According to Motor Trend, the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show was pretty low-key. That’s not to say it was boring. Cars like the 2016 Mazda CX-9 and 2017 Lincoln MKZ impressed automotive experts like Alex Perdikis and show visitors alike. Concept cars were, if not entirely missing, rare. Concept cars showcase the future with advanced technologies, new styling and the future of vehicle engineering. They create a buzz of excitement. Concept cars may have been in short supply at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, but there are plenty of exciting new concept cars that point to a future of energy efficiency, comfort and unparalleled style. Here are five of the best.
Lincoln Continental 2025 Concept Car
The Lincoln Continental 2025 Car Concept stunned everyone at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The quarter-scale model was designed by Lawrence Technology University students Colin Bonathan and Jeeho Cha and constructed in Ford Motor Company’s product development center.
Bonathan styled the exterior with aerodynamic streamlining in mind. Cha equipped the interior with fully reclining seats and a mahogany floor and console. He added a personal touch with a bonsai tree air freshener placed in a retractable console.
Luxury features in the electric Lincoln Continental Concept Car include a slipping trunk bed, center-opening doors, beverage dispenser and retractable food cooler. Not bad for a student summer project.
Aston Martin DBX
In a decidedly shocking concept, the Aston Martin DBX made its debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Why shocking? The DBX is an electric SUV and, even more surprising, the idea came from luxury car designer Aston Martin. An electric motor powers each wheel and a tall profile combine to make for a powerful response. Aston Martin expects to have a production SUV out in the next few years. It will be interesting to see if the one motor for each wheel concept makes it into production.
2017 Buick LaCrosse
The people of China love the LaCrosse. Americans, in fact, might be shocked to learn that over 900,000 have been sold since current model production began in 2009. When it came time for a redesign, General Motors decided to keep it in Michigan in an attempt to develop a LaCrosse that appeals to Americans. The 2017 Buick LaCrosse is on the right track.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
An all-electric production car, the Chevy Bolt EV could mean a new direction for the electric automotive industry. The Bolt is entirely battery operated without a backup gasoline engine. The concept Bolt EV boasts a 200-mile range and production vehicles are expected to have a price tag of around $37,500.
Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion
We know they’re coming. Self-driving cars will, for good or bad, be available to the public in the not-too-distant future. In a nod to that future, the Mercedes-Benz unveiled its F 015 in early 2015. Featuring maximized interior space, retractable steering wheel and 180 degree rotating front seats, it remains to be seen if the odd-looking F 015 makes it to production.