Concept cars are a fascinating glimpse into the future of automotive design, showcasing a brand’s vision and creativity. But when it comes to actually driving these futuristic machines, the experience can be quite different from what you might expect.
What’s It Really Like to Drive a Concept Car?
If you’ve ever seen a concept car at a motor show, you probably felt a rush of excitement. Those sleek lines, innovative features, and eye-catching colors are designed to dazzle. But here’s the catch: driving one often feels like stepping into a dream that’s still in the making. The truth? Many concept cars are built more for show than for go.
Imagine this: you’re at a car show, and a shiny new concept car catches your eye. It’s stunning, right? But when you finally get behind the wheel, the magic can quickly fade. These vehicles are often prototypes, hastily assembled to impress rather than perform. They can be slow, awkward, and sometimes downright uncomfortable. Yet, that’s not the point. The real value lies in what these cars represent—the potential for future innovations and designs.
Why Drive a Concept Car?
Driving a concept car is a privilege, one that comes with a unique set of challenges. For automotive journalists, it’s an opportunity to explore the boundaries of design and technology. However, the experience can be bittersweet. You might find yourself in a car that’s loud, smelly, or simply not ready for the road. But rather than focusing on the negatives, the goal is to sift through the experience and highlight the innovative ideas that might make it into future production models.
Take the Mazda Kabura, for example. This 2+1-seater coupe, designed by Franz von Holzhausen (who now leads design at Tesla), was a striking concept that never made it to production. When I had the chance to drive it back in 2006, I was thrilled. It looked fantastic and promised an exhilarating ride. But in reality, it handled like a go-kart with a few too many quirks. Did I mention the chassis flex? Not exactly the smooth ride you’d hope for. Yet, I didn’t dwell on those details in my write-up. Instead, I focused on the excitement of the concept and its potential, hoping it would sway Mazda’s decision-makers.
What About Other Concept Cars?
My journey through the world of concept cars continued with the Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans. Driving this supercar on a closed Miami highway felt like a dream come true. But again, reality hit hard. The car was a showpiece, and the performance didn’t quite match the hype. It was equipped with a manual gearbox from an Audi A4 and delivered only half the torque it was supposed to.
Then there were the more memorable experiences, like driving the Jaguar C-X75 and the Ariel Hipercar. These weren’t just show cars; they were prototypes that offered a glimpse of what was possible. Unlike their showy counterparts, these vehicles were built with performance in mind, and driving them was a thrilling experience.
What’s the Takeaway?
Concept cars are a testament to the automotive industry’s creativity and innovation. They allow manufacturers to push boundaries and explore new ideas, even if the driving experience isn’t always what you’d hope for. The big takeaway? Driving a concept car isn’t about perfection—it’s about the journey of innovation. So, the next time you see a stunning concept car, remember that it’s not just about how it drives today; it’s about what it could inspire for tomorrow.