10 Mind-Blowing Concept Cars That Are Shaping The Future Of The Automotive Industry

For decades, automakers have used concept cars as a powerful way to showcase the future of their brands. These bold, imaginative creations serve as platforms to explore cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking design philosophies. More than just attention-grabbing showpieces, concept cars reflect a brand’s evolving identity and often hint at the innovations that will soon shape the automotive landscape.

In recent years, the industry has seen an exciting wave of concept cars that not only captivate with their stunning aesthetics but also offer real insight into the direction automotive technology and design are heading. These concepts represent a future where electrification, sustainability, and advanced driver assistance systems take center stage without sacrificing performance, comfort, or style.

In this article, we take a closer look at ten of the most innovative and impressive concept cars from recent times. We’ll explore the standout features that define each one and examine how they embody the goals and aspirations of the brands behind them in an ever-evolving automotive world.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed. The following concept cars are not ranked, with the list showcasing ten impressive models.

1

2019 BMW Vision M Next

BMW has traditionally focused on building sedans and SUVs, with some boxy coupes thrown into the mix. The one thing that they don’t currently have in their lineup is a supercar. The i8 was their last real attempt at this and the Vision M Next showcases that the brand may try again.

Key Concept Features

• Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
• 600+ Horsepower
• Ease and Boost Drive Modes
• Augmented Reality Cockpit
• Lightweight Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Construction

The Vision M Next concept car was showcased back in 2019 and outlined how BMW’s M division is committed to utilizing electric power in upcoming models. It also demonstrates how the brand plans to integrate technology in the form of intelligent drive modes and augmented reality to create a more contemporary sporting experience.

2

2023 Toyota FT-Se

While Toyota is traditionally seen as a somewhat mundane brand, they have certainly been taking the future of sports cars into their hands. The FT-Se concept is a great example, with a fully-electric rear-wheel-drive setup that is designed specifically to tear up the racetrack.

Key Concept Features

• Rear-Wheel-Drive
• Fully-Electric Powertrain
• Track-Focused Aerodynamics
• Kneepads For Hard Cornering
• Over-The-Air Updates

While there have been no official confirmations from Toyota, there are a lot of rumors circulating that we may see a production form of the FT-Se in the near future. This high-performance EV will feature some of the latest technology, including some rudimentary upgrades like kneepads that will protect drivers and passengers while taking high-G corners.

3

2020 Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR

The Vision AVTR concept car was showcased by Mercedes-Benz at CES in 2020 in collaboration with the Avatar film team. This concept car is clearly inspired by the film, but also showcases many of the modern advances being made in the automotive world. Its sweeping lines and stand-out wheels are definitely eye-catching.

Key Concept Features

• Biometric Connection Between Car and Driver
• Organic Battery Technology
• Gesture-Controlled Interface
• Bionic Flaps For Aerodynamic Control
• Crab-Like Movement

Mercedes-Benz really challenges our traditional view of transportation with the AVTR concept. It is a fully-autonomous car that responds mainly to gestures rather than steering inputs. It has a huge focus on sustainability and integrates tons of technology into its spaceship-like cockpit.

4

2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept

Mazda is another automaker that puts enjoyment at the top of their priority list, and the SP Concept car certainly showcases this. It takes clear inspiration from the RX-Vision concept the company showcased back in 2015, and brings about the return of the rotary engine, at least in some form.

Key Concept Features

• Rotary-Electric Hybrid Setup
• 365+ Horsepower
• RX-7-Inspired Styling
• Pop-Up Headlights
• Carbon-Capture Technology

Mazda claims that the Iconic SP was specifically designed to go into full production, saying it isn’t just a show car. The Iconic SP feels like a spiritual successor to the RX-7 of yore, even sporting pop-up headlights. For enthusiasts of old Mazdas, the most important feature, though, is the dual-rotor setup that features under the hood.

5

2022 Cadillac InnerSpace

Cadillac debuted the InnerSpace concept in 2022, aiming to outline their goal of building hyper-luxurious autonomous vehicles. The EV disconnects passengers from the road, instead providing a sanctuary for them to enjoy their commute. With a massive screen and a loveseat, this is more mobile lounge than it is car.

Key Concept Features

• Fully-Autonomous Driving
• Panoramic Widescreen Display
• Ai-Driven User Interface
• Zero-Gravity Lounge Seating
• Wireless Battery Pack

There is a clear shift towards autonomous driving in the automotive world, and the InnerSpace takes this to the next level. Instead of a windscreen for you to see out of, you’re met with a massive screen and, instead of traditional car seats, you get what is essentially a couch. Cadillac also puts a big emphasis on the wireless battery, which allows modules to be spread out, giving you more interior space.

6

2017 Lamborghini Terzo Millennio

Where many other concept cars on this list lean pretty heavily into autonomous driving, Lamborghini’s concept takes a different approach. Instead, the Italian manufacturer dived into the potential future of enthusiast supercars, with an impressive looking electric sports car.

Key Concept Features

• Electric Motors in Each Wheel
• Carbon Fiber Body With Self-Healing Technology
• Supercapacitor Energy Storage
• Advanced Aerodynamics With Integrated Air Channels
• AI System For Vehicle Diagnostics and Performance Learning

Electric vehicles seem to be the future, at least for now. Lamborghini acknowledges this and explores how far you can push electrical power. The Terzo has motors in each wheel for torque vectoring and the Italian company aims to develop a supercapacitor to deliver quick bursts of extreme power.

7

2022 Hyundai N Vision 74

In our minds, the Hyundai N Vision 74 is one of the most special concept cars produced in recent times. It perfectly mixes retro design elements with modern technology in a package that looks phenomenal. Hyundai confirmed that they would put the car into small-scale production aiming for 2026, but its future unfortunately seems a little shaky.

Key Concept Features

• Design Inspired By 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell + Battery Hybrid System
• 670+ Horsepower
• Rear-Wheel Drive With Advanced Torque Vectoring
• Functional Aerodynamics

When it comes to fun, Hyundai seems to be leading the way right now. The N Vision 74 is the perfect example of this, combining modern propulsion technology with a rear-wheel drive setup for maximum enjoyment. Pair this with its unique styling and Hyundai has a recipe for success.

8

2021 Audi Skysphere

Audi has built its brand off of delivering cutting-edge technology and a thrilling driving experience. The Skysphere concept keeps to this ideology while utilizing technology to offer something new. This sporty electric roadster can switch between being driver-operated to being fully-autonomous.

Key Concept Features

• Convertible Grand Tourer
• Variable Wheelbase
• Fully-Autonomous Drive Mode
• Digital Cockpit With OLED Display
• Electric Powertrain Outputting 620 HP

The German brand clearly understands that its buyers want cutting-edge technology but also enjoy the thrill of driving. The Skysphere delivers two different experiences, operating as a luxurious grand tourer in one and a sporty roadster in the other. When switching between the two, the car will adjust its wheelbase and ground clearance to completely switch up the driving dynamics.

9

2022 Buick Wildcat EV

The Wildcat EV is a luxury coupe and showcases the brand’s vision for an all-electric future, taking its name from the automaker’s 1963 muscle car. It blends modern and nostalgic elements, taking clear inspiration from the Jet Age of the 1940s. Buick says the Wildcat is meant to simultaneously instill a sense of modernity and comfort.

Key Concept Features

• Next-Generation EV Architecture
• 18-Spoke Turbine-Style Wheels
• Autonomous Driving Technology
• 30-Inch Curved Display
• Floating Center Console

While the exterior of the Wildcat is somewhat underwhelming, the interior demonstrates Buick’s vision for the future a lot more dramatically. Rather than lean too far into their imagination, Buick’s concept car focuses on the now, showcasing semi-autonomous driving, a massive digital display, and the use of advanced artificial intelligence.

10

2024 Chrysler Halcyon

AI-driven self-driving cars are definitely on the horizon, and the Chrysler Halcyon demonstrates what the future of personal transport might look like. This hyper-luxury car is one of the most recent concept cars on this list, with Chrysler having showcased it early last year.

Key Concept Features

• Level-Four Autonomous Driving
• AI-Powered Infotainment System
• Wireless Charging Capabilities
• Sustainable Design
• Full-Length Glass Canopy

Where many concept cars make vague promises, Chrysler gets specific with the Halcyon, exploring the technology that they are currently working on getting into their cars. They do explore some outlandish-sounding concepts, though, such as inductive charging through technology embedded into the road.