Rekindling a partnership that dates back over 50 years, the BMW Zagato Coupe ($TBA) wears its Italian design heritage proudly. Details are scant on this shapely coupe, which features Zagato "z" letters in the signature kidney grille, 19-inch alloy wheels that recall propellers, and a double-bubble roof. We can only guess that it's based on the Z4 roadster, but it doesn't really matter, as this is the only one that exists.
You would expect a car with "style" in its name to focus on aesthetics, and the Mercedes-Benz Style Coupe Concept ($TBA) doesn't disappoint. Defined by a striking exterior, it features innovative, aggressive new headlamps and taillights, a diamond-look grille, muscular lines, 20-inch wheels, and a special Alubeam paint finish, a tested, road-ready turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, and a funky interior that's highlighted by a panoramic glass roof, the lack of B-pillars, a carbon fiber dash, white nubuck leather on the instrument panel, air vents that change color based on the selected temperature, neon green accents, and a new version of MB's COMAND system that uses your smartphone's data connection to stay up-to-date. While we doubt all of this will make it in to an actual car you can buy, you can bank on seeing some of these features make their way into the next CLS.
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While it's highly unlikely to ever appear stateside, we're intrigued by the Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept ($TBA) nonetheless. Designed to blend the utility of an SUV with the city-friendliness of a compact, the Concept measures just 13.5 feet long and 5.7 feet wide. As with most concepts, further details are scant, but we'd expect to see the aluminum spoiler, double-bubble roof, and floating, "smiling" grille make it to the production model should it ever emerge.
Merging a compact SUV with the power of a small sports car, the Audi RS Q3 Concept ($TBA) is sure to be a blast — should it ever make it into production. Powered by a 2.5 TFSI engine producing 360 hp, the RS Q3 zips from 0-62 in 5.2 seconds, tops out at over 164 mph, and features a seven-speed S-tronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive, exterior upgrades like a honeycomb grille, tinted headlights, and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer front spoiler, and interior niceties that include a glass sunroof and a black interior with dark blue accents.
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Based on last year's i8, the new BMW i8 Spyder Concept ($TBA) takes the company's experimental hybrid line to new heights with a two-section folding roof, upward-opening doors, and slightly updated — and improved — looks. Other features include a 131 hp electric motor to drive the front wheels, a 223 hp turbocharged gas three-cylinder powering the rear wheels — a setup that allows for front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive, as well as 78 mpg fuel economy — 50:50 weight distribution, a 0-62 mph sprint of five seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and copious use of lightweight materials. Did we mention that it also sports two electric scooters under the rear glass panel? Like we said, it's a concept.
We wouldn't call it pretty — in fact, it's pretty far from it — but that doesn't make us want the Jeep Mighty FC Concept ($TBA) any less. Based on the Jeep Forward Control of the '50s and '60s, the Mighty FC features a full-length cargo box, minimum overall length for superior maneuverability, a cabin that sits atop the front axle, Mopar Portal Axles, a Corsa stainless steel exhaust, a Warn winch, and looks so burly they make compact pickups weep.
We have no idea if it will ever make it into production, but if you're a fan of the old school looks of the Morgan Electric Plus E ($TBA), you should certainly hope so. Powered by a 94 hp Zytek engine, the Plus E features a five-speed manual gearbox, a convertible top, a range of 120 miles, a 0-62 mph time of six seconds, and a top speed north of 110 mph.
Like every other automaker, Bentley has decided it's time to build an SUV. Designed to be a beauty both on and off-road, the Bentley EXP 9 F is an all-wheel drive luxury SUV concept that offers all of the company's hand-crafted detailing and high performance get-go. Powered be a 6.0 liter, twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the Bentley SUV features a spacious wood-leather-metal interior with "commanding driving position" and a host of rich people niceties, including a panoramic glass panel roof design, touchscreen interfaces, 3D navigation, and a rear seat business mode with fold-down keyboard and internet connectivity, powered footrest and infotainment movie screen. Of course, you can't overlook the cooled compartment for champagne and glasses under the rear armrest, which you will enjoy on the two-piece tailgate which doubles as a picnic table. Bentley says this is more than a publicity stunt, telling us there's strong potential for the EXP 9 F to become the third Bentley model-line alongside the Mulsanne and Continental ranges.
It's not too often we get to say this, but if they don't build this, they're crazy. The Acura NSX Concept ($TBA) revives one of the world's best-known supercar monikers in style, with a rear-mounted V6 powerplant that's helped along by an electric motor, all-wheel-drive, the ability to apply positive or negative torque to the front wheels during cornering, a dual-clutch transmission, and lust-worthy looks. Oh, and about that "crazy" bit — the production version should arrive in within the next three years, and if that wasn't enough, they're building it in Uncrate's home state of OH.
There are few more conceptually fitting pairings that make more sense than the peace-loving VW Bug and an eco-friendly all-electric drivetrain, so it's no surprise that the Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept ($TBA) is pretty much exactly that. This slightly-reworked current-gen Beetle features a 114hp electric motor, a lithium-ion battery good for 100 miles of range, LED daytime running lights and graphics, 20-inch wheels, and — surprisingly — a rather reasonable interior layout.
With the Detroit Auto Show kicking off today, expect a menu of concept cars this week. The rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Code 130R Concept ($TBA) combines strong looks (the company calls it "heritage performance-inspired styling") with MPG-friendly turbocharged performance. The 4-seat coupe, which sports an aggressive front fascia and fender flares, is powered by a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine that's good for 150 horsepower and 40 MPG. The Code 130R also offers matte anodized gold wheels, WiFi,and smartphone integration.
Next time someone makes a comment about the lame, oversized late '90s era Lexus sedan down the street, show them a picture of this and laugh. Lexus LF-LC Concept ($TBA) is a radical take on the four-seater coupe, with an impressively fluid body, wild front fascia, funky headlamps, and a multi-layered instrument panel. As with most concepts, you're guess is a good as ours as to when — or even if — something resembling this beauty might be available in your neck fo the galaxy.