Future Vehicle Concepts

DETROIT—Auto-show visitors love concept cars, and the automakers know it. Also known as "show cars," these beautifully crafted vehicles capture the imagination, delivering visions of stimulating motoring in the near future.


For most concepts, though, that "future" never arrives. Or, even if the vehicle actually goes into production, the end result doesn't look much like the original show car.

Concept Cars Come in Four Levels
1. A few are inevitably destined for production, and everyone knows it, even if the automaker is coy about promising cars for actual sale.


2. Some are almost sure candidates to reach dealer showrooms, but the prospect is stated in vague terms—just in case the company changes its mind or technical challenges cannot be met.


3. Many aren't serious candidates at all, but the company could be swayed if public and media reaction to the concept vehicle is especially strong.