Kia Futuron Concept SUV

Kia isn't an economy brand anymore. While they do sell a lot of value-priced models, they've made a statement with cars like the Stinger GT and Telluride full-size SUV that they can design and build cars that match the performance and luxury of the best America and Europe has to offer. With the rising tide of electric vehicles, Kia isn't about to be left out on that front either and debuted the Futuron electric SUV concept at the 2019 China International Import Expo. Visually striking, the Futuron's smooth, flowing exterior mimics a fastback coupe style with the elevated ground clearance of an SUV. Four electric motors are housed in the wheels, and the battery sits low in the chassis floor to maximize interior space. The Futuron features Level 4 autonomous driving, and the seats have an upright driving position and a reclined rest position, depending on whether you or the car are at the wheel. Expect to see the tech and design elements making their way to Kia's production line in the not-too-distant future.

1996 Zagato Raptor Concept

The Zagato Raptor debuted at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show with the intention of bridging the gap between the Lamborghini Diablo and the then-upcoming Canto. Neither the Raptor or the Canto were produced and became one-off rarities. Built on the Diablo VT's space-frame chassis, all-wheel-drive, and 5.7-liter V12, the Raptor weighed nearly 700 pounds less thanks to carbon fiber bodywork and the performance figures showed it — 0-60 came in less than four seconds and the top speed was north of 200 MPH. Zagoto completed the project in less than four months, thanks to computer-aided design. The Raptor featured a futuristic look and features like a rear-hinged engine bay and a passenger compartment that was accessed by the entire top swinging forward instead of traditional doors. With only one ever made, the Zagato Raptor is a one-of-one Italian supercar with some of the most interesting features you'll find anywhere.

Spectre 2015 Jaguar C-X75 Coupe

The best car in 2015's Bond thriller Spectre wasn't an Aston Martin or even driven by 007 himself — it was the Jaguar C-X75 driven by assassin Mr. Hinx, played by Dave Bautista. A spectacular car chase between Bond's Aston Martin DB10, created especially for the film, and the C-X75 brought Jaguar's stalled supercar to a worldwide audience. The C-X75 debuted five years earlier, but the economic outlook at the time lead Jaguar to cancel the collaboration between the British automaker and Williams Formula One team. Originally conceived as a hybrid, the C-X75 pictured here is one of four built for the film and powered by a supercharged V8. After filming, the car was returned to Williams and was fully serviced before serving as a press car, traveling the world and appearing in events for the Spectre's release, including being driven by Williams F1 driver Felipe Massa before the 2015 Mexican Grand Prix. Not only a piece of film history, it's also an ultra-rare Jaguar that continues the legacy of its great racing cars like the XKSS and XJ13.

Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept

Lexus is showing what the future holds for its electrified cars with the LF-30, a concept that has some interesting innovations to differentiate from the current crop of EV offerings. The biggest distinguishing feature between the LF-30 and today's available electrics is four hub-mounted motors making a combined 536 horsepower. The four motors can be operated in front, rear, or all-wheel-drive, or any combination of thereof, making for what great traction and stability control. The lack of front and rear axles and floor-mounted batteries allows for a huge amount of freedom of design in the interior, and Lexus has taken full advantage of the layout. Short front and rear overhangs maximize passenger space, while a glass roof runs the full length of the car. Seats based on those from first-class airliners feature a memory material that molds each seat to the occupant and an entertainment system headlined by a custom-designed sound system by Mark Levinson.

Alfa Romeo Montreal Vision GT Concept

Long, low, and with a shape that looks like it's flying while sitting still — Luca Serafini's Alfa Romeo Montreal Vision GT concept is everything an Italian grand tourer should be. The Italians have had a near-monopoly on exciting car design almost since the invention of the car, and Serafini's work continues this grand tradition. Serafini's inspiration was an orange Alfa Romeo Montreal his father owned, and his updated design faithfully captures the excitement of the original. Familiar Alfa themes like the Scudetto Grille feature prominently, and Serafini references the Montreal's classic '70s Italian design elements with a fastback that meets a tall rear and horizontal inlets on the C-pillar. Alfa Romeo is ripe for a high-end GT, and Serafini's updated Montreal would be a great place to start.

Vision Mercedes Simplex Concept

For the Simplex concept car, Mercedes-Benz went nearly all the way back into its past for inspiration. The 1901 35 PS was the first car to carry the Mercedes name and a radical vehicle for its time. The general conception of what a car was in the public mind for years to come was set by the 35 PS and helped to usher in the age of the motorcar. The Vision Simplex has an electric motor at each hub allowing for the open-wheel design reminiscent of early cars. The radiator is covered in a rose-gold surround that houses a 3D display and recalls the bronze radiator of the 35 PS, along with the door-less bodywork and long hood. Inside, the minimalist interior shows the occupants critical system information via touchscreen displays. While it won't ever see production, the Vision Simplex perfectly blends the cutting-edge with Mercedes-Benz's long history.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Concept

Mercedes-Benz gave a glimpse of what's in store for the future of the automaker at Frankfurt with the Vision EQS concept. Based on a modular, scalable electric drivetrain, Mercedes claims 435 miles of range and 469 horsepower from a 100 kWh battery pack. But the real excitement is in the design and tech — and the Vision EQS is loaded with both. The flowing, sculpted exterior is a far cry from the boxy designs Mercedes built its name on, with a "lightbelt" that separates the black glass canopy from the silver bodywork. This continues into the front and rear, with the large front grille being lit entirely in electric blue. Inside, Mercedes looked to luxury yachts and the sea for inspiration, using recycled ocean plastic along with an array of sustainable materials. The interior also uses a system of projection displays to view the surroundings or a movie while the passengers kick back in the luxurious seats. The future looks good indeed.

Hymer VisionVenture Camper Van Concept

RVs were once the most traditional vehicles on the road. Big, lumbering, and with interior and exterior styling that looked like a bad '70s apartment crossed with an old tractor-trailer, RVs were most popular with the retirement set. Enter the adventure van — nimble, efficient, and with styling themes and workmanship that wouldn't be out of place in a modern London apartment. This is exactly where the Hymer VisionVenture concept fits in — a pop-top camper van based on the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Everything is meticulously designed to maximize the available space, while the design creates an open, airy feel that belies the fact that this is all inside a van. Two rows of love seat-sized couches run along the rear, and the tailgate opens to bring the outdoors in. A stairway goes up to the pop-up sleeping area, and a kitchenette and full bathroom fill out the downstairs space. While a concept, Hymer sees this a vision of the near future, but no plans for production were announced.

Audi AI:Trail Quattro Concept SUV

The AI:Trail concept looks at first glance like Audi's attempt at making an off-planet vehicle, not something merely for going offroad here on earth. An all-electric vehicle, the AI:Trail encloses its passengers in a glass bubble, and the massively knobby tires appear nearly separate from the body with only small fenders covering them. Despite its futuristic styling, the AI:Trail uses the drivetrain from the E-Tron SUV and was designed for pushing it to the limit. To go along with the space-buggy looks, there are features that are way ahead of their time, like rooftop-mounted drones that replace the headlights and Level 4 autonomous driving.

CUPRA Tavascan Concept SUV

Cupra, the high-performance division of Volkswagen's Spanish SEAT automaker, has unveiled an all-electric SUV concept that takes car design to another level. The sleek exterior benefits from the lack of an internal combustion engine to maximize aerodynamics, with the 22-inch turbine wheels being designed to move air cleanly around the body. The doors open to reveal a pillar-less entry for easy egress, and showcase the carbon fiber structure and sculpted interior. Cupra uses VW-sourced electric motors at each axle and a battery pack mounted low in the floor, good for 279 miles of range. The Tavascan will make its public debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany.

Volkswagen e-Beetle Concept

There isn't a car ever made that's a better candidate for electrification than the Volkswagen Beetle. The idea wasn't lost on VW and partner eClassics, and together they created the e-Beetle concept — a classic VW Beetle powered by the electric drivetrain from VW's upcoming e-Up! city car. Keeping to the Beetle's original flavor, the 80 horsepower drive motor and single-speed transmission won't break any records, but they will get you up to 90 MPH and 124 miles on a full charge. There's also the timeless styling, with a convertible body being chosen for the conversion. While classic Jaguar and Ferrari electric conversions are great, there's nothing like the original economy car with zero emissions.

Porsche 988 Vision Concept

Porsche would be the first to point out that their current upper-tier 911 variants do just fine against their mid-engined competition. That didn't stop designer Invisive from imagining the form a modern mid-engined effort from Stuttgart might take. This Porsche 988 Vision Concept applies a hyper-futuristic, yet instantly-recognizable form to the idea. Massive wheels set in precisely-sculpted arches, huge ducts underneath the LED headlights and behind the doors funnel air to the engine, and rear-facing cameras replace traditional mirrors, only adding to the clean look.

Hyundai 45 Concept

Inspired by the brand's inaugural model from the 1970s, Hyundai's 45 concept is an all-electric glance at its future. Little can be discerned from the teaser image, apart from an angular shape and pixelated LED lights, but the company claim's it will explore the evolution of its ridiculously-named "Sensuous Sportiness" design language. The full reveal will come at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Volkswagen I.D. BUGGY Concept

In 1964 Bruce Meyers introduced the Meyers Manx, a fiberglass body on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis, and created one of the wildest combinations of German engineering and American design ever imagined. VW has come up with their own take on the buggy, replacing the rear-mounted flat-four with an electric drivetrain and bringing the classic into the modern age. Built on VW's MEB modular electric platform, the Dune Buggy's electric motor delivers 201 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque with a 62kWh battery that's good 155 miles of range. The interior uses waterproof materials and an ultra-minimalist design to maximize resistance to the elements, and the electric drivetrain leaves plenty of space for four passengers despite the small dimensions. The I.D. Buggy will make its debut in the US at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Acura Type S Concept

The NSX has finally started to shake the Acura lineup with the debut of the Type S concept. It's been a decade since a Type S has been seen from Acura and the concept car points towards a much-needed change in Honda's luxury lineup. The Diamond Pentagram grille is still recognizable, but with a much smaller size that fits the crisp, taut lines and lower stance. The fastback silhouette has windows with no pillars — just tight gaps in the window glass, an interesting design that we hope to see on the production model. Quad exhaust outlets and 21" wheels with Brembo brake calipers visible beneath them a hint at the performance of the Type S, but Honda offered no details about what lurks under the hood. The Type S will be on public display during the Monterey Car Week.

Land Rover Back Packer Concept

Land Rover made its name by going nearly anywhere on Earth that could be reached with four wheels. Designer Edwin Senger has taken the basic DNA of Land Rover and distilled it down into a concept vehicle that not only can take you into the great outdoors — it also doubles as your shelter once you're there. Dubbed the Back Packer, this EV is imagined as modular offroad transportation that is booked like a hotel. Configurable storage and equipment options are noted ahead of time, with everything customized for exactly what you need for your trip. The two-seater's roof is designed to double as a tent, with a flexible solar sail for recharging the batteries. While definitely not ready for the production line, Senger's concept is an exciting look at what is possible with EVs in the not-too-distant future.

Photos: Edwin Senger

Renault E-Plein Air Concept Car

The market for converting classic automobiles to electric vehicles is growing, and manufacturers are starting to notice. Everything from Jaguar E-Types to '80s icons like the Ferrari 308 GTB can be found with electric motors, and now Renault looks like it might be interested in testing the waters with the E-Plein Air concept. The original Plein Air had a production run of only around 500 units and gained fame as a beach car with its doorless, open-top design. Under the retro looks is the mechanicals of the Twizy city car. The 6.1 kWh battery is good for only about 62 miles — just enough to get you from your apartment to the beach.

Lexus GXOR Overlanding Concept

Making its debut at this year's FJ Summit in Colorado, the Lexus GXOR is proof you don't have to trade luxury for capability. This modified GX — itself a rebadged Land Cruiser Prado — is transformed via a host of third-party aftermarket gear. Outside, there are Icon Vehicle Dynamics shocks and a 2.5-inch lift, 18-inch F-Sport wheels with General Grabber tires, CBI frame sliders, underbody armor, and bumper, a Warn winch, Eezi-Awn K9 roof rack, and safari snorkel. In the cargo area there's a National Luna fridge/freezer combo, Goose Gear custom drawers, more storage above in the form of Alu-boxes, and even more storage — and sleeping space — in the custom Patriot Campers X1H trailer out back. The vehicle will be on display through the weekend, and while it's unlikely to ever get an official release, you can bet enthusiasts are busy building their own already.

Bentley EXP 100 GT Coupe

Bentley released the last of its Centenary limited edition model earlier this month, but the 100th-anniversary celebrations aren't quite over. In a live stream, Bentley unveiled the EXP 100 GT concept, an all-electric ultra-luxury grand tourer that points to the future of Bentley's lineup. The car is massive at 19 feet long and 7.8 feet wide, although at 4,188 pounds, it's over a 1,000 pounds lighter than the current Continental GT. The size is offset by an electric powertrain that delivers 1,106 lb-ft of torque, pushing the EXP 100 GT from 0-62 in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 MPH — with a range of 435 miles. The exterior is one of the best-looking cars we've seen in years, and the inside is flush with the luxurious appointments you'd expect from Bentley. While the EXP 100 GT won't be going into production, we hope to see the styling and features come to production models soon.

BMW X7 Pick-Up Truck

Built by BMW Group vocational trainees working with the Concept Vehicle Construction and Model Technology divisions at the company's Munich plant, this X7 Pick-Up Truck is a strikingly well-considered one-off. It's based on the X7 xDrive40i, with a 340 hp six-cylinder and standard all-wheel-drive, but replaces the third row of seating and covered cargo area with a bed handcrafted from teak. The bed measures a little under five feet long with the gate up and six and a half feet open, letting it accommodate the matching BMW F 850 GS motorcycle it's shown with.

BMW Vision M NEXT Coupe Concept

In a future where cars will drive themselves, will there still be a place for the Ultimate Driving Machine? BMW gives an emphatic yes to that question with the Vision M NEXT concept. Combining the latest in BMW's forward-looking tech with the sporty driving dynamics the company built its reputation on, the M NEXT looks to be the successor to the M1 that the i8 wasn't. The hybrid powertrain combines electric motors and a turbocharged four-cylinder for over 600 horsepower and can operate on either exclusively. The car can switch between rear- or all-wheel-drive and has a Boost+ button for instant power from the electric motor. BMW claims a top speed of 186 MPH and a 0-62 time of three seconds. The interior features AR displays for everything from car telemetry to driver biometric info like heart rate. The ultimate driving machine indeed.

Skoda Mountiaq Truck Concept

Some of the best SUVs on the market aren't available to customers in the US, like the new Suzuki Jimny and the stripped-down versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser. Another great SUV we in the States are going to miss out on is the very production-ready looking Skoda Mountiaq truck. Based on Skoda's Kodiaq SUV, the Mountaiq is an extended-cab pickup loaded with hardcore offroad features. 35 apprentice designers at the Skoda Vocational School spent eight months coming up the Mountiaq, and their attention to detail shows. The muscular stance is enhanced by a bull bar, winch, and snorkel, along with plenty of LED lighting. Another trick feature is in the bed, with diamond plate that hides several storage compartments leave the main cargo area unaffected. While the Mountaiq is a concept, expect it to influence Skoda's future offerings.

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Off-Road Concept

Before all-wheel-drive took over WRC rally racing, mid-engine rear-wheel-drive Italian cars like the Lancia Stratos and 037, the last rear-wheel-drive car to win the title, dominated. With cars like Safari 911s growing in popularity, Lamborghini has created an off-road Huracán concept called the Huracán Sterrato, using the same V10 and all-wheel-drive system as its street-going cousin Huracán Evo cousin. Changes to the ECU give more power lower in the RPM range, and the track has been widened over an inch, with almost two inches more ride height. Aluminum skid plates and side skirts combined with Kevlar body panels protect critical drivetrain components, and an LED lightbar and pods keep the road lit after dark. Lamborghini has already done the work, and seeing the Huracán Sterrato mixing it up in the WRC would be a beautiful thing.

Garage Italia Icon-e Fiat 500 Concept

A new trend is has been gaining traction in the world of classic cars. Retrofitting electric drivetrains has become increasingly popular, with custom shops like Icon and even manufacturers like Jaguar offering reversible conversions of their classic models. Milan's Garage Italia is starting their own line of electrified classics with the Icon-e Fiat 500 concept. More than just a drivetrain swap, Garage Italia has radically changed Fiat's famous city car into a beach-going ride that captures summer on four wheels. The top and doors have been removed and the interior replaced with wicker basketweave seats. Ropes replace the doors and a safety cell helps maintain the structural integrity of the car. Details like a custom digital dash and charging port hidden under the front Fiat emblem let you know this isn't you're typical 500. This 500 is Garage Italia's first entry in the electric Icon-e line, with more to follow.

BMW Garmisch Concept

Few auto designers have been as influential as Marcello Gandini. With cars like the Lamborghini Miura, Countach, Lancia Stratos, and the original BMW 5-series, Gandini has penned some of the most iconic designs in the history of the automobile. In 1970, BMW unveiled the Gandini-designed Garmisch at the Geneva Auto Show — and the car vanished shortly after. Lost for nearly 50 years, BMW is re-releasing the Garmisch concept in collaboration with Gandini that captures every detail of the original. The concept aimed to create a modern take on BMW's traditional design language, with clean, sleek lines and striking updates to familiar BMW styling cues. An angular twin-kidney grille sits between square headlights, with the Hofmeister kink receiving a similar touch, along with louvers at the C-pillar and a honeycomb rear window cover. The recreation Garmisch was handbuilt in Turin, Italy, just like the original, and fills an important gap in BMW's history.

2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Tray Bed Concept Truck

Fresh off their collaboration with Chevrolet on the Colorado ZR2 Bison, American Expeditionary Vehicles is releasing another Bison, this time with their own heavy-duty tray bed for carrying more cargo and increased flexibility. Along with the bed, AEV also outfitted the Bison with a host of GM Performance parts, including sturdier upper control arms and a steel driveshaft. A snorkel, LED light bar, and winch reinforce what the Bison is all about, and fender flares cover 35-inch all-terrain tires. AEV built the truck for the Overland Expo West, and to prove it wasn't a trailer queen, put it through its paces for three days in the Altar Desert. Unsurprisingly, it passed with flying colors. Although production-ready, AEV didn't have any info on specs or availability but expect that to change with enough interest.

Honda Ridgeline & Passport Overland Concepts

Honda's Ridgeline truck and Passport SUV are already capable away from the pavement, but these Adventure Lifestyle concepts bolster their off-road chops considerably. Outfitted by Jsport Performance Accessories, the Passport sees an increased ride height of 1.5 inches in the front and 0.75 in the rear, along with knobby Nitto RidgeGrappler tires mounted on 18-inch wheels. The Ridgeline also gets off-road wheels and tires, as well as a leveling kit. Both concepts get new skid plates and Plateau modular roof racks; the Passport's holds a rooftop tent while the Ridgeline's is home to a Honda generator. Both vehicles are on display at the 2019 Overland Expo West.

Tesla Roamer Motorhome

Travis Rabenberg is a bit of a motorhome enthusiast. Host of Twitch TV's Travis Travels, he's journeyed with two custom creations, a converted ambulance and a full-size Ford Van. Travis' latest project is a Telsa Model S 70D outfitted with a camper that packs a bed, sink, toilet, and poptop with a 300-watt solar panel. Travis wants to break the Guinness World Land Speed Record for electric motorhomes and expects to get 150 MPH and 200 miles of range out of the creation. The true real-world test comes when the modified Tesla goes from England to Dubai to open the 2020 World Expo.