Automakers use concept cars to give us a sneak peek at what we have to look forward to. Car shows all over the world are where companies pull back the curtain to show a preview of models that could hit the road in the near future, and some of them really stand out. If you’re hoping to pursue an auto career, read on to learn more about a few models that could change the automotive landscape.
Infinity Q80: Hybrid Auto Technology with Suicide Doors
The Q80 concept is Audi’s first foray into the ultra-premium sedan category. The Q80 is a full-on luxury car that can also perform to today’s eco-friendly customer specifications. It has a small twin-turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 teamed with a hybrid-electric powertrain. The auto technology that the engine uses allows the Q80 to return fuel efficiency of approximately 5.5 litres per 100 km. Drivers will also be able to switch from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive with the flick of a switch.
The Q80 also features touch screens for both front and rear passengers, quilted leather seats, and wide-opening suicide doors. It’s unclear whether or not Audi plans to put the model into production any time soon, but a spokesperson from the company stated that it will definitely inspire all future car designs.
Lamborghini Urus: Using Auto Technology to Produce a Lighter Luxury SUV
Lamborghini originally debuted their SUV concept in 2012, and fans of the high-end automaker have been waiting for news of production ever since. The company recently announced plans to start building their luxury SUV, named the Urus, by 2018. Lamborghini is legendary for their naturally-aspirated V10 and V12 engines, but students in an automotive technology course know that engines that work great for supercars might not work in an SUV, which needs torque.
Lamborghini has developed an all-new 4.0 litre twin turbo V8 for the Urus, and there are rumors that it will also use a hybrid powertrain. What’s perhaps most impressive is that the company used a high amount of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer in the body of the prototype, which makes the Urus significantly lighter than the competition, like the Porsche Cayenne and Bentley Bentayga.
Toyota FT-1: A Concept that Might Mean the Comeback of an Old Favorite
Toyota’s FT-1 concept was originally designed for the Sony PlayStation hit video game Gran Turismo 6. The company built a real-world model that got a lot of attention when it was unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show because of its low body, aerodynamic curves, and massive air intakes. The concept, unfortunately, didn’t have an engine and therefore had no available specs at the time.
There are rumors, however, that the FT-1’s design will be more than just a digital dream. Toyota and BWM recently formed a partnership to develop a sports car, and there are rumors that the FT-1’s aerodynamic design will be the platform for the comeback of an old favorite in the automotive world: an all-new Supra.
Visit ATC for info on how to get started!