Every car starts in the prototype or concept car phase, and a good concept can make or break the future of a nameplate. Some concepts are lucky enough to make it to production, while others like the Ford 427 of 2003 never sees the light of day after a few car shows, despite any hype or popularity that the car might have had.2021 saw its fair share of concept cars, and some look poised to take the market by storm in the not too distant future, while others, although Marvels of engineering, might take a while to become standard purchases, especially any autonomous car mentioned here. These were the best concept cars to come out of 2021 and into 2022.
10 2023 Acura Integra
After over a decade out of production, Acura is restarting the Integra nameplate with the hopes it will be ready for consumers in 2023. Introduced in Fall of 2021 and on the verge of entering the prototype phase, things are looking good for its reintroduction.
According to Acura, the new Integra will only be available as a seda, not a coupe base like previous versions had. This is also set to be Acura’s most affordable car, starting prices are likely to be around $30,000.
9 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish
Aston Martin still has a lot of work to do on this car, but they are on track and working hard, much to consumers' anticipation. Set to be a mid-engined supercar instead of a front-engined GT like other Aston Martin’s, the Vanquish is poised to have some incredible features.
For one thing engineers plan to replace the V12 engine with a 3.6 Liter V6 with some hybrid elements to up the car's fuel economy and to meet government emissions regulations. Engineers are hoping to see to it that the car hits 700 horsepower.
8 2025 Cadillac Celestiq
Cadillac is planning to enter the market for electric vehicles (EV) and plans to do so with the Celestiq as its flagship EV. Designs so far feature all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and transparent glass roof panels.
While the design is very sleek, the car will face an uphill battle if it joins the EV market in 2025, as is Cadillac’s goal. This EV is on track to have a 300-mile range, which is fair for an EV but most Teslas, which are already in production, can achieve that. Also, Teslas are much more affordable than the Celestiq is poised to be, critics estimate that it will have a six-figure price tag.
7 Sony Vision-S 02
Yes, that Sony, the company that makes TVs and cameras, and speakers is planning to enter the market with a compact SUV. Aiming to compete with EVs? And cars like the Ford Venuza, the Sony Vision-S 02 so far is one of the more interesting concept cars.
Revealed at CES, this SUV is a variation on an earlier concept the company revealed in 2020, but the design is a little more fleshed out than before. Roughly the same size as a Tesla Model Y, the car so far has 20-inch wheels, a completely digital infotainment and gear display that spans the entire dashboard, and is set to seat seven. There is information yet available about the car’s planned engine block and powertrain.
6 Cadillac Innerspace
Another concept car to debut at CES, this car is one of the more futuristic designs to come out of Cadillac. The car is poised to seat two and offer the driver and passenger lounge-like luxury in day-to-day driving.
The car also features a completely digitized system dashboard and infotainment system, and most importantly, it will be Cadillac's attempt at a self-driving car. The concept as it stands has no steering wheel or pedals. The safety and practicality of self-driving cars remain a challenge for manufacturers, so it is a good thing this is only a concept car.
5 Rolls Royce 103 EX
“The future in the making,” is Rolls Royce’s choice of words to describe the 103 EX. They also are putting an immense amount of faith into this design, calling it their “vision” for the next hundred years.
Poised to be built totally to individual specifications, this plush vehicle comes with an all-leather interior, a canopy convertible roof, and a panoramic skylight. It is also Rolls Royce’s answer to the Cadillac Innerspace, meaning this is the company's vision for an autonomous vehicle. This self-driving car is equipped with artificial intelligence that Rolls Royce is boasting about proudly on its website. The AI, named Eleanor, will come with every vehicle.
4 Volvo Polestar Precept
According to Volvo, this unit “is not a conventional concept car. It's the embodiment of our ambitions for design, technology, and sustainability.” Poised to be Volvos EV in 2024, the company brags that the car is built from “sustainable material.” Its interior is designed with all recycled materials.
The car is poised to be one of Volvos most technologically advanced units. It labels the infotainment system as a “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) that will minimize driver distractions.
3 Mercedes Vision AVTR
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The Vision ATVR is a fascinating but mysterious concept, with a sleek body and wheels that practically glow, the autonomous car is one of Mercedes-Benz's boldest ideas.
Details are still scant as the car has only recently hit showroom floors, but we can see from pictures it has a spacious leather interior and a “one-bow” design. Mercedes-Benz claims this car, “combines the design disciplines interior, exterior and UX on an unprecedented scale.”
2 Audi Skysphere
The biggest trends of concept cars these days seem to be either EVS or autonomous cars, or in some cases both. The Audi Skysphere is Audi’s planned venture into the EV market, once again hoping to dethrone Tesla’s reign as the top EV manufacturer.
So for designed as a convertible, it has a retractable, stow-away steering wheel and completely digitized controls and cockpit. The concept also includes an adaptable wheelbase that sources say can change size depending on driving modes. Audi plans to exclusively offer EVs by 2033, with the last combustion-engined poised for release in 2026.
1 Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow
Wrapping up our list is Mercedes' other latest vision. First introduced at Monterey Car Week in 2018, newer versions have hit show floors by the end of 2021. The car is made out of carbon fiber parts that add to the car's functionality, like the front splitter and layout of the headlights crossing the entire front trim.
Mercedes calls the interior a vision of the values of “progressive luxury.” From the outside one sees only a driver's cockpit, leading one to believe the car is meant for only one, but lifting the car's roof attached doors reveals a surprisingly roomy interior. The polished aluminum of the car's interior trim also adds to its sleek, futuristic appeal. Mercedes also plans for this to be a zero-emissions vehicle.