console a wooden bridge, created using Japanese wood techniques used to build religious temples and shrines. The instrument panel is also wood — a modern version of traditional kigumi wood joinery techniques. The interior features seven digital screens, with three main displays for the dash, plus an additional display on each end, as well as a display in the center console and a digital room mirror in the roof above the console. “In the Xmotion concept, we explored the more rugged and powerful side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” said Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president of global design at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan 370Zki — Chicago
In keeping with Chicago’s wintry weather, Nissan brought the perfect snow-going concept car to the show. The 370Zki started life as Nissan’s 370Z Convertible — which is already a blast to drive, especially with the top down and a winding road ahead. But this special snow-going Zki trades high-performance rubber for skis and tracks, transforming it into the ultimate sports car snow mobile. Of course, the Zki retains Nissan’s 3.7-liter V6 engine generating 332 horsepower, directed to the rear tracks via a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Nissan 370Zki
A lot of work went into turning Nissan’s Z-car into this one-off 370Zki concept. The entire drivetrain had to be removed before fitting the sports car with a 3-inch lift kit for added ground / snow clearance. The Zki retains its factory brakes, but the brake lines had to be rerouted and the exhaust system modified so they would fit under the vehicle. The rear fenders also underwent modifications to make room for 4-foot-long snow tracks. Up front, additional suspension mods allow steering via skis mounted to the front hubs. The engine and transmission also had to be custom-mounted, and a front skidplate protects the undercarriage from damage in deep snow. Both the skis and tracks come from American Track Truck.

Nissan Armada Snow Patrol — Chicago
Nissan welcomed winter at the Chicago Auto Show with the 370Zki concept car — a 370Z with snow tracks and skis — and the ultimate snow tow vehicle: the Armada Snow Patrol. The Armada is Nissan’s largest SUV, offering big power as well as a spacious, comfortable interior. Nissan modified the Armada to improve off-road capability, transforming it into the Snow Patrol with a 3-inch suspension lift kit from Pro Comp. Additional ground clearance is provided by 35-inch Pro Comp MT2 maximum traction extreme off-road tires mounted on 20-inch Satin Black wheels.

Nissan Armada Snow Patrol
Up front, the Snow Patrol gets a larger front bumper with a grille protector bar and a winch mount supporting a 12,000-pound-capacity winch. A roof rack and light bar with double-row LEDs with flood and spot capabilities adorn the roof, complemented by an LED light bar mounted to the grille. Running boards and rock sliders complete the look and protect the side rails in extreme off-road conditions. Inside, the front seats are covered in premium Katzkin leather in Pearl with Cement-colored perforated inserts, Cobalt accents and the Armada Snow Patrol logo. The exterior features an Armada Snow Patrol graphic body wrap.

Peugeot e-LEGEND CONCEPT — Paris
One of our favorite vehicles on display at the 2018 Paris Motor Show was this unique e-LEGEND CONCEPT from French automaker Peugeot. This thoroughly futuristic vehicle features a design inspired by the 1970s Peugeot 504 Coupe. Like that original 504, the e-LEGEND CONCEPT has a cabin that seems to stretch to the back — the rear window is much more raked than the front windshield. The sloping hood and wide stance also echo that of the original model.

Peugeot e-LEGEND CONCEPT
Unlike the original 504 Coupe, the e-LEGEND CONCEPT is completely electric, connected and can be run autonomously if the driver chooses. There are four driving modes, two of which are autonomous. Doors open automatically to reveal a simple but high-tech interior trimmed in velvet and wood. While the instrument panel is very basic, the entire area in front of the passengers makes up a 49-inch digital screen that curves toward the cabin for better viewing. The screen can be used for watching movies, navigation or even a view of the road depending on the driving mode selected.

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo — Geneva
A few years back at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche provided a first peek into the company’s plans for electrification with the debut of the Mission E electric sports car. Slated to be the first all-electric 4-seat sports car from the German automaker, the Mission E would have legendary Porsche performance with new levels of efficiency and innovation. While work continues on this new sport sedan, Porsche took the wraps off the next step in its move toward electrification with the debut of the Mission E Cross Turismo. This new concept is designed to offer crossover versatility with Porsche performance and high efficiency.

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo
Porsche says the Mission E Cross Turismo would deliver 600 horsepower and offer a range of around 310 miles. The automaker also reports that a recharge of 15 minutes would produce as much as 250 miles of additional range. Acceleration would also be strong, jumping to 62 mph in around 3.5 seconds. All-wheel drive, Porsche torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension and Dynamic Chassis Control all help to ensure Porsche levels of performance and agility. Up front, styling cues evoke the iconic 911, while the rear is reminiscent of the Panamera Sport Turismo. For now this is simply a concept, but don’t be surprised to see a more production-ready vehicle based on Mission E soon.

Renault EZ-ULTIMO — Paris
With all the discussion worldwide about autonomous vehicles that will pick folks up and take them where they want to go, Renault recently created its vision of a vehicle designed to do just that. “As consumer trends change and people are enjoying ride-hailing services more and more, a new paradigm for mobility will emerge. Embodying this revolution, Renault EZ-ULTIMO offers a unique luxurious experience aboard a robo-vehicle that can be adapted depending on the service provider,” said Laurens van den Acker, senior vice president of Renault Corporate Design.

Renault EZ-ULTIMO
Inside the EZ-ULTIMO is living room-like styling with elegant lighting, attractive wood floors and large comfortable seating. A big sliding door makes access very easy, and passengers enjoy full connectivity and entertainment. Clearly still a concept vehicle, the EZ-ULTIMO does provide a glimpse of what ride-share services might offer in the future.

smart forease — Paris
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the smart brand decided to have some fun with a new concept for the Paris Motor Show. Called the forease, the tiny open-top concept is all electric — as are all models in the smart lineup. “The smart forease is proof that smart thinks unconventionally. Its design is reduced and pure,” says Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler AG. “The smart forease is a statement of urbanity and individual style. It has the coolness of the metropolis and demonstrates a truly free spirit.”

smart forease
Based on the smart EQ fortwo cabriolet, the forease has no top to close and is painted in a metallic-white that seems to glow. Green accents inside and out add a nice contrast. “Even after two decades of growing up, it still pays to stick to some crazyness [sic] and unconventional ways of thinking,” said Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz cars.

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept — Geneva
Driving enthusiasts can start celebrating — the legendary Toyota Supra is finally returning after a 16-year hiatus. That was the message behind the debut of the GR Supra Racing Concept at this year’s Geneva show. Although the production street Supra was not shown in Switzerland, the racing concept gives clear indicators to the overall shape and styling of the upcoming model. As with the previous generations, the Supra will feature a front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept
This racing concept hides the true look of the new Supra, since it is outfitted with a large rear wing as well as wide fenders, a front splitter, a rear diffuser and side skirts. As a proper race car, the concept’s chassis features lowered front and rear suspension as well as BBS racing wheels and Michelin racing tires, in addition to Brembo racing brakes and a racing exhaust. Although there has been no official (or unofficial) word on when more news will be released regarding the new Supra, enthusiasts can take a (virtual) drive in the Supra Racing Concept within the Gran Turismo Sport video game.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept — New York
In 2017 Volkswagen introduced the 7-passenger Atlas, and in New York this year the German automaker iterated on the platform with the debut of the Atlas Cross Sport Concept. Showcased at a special event on the eve of the 2018 New York Auto Show, this stylish concept provides a first look at an upcoming production model expected to arrive next year. The Cross Sport Concept maintains the same long wheelbase as the 7-passenger Atlas, but the vehicle is 7.5-inches shorter in overall length. This results in shorter front and rear overhangs with a coupelike profile, emphasized by bold fender flares and 22-inch alloy wheels. Up front the Cross Sport Concept gets a 2-bar grille, LED headlights and running lights integrated into the grille with illuminated crossbars.

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept
The interior of the Cross Sport Concept is predictably futuristic with a 10.1-inch integrated display as the centerpiece of the dashboard. All infotainment and basic vehicle functions are accessed using touchscreen or gesture control. A second touchscreen has climate control settings. The Atlas Cross Sport Concept also has a high-resolution digital cockpit display in front of the driver that changes configuration depending on the drive mode selected. The display can be configured for navigation, driving information or other functions as needed. Volkswagen gives this 5-passenger concept a powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain that employs the 276-horsepower V6 engine found in the 7-passenger Atlas combined with two electric motors — one in front, one at the rear. Combined power is rated at 355 horsepower, and VW estimates this crossover could sprint to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and would have an electric-only range of 26 miles.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept — New York
A dual-cab, short-bed pickup, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept also made its world debut at the New York Auto Show. Built on the same MQB platform as the 7-passenger Atlas SUV, the Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 FSI engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. From the B-pillars forward, the Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept is similar to the Atlas, but the front end is more rugged. The rear doors are much different than Atlas, and the door handles are incorporated with the C-pillars. At the rear, an Atlas logo gets integrated into the tailgate and wraparound animated lighting draws attention. Other design features include wheel arch extensions that incorporate integrated side marker lights, and high-gloss 20-inch wheels that use contrasting aluminum and black coloring.

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Pickup Concept
Inside this pickup concept, the 5-occupant interior features sport contoured seats in the front and three individual seats for those relegated to the rear. The instrument panel, center console and steering wheel have been redesigned from the Atlas with most functions controlled digitally. Ambient lighting is integrated into the instrument panel, and the roof console lights the interior in yellow or blue light at night, depending on whether the vehicle is in Off-road or City mode. The center console includes a new shifter grip design and a metallic slider to control mode selection for 4MOTION with Active Control.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept — Geneva
Lately it seems like a new I.D. iteration appears from Volkswagen at every major auto show, and Geneva was no exception. The I.D. Vizzion Concept is the fourth model in the I.D. family and possibly the most advanced showing yet. Providing a look at what might be possible in 2030, the I.D. Vizzion sedan offers Level 5 autonomy (the highest level), which means its “digital chauffeur” can take complete control of driving tasks. There is no steering wheel or visible controls — the vehicle is operated by voice or gesture control — and with artificial intelligence, the vehicle is capable of learning.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept
As with the other I.D. concepts, the Vizzion features an all-electric drive system. There are two motors and two transmissions — all linked together electronically. The 111-kWh lithium-ion battery resides beneath the floor for better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity. The front wheels are driven by a 101-horsepower electric motor, while a 201-horsepower motor drives the rear wheels for a total of 302 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Range is expected to be around 400 miles. Volkswagen expects the I.D. Vizzion to reach production in 2022, but with conventional driving controls.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ CARGO Concept — Los Angeles
A fully-electric cargo van, the Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ CARGO concept made its auto show debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The I.D. BUZZ CARGO was originally shown earlier this year in Hanover, Germany, and for the Los Angeles Auto Show it is configured as a support vehicle for the I.D. R Pikes Peak record-holding race car with a livery that follows the I.D. R’s colors and includes a map of the race course. Powered by a 201- horsepower (150kW) electric motor, and employing a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO can achieve up to 340 miles on a single charge when equipped with a 111-kWh battery.

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ CARGO Concept
Unique features of I.D. BUZZ CARGO Concept include a digital cargo system, a 230-volt socket to power work tools, and a solar roof that can extend the daily driving range by up to 9.3 miles. I.D. Pilot mode allows fully autonomous driving, which is activated by the driver pushing on the steering wheel for a few seconds; the wheel retracts into the instrument panel. To optimize productivity, instead of two single front seats, I.D. BUZZ CARGO has a driver seat with a two-person passenger seat to the right, but the center seat can be folded down to create a workspace where the driver can use an integrated laptop. Volkswagen reports a production version of I.D. BUZZ CARGO could be launched as early as 2022.