Concept cars are a risk in the automotive world. After all, it's one thing to have a car that looks fantastic and stunning, but it has to back it up on the road. Some cars are capable of that, but others falter with bad engines or other issues. There's also the reality that many cars change from the concept design to the finished product and not always for the better (see the Honda Aztek). When these cars first show up as shows, they can't help but turn heads in many ways.
A few cars did pop up in earlier shows but got better looks in 2020 and even ready to hit the streets. Others were shown earlier in the year before circumstances shut down auto shows. They stand out for some mind-blowing designs and features, a few of which look like something out of a sci-fi movie. There is wild stuff every year, but these stand out as the craziest concept cars of 2020, and amazing to think about what they'll be on the streets.
10 DS X E-Tense
While it first debuted in 2018, a new version of the DS X E-Tense was showcased earlier in 2020, smoothing out some of its unique style. It stands out for the three-seat configuration with the driver seat in the open while the passengers are enclosed. It looks more like some Star Wars craft than a car, but DS insists this is the type of vehicle that will be all over the place in the 2030s.
It has two engines, one for daily commutes with 540bhp and the other a racing monster with 1,360hp. It can also be autonomous and interesting to imagine how this looks on the road.
9 Citroen 19-19
Timed for Citroen's 100th anniversary, the 19-19 looks like one of those remote control toys but boasts a fine 100-kWh battery pack with 456 horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, and nearly 500 mph.
There's also a brilliant suspension system so it can go over rough terrain with the same smoothness of an open road. There's also a personal assistant AI responding to voice commands to one barely has to handle driving this beauty.
8 Audi AI-Trail Quattro
Meet the off-roader of the future. The Audi AI-Trail Quattro puts a great spin on the already terrific 4X4. A bonus is that it comes with extra battery packs to ensure a driver doesn't get stranded in the wilderness.
The four electric motors and Quattro drive work with a 13.4-inch ground clearance, so it can wade through a foot and a half of water easily. That it still weighs under four thousand pounds aids its incredible drive.
7 Lamborghini Terzo Millennio
Italian for "Third Millennium," the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio lives up to being a car ready for a new era. First unveiled in 2017, the latest concepts of the Millennio have promised even more stunning performance. Each of the wheels has its own electric motor, so the torque can be controlled individually.
While details are tight, the electric powertrain should produce over 600 hp. What really stands out is the "Self-healing" mode that utilizes specialized sensors to actually heal minor damage. That alone is a game-changer for the industry.
6 Bugatti Bolide
Bugatti has excelled in great concepts, but the Bolide is something else. It's one thing to have a stylish supercar that can go from zero to 60 in 2.7 seconds and a top speed over 300 mph thanks to the 1825hp 8.0L engine.
But the shocking part is this weighs only 2733 pounds. A supercar that fast and that light is stunning even for Bugatti, and the performance promises to be a stunner. That it also looks awesome is the icing on this automated cake.
5 Honda Augmented Driving Concept
A jump in the self-driving concepts, the Honda Augmented (the name might change to something better down the line) debuted at CES 2020 and got major buzz. The design is striking, a roofless passenger area with some audacious curves like no other car out there.
The driving is amazing as all the driver needs to do is pat the steering wheel to control the speed. It can swap seamlessly from autonomous to manual modes and blistering with the best high tech gadgets. The engine specs are under wraps, but it should be a show-stopper when this hits the road in a few years.
4 Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow
Living up to its name, the Mercedes Vision EQ Silver Arrow is amazing in how it flows down the road as if shot from a high powered bow. With a retro appeal and also a stunning futuristic vision, the Arrow is finally hitting the road and reviews are excellent.
The fully charged 750-hp electric motor can get 248 miles and zero to 60 in 2.8 seconds. It lives up to the old Arrow with a 21st-century spin.
3 Toyota LQ
Every car company is trying to master a truly AI experience. The Toyota LQ is the closest, complete with the nickname of Yui. Not only does it respond to the driver but has the potential to "learn" from their quirks and preferences and adapt the experience to them.
The headlights are also mirrors that can reflect and project messages onto the road. With an electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, the LQ may not be a speedy racer, but that AI system makes it a real car of the future.
2 Terrafugia TF-X
No, this is not a James Bond machine. The Terrafugia TF-X is, in fact, an actual flying car, powered by two plug-in hybrid 600-hp electric motors and a 300hp fuel engine to go over 200 mph.
What's notable is retractable wings and propellers that can allow VTOL take-off with a flight range of 500 miles before recharging. Obviously, the issues of a car taking off will be tricky, but it's also a stunning change for the industry.
1 Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR
The name of this car is evident as it's inspired by the hit movie Avatar. It looks straight out of the film, from its unique coloring to the futuristic curves invoking an alien planet. Those massive wheels and neon lighting will make it a sigh on the road.
That assumes folks can keep up thanks to the four electric motors for 470 hp and 435-mile range. The interiors have wood flooring, and echo wheels can be driven individually for better control. It also simply looks damn cool and ready to take the road by storm.
Sources: motor1.com, topgear.com, forbes.com, carbuzz.com