Specs and Review

Are auto shows dying? Many auto journalists think so. Do new vehicles all look the same? Perhaps to you, a consumer in the compact car category. Are concept cars with no future as a production vehicle annoying? In a sense.

But as art, concept cars serve a purpose as examples of what an automakers design department can do when given a huge budget, few parameters, and no practicality or production concerns.

We can hope automobile manufacturers will be able to keep a few secrets in the lead up to January 2015s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Maybe there will be something special, not just production versions of upcoming luxury crossovers and flashier potential versions of existing cars, but truly special design. 

Interesting surfaces. Inventive detailing. New ideas. 

If so, this list will be in need of an update. Heading in to the Detroit auto show, however, these are our 26 favourites of the 21st century. You will disagree. Wholeheartedly, we suspect.

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26. Dodge Kahuna
Both ahead of and behind the times, the Kahuna is just one of a dozen or more Chrysler Group concepts we could have placed on this list if we werent interested in spreading the wealth around.

25. Lexus LF-LC
The LF-LC is an opinion divider, but it signaled that Lexus could break free from convention. Quite nicely.

24. Jeep Willys 2
Is it easier for Jeep to impress us with something crazy because the core elements never change? Or is it more difficult because there are untouchable elements?  

23. Volvo T6 Roadster
Some concepts are great because they fit the image of the company. Others, like the T6 Roadster, are perfect because they come completely out of the blue.

22. Mazda Ibuki
This is not what all Miata enthusiasts wanted to see, but it was a whole new take, vital for a car that could have devolved into a painfully slow evolutionary process.

21. Hyundai HCD-14
The HCD is a little bit crazy. OK, its a lot a bit crazy. Its very, truly, overwhelmingly crazy. But it works.

20. Ford Bronco
Ford has introduced a number of brutish, silver truck concepts. This is the best of the bunch.

19. Chevrolet Nomad
It mixes retro and originality rather than just relying on the work a designer completed 40 years ago.

18. Volvo 3CC
Blissfully abnormal, but with a purpose.

17. Lamborghini Estoque
Yes, the modern Miura concept is more eye-catching, but its not original. This sharp-edged knife of a sedan is modern Lamborghini at its best.

16. Infiniti Essence
Its very curvy and flowy and long and low and wide.

15. Chevrolet Code 130R
This is perfect for making auto writers say, "But Chevy, there really is a market for this." Probably not.

14. Buick Velite
Theyll give us a version of the Opel Cascada. This would be so much more in keeping with Buicks premium history.

13. Ford Interceptor
Should we be surprised that a traditional American automaker can design an impressive, classically American full-size sedan?

12. Dodge M80
Itd be a Ram if they introduced it now. Regardless, it strikes a nice balance between outlandish and realistic.

11. Dodge Hornet
Its not pretty, but its a Dodge subcompact with proper Dodge attitude. 

10. Kia GT4 Stinger
On a list full of stuff that wont or didnt or cant happen, the GT4 Stinger might have a future.

9. Mazda Shinari
The production 6 looks good. But with no limitations, Mazda can do way better.

8. Volvo Coupe
Classic proportions mix with Volvos classic and modern flavours.

7. Toyota FT-1
When TVR takes over Toyota.

6. Ford Start
Smooth like a beautiful bubble.

5. BMW X Coupe
Bangle themes - on the right day, in the right light, in the right mood - pleased the right (or wrong?) person.

4. Volvo XC Coupe
Just not quite as good as #3.

3. Volvo Estate
Nobody does wagons like Volvo. Volvo, unfortunately, doesnt do wagons like this.

2. Cadillac Sixteen
Why is the Escalade SUV left on its own to be a big, bold, high-priced Cadillac?

1. Volkswagen Bulli
Take my money. 

This car founded In toronto autoshow 2008 festival, this is concept car in speedracer the movie,

Whether this becomes a regular feature on GCBC remains to be seen, but well explore that idea later. For now, check out our five favourite videos in GCBCs YouTube subscriber list from the last week. You wouldnt be surprised to learn that we subscribe to a lot of car channels, but there may be something unexpected tucked in there, too.

#1: Few car lovers make a more informative video than evo founder Harry Metcalfe. Heres his Geneva auto show walk-around.


#2: Whats this, Top Gear with no Clarkson?


#3: Video reviews of the 2015 Ford Edge arent yet all that common. Luke Vandezandes clip has all the usual high production values of a typical AutoGuide clip.


#4: Three pedals? And a lever? Chris Harris On Cars.


#5: From Last Week Tonight With John Oliver: How Is Daylight Saving Time Still A Thing?

The last new car Alfa Romeo was officially sold in 1994 in the United States. After that, the Italians moved out of the U.S. business. Now take the long awaited re-entry of Alfa Romeo to the U.S. market forms. Such as "Automotive News" reports, it should be in the first half of 2013 so far.


With its spearhead, the model built at Maserati 4C want to make the Italians, the Americans directly in the heart of their car and convince them of the emotional Italian cars. This they succeeded once before with the Alfa Romeo Spider-round stern, which gained after the movie with Dustin Hoffman leaving examination in 1967 achieved cult status in the United States.

But the awakening will of the emotions with the 2013 Alfa Romeo 4C sports car is only one side of the business. Even if it were possible for. The other consists of hard facts. The repeatedly postponed entry to the U.S. market is dominated by economic imperatives, which must be achieved. Has since formed an alliance with Chrysler, Fiat, seeing those who set the conditions for a successful comeback, however, increased significantly. At the same time it is for the young partnership, the biggest challenge. Thanks to partners at Chrysler dealers for the distribution level, everything is ready.

Fiats management is hoping secretly that the Alfa Romeo brand in the group can play a similar role, such as Audi within the VW family. Audi provides 40 percent share in VW profits in the U.S. and within the group embodies the technology substrate. With the sporty 4C, the Italian-American community is aimed at customers in the camp of the BMW Z4, Mercedes SLK and Porsche Boxster drivers. On the modular platform of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Dogde Dart will then be presented in the second half of 2013, the new Giulia is expected to reach the European market in 2014 America. Currently, the Italians do not tell where they want to build the new Giulia, whether in Italy or the United States. As a favorite is the U.S. production.

Photo Credit: © Alfa Romeo