Top 10 Production-Likely Concept Cars

Cadillac Converj Concept: Will Sheer Luxury Go Electric?

As the Grand Finale of GM's presentation at Detroit's auto show, Robert Lutz, vice-chairman of global product development, introduced a stylish Converj electric concept, with a powertrain similar to the one headed for the Chevrolet Volt. This Voltec system uses 16-kilowatt electric drive plus a small gasoline engine that provides electricity after the battery pack has drained. Should the Converj ever be targeted for production, its path is likely to follow that of the Volt. When first unveiled at Detroit's auto show in January 2007, the Volt was a stunner—notable as much for its profile as its powertrain. As it's come closer to production, the range-extender electric car has morphed into a rather conventional family sedan. Even so, a tamer Converj under the Cadillac nameplate could give GM a luxury alternative if electric power really does attract the kind of popularity that Volt marketers currently envision.

Chevrolet Beat/Spark: Coming-Soon Minicar

Also in Detroit this past January, Chevrolet spotlighted a Beat concept that had first appeared a year earlier, touted as a potential "global minicar." Already scheduled for launch as a 2011 model, the production version will be called Spark. Positioned just below the current Korean-built Aveo, the Spark promises 40 mpg economy. Despite the Spark name, it's not expected to contain an electric powertrain. Spark's world debut takes place at the Geneva (Switzerland) auto show in March. European sales begin in 2010, to be followed by arrival at U.S. dealerships.

Chevrolet Orlando Crossover Concept: Related to Coming-Soon Cruze

At the Paris Motor Show in October 2008, Chevrolet introduced a pair of new vehicles: one show car and one aimed at production. Based on the production-intended Cruze compact sedan, the Orlando concept is a seven-passenger multi-purpose vehicle, blending virtues of a family van, wagon, and SUV. "Orlando suggests a possible addition to Chevrolet's global product portfolio," said Ed Peper, GM North American vice-president, when the car reappeared at Detroit's auto show. In concept form, the Orlando holds a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 150 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Theater-style seats are reconfigurable. Largely because of the Orlando's kinship to a car that's coming soon to dealerships, it looks like a better-than-average candidate for production.

Kia Soul'ster Concept: Show Designed for Fun

Even though the new Soul crossover won't reach dealerships until early spring, Kia brought to Detroit a fetching, lighthearted derivative. Unlike the five-door Soul wagon, the open-air, front-drive, two-door Soul'ster concept seats four in what chief design Tom Kearns declared a "more social setting." Chopping the windshield a bit gives it a "more sporty, hunkered-down appearance." The Soul'ster "makes basic cool again," Kearns said. A rollbar-type framework above the rear seats holds the canvas top.


No doubt, elements of the Soul'ster would disappear or get toned down if production gets a thumbs-up. Even so, Kia these days seems more inclined than some automakers to take a chance on something different. Soul'ster could aim even more intently at the youth market.