Detroit Auto Show 2015: coolest concept cars
Auto show season is always exciting because consumers can get idea of which new vehicles to add to their shopping list during the months to come. But the other anticipated part of the shows is all the cool concept cars that manufacturers tease audiences with, often indicating a new design direction or hinting at what’s going to end up in production at a later date. Here are three examples from the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Infiniti Q60 Concept
Even though technically still a concept, we know a new Q60 is coming — and there’s a good chance it will resemble the sport coupe that premiered at NAIAS. With a two-plus-two configuration and a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-litre V6 motor, the Q60 is part of a new generation of Infinitis that utilize smaller, more efficient high-performance powerplants. Some interesting visual elements include the dual front bumper chin intakes and the massive gloss black 21-inch wheels.
Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept
The Santa Cruz is definitely not your typical truck. Hyundai says it’s intended for the Millennial generation who want a utility vehicle that fits into their do-it-all lifestyle. That explains the more compact, manoeuvrable size, the fuel-efficient 2.0 L turbo diesel powertrain matched with HTRAC all-wheel drive, and its aggressive, sporty appearance. Although the Santa Cruz looks like it doesn’t have much of a truck bed, the tailgate can extend to a length matching most conventional mid-size pickups.
Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE
There were rumours that Volkswagen was bringing a new seven-seater SUV to the North American market, and VW gave people a preview of what that might look like with the Cross Coupe GTE (Grand Turismo Electric) plug-in hybrid. Capable of driving up to 32 kilometres on electric power, the engine produces 355 horsepower that can get this ice blue hybrid from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds. There’s also an all-wheel drive system and an off-road mode for when the paved path ends.
