Best Concept Cars from the 2014 Detroit Auto Show
As those of you in automotive careers in Toronto will no doubt already know, automotive shows are known for their showcasing of the latest, most cutting edge and forward-leaning technologies. The concept cars that are introduced at these automotive shows go on to define the industry curve. This year’s Detroit Auto Show, which kicks off on January 13th, is no exception, with a staggering amount of innovative, mind-blowing technologies and concept cars that are sure to get you excited for what’s to come. Here’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you can expect.
One of the most talked about concept car unveils will come from Audi. There is still very little known about their proposed Q1 concept car, with only sketches, a tiny bit of information and wild speculation to tide us over until the unveil. From what we know, it’s expected to be a performance-themed crossover coupe, an unusual and game-changing idea for the industry. Not only that, but it is expected to be a hybrid vehicle, if not fully electric. If this trend continues, we’ll be sure to see more electric vehicle training with mechanic courses in Toronto.
Speaking of game-changing, while Kia is not mentioned in the same sentence as “sports car,” very often, that could all change following the debut of its exciting new concept sports car, the Stinger. It is purported to be the first car from the company to boast rear-wheel drive and boasts a 315hp, 2-liter turbocharged engine and only a few tiny inches of ground clearance for much better handling and downforce. Other tricked-out offerings on the vehicle range from dedicated front vents that serve to cool the brakes, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels. Looks like a great first step into the performance market by Kia.
If you’re taking some automotive training in Toronto, you might already know that Volkswagen is making a big splash with its BlueMotion Passat concept – a gas-powered vehicle with diesel-like fuel economy. The real announcement, however, comes in the form of its new Dune Buggy Beetle concept car. Modeled after the Volkswagen Dune Buggy Beetles of the 1960s, used for mayhem-inducing sand racing, this concept car is said to combine the best of both old and new designs. Volkswagen originally debuted a Beetle Dune concept car in Los Angeles in 2000, but says that the new 2014 Dune Concept is much more realistic and feasible. With a proposed 210-horsepower turbocharged TSI engine and six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, this little racing buggy is sure to be a hit.
Lastly, for those who want to go just a little bit greener, Ford has the answer for you with its “C Max Solar Energi” concept car. Severing that pesky cord, Ford has instead opted to use high-performance solar panels on the roof of the vehicle. Opting not to rely on plugging into the grid to charge the battery, the Solar Energi Concept uses high-tech concentrator lenses to collect the sun’s rays. Just one day’s worth of sunlight will yield the same performance as the current C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid – that’s an EPA-rated 100 miles per gallon equivalent combined. That’s great news for green enthusiasts!
So whether it’s efficiency, speed, or just raw beauty, this year’s Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be an exceptionally interesting event for the future of the automotive world.
