Top 10 Concept Cars Of 2011

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Many cars which you see on the road were concepts not that far back or have features which borrowed heavily from concept cars. Most concept cars are one off and display the technology developed by the manufacturer which will be used in future road going cars while others display the design concepts to gauge public response.
Here we display the best concepts we came across in 2011.

No.10 BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

There are very few cars which feel as well put together or are as rewarding to drive as a BMW. They are epitome of comfort, handling and control. The competitors try their level best to not only imitate the looks of BMW cars but also its driving characteristics.

ConnectedDrive showcases the latest technology on offer the German car manufacturer. Basically, it apes what is the so prevalent in our every day lives. The Vision ConnectedDrive is the amalgamation of various apps in a four wheeler which will allow the occupants remain in touch with the outside world.

No.9 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo XI

There is still some uncertainty whether the Lancer Evo XI, which was shown in concept form recently, will see the light of the day.

But going by the enthusiasts response, Mitsubishi will certainly give the production the green light. It may in all probability will be a hybrid but unlike the Honda CR-Z the Evo will be be offered with mean performance.

No.8 Rolls-Royce 102EX

Most of times you have to strain to listen to the V12 powerplant of a Rolls-Royce Phantom but howsoever you try you won’t get to hear anything from under the hood of the 102EX because it is powered by super silent electric motors. Owners be warned though.

You can’t use it as a glorified golf car as the 3-ton weight will sure rip up the greens. The range is 125 miles and that’s sufficient for the trip between the clubhouse and the owner’s estate.

No.7 Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo is back in the USA and now is the best time for a car like the 4C. The 8C Competizione was a stunner to look at but very difficult to get but for a few lucky buyers because of its astronomical price.

But the smaller 4C, which is equally good looking, is available for a realistic price. Don’t expect a Mini Cooper rivaling price but anything under six figures is welcome.

No.6 VW Bulli

The icon is back and it doesn’t matter if it is a concept. It certainly brings back the memories of the Transporter. The Bulli, as the Transporter was nicknamed, will be fitted with a gas-powered engine or a electric motor and will be front wheel drive with the engine sitting in the back.

There will be two bench seats which would be able to seat six in a big airy cabin. This concept vehicle will most likely make it to production.

No.5 Infiniti Etherea

Can a vehicle have the combination of economy, luxury, performance and style? Infiniti claims that the Etherea has all of that and then some more.

Though it is the size of the Nissan Versa but unlike it the Etherea is a hybrid car boasting of a combination of gas engine and electric motors with the former making 245 bhp from its four cylinder 2.5 liter. Things aren’t clear whether the concept will reach production and when.

No.4 Chevrolet Mi-ray

The Chevrolet Mi-Ray was shown as a concept at Seoul, South Korea, of all place. Notwithstanding, It mirrors the layout of the Volt in having electric power backed by a 1.5 liter turbo-charged gas engine.

Now all that is needed is for the Chevy style department to fit functional windows and a convertible top and this could create a new niche for electric sports cars in the US.

No.3 Porsche 918 RSR

The Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid has the looks which are reminiscent of Porsche 917, which won the Le Mans, and  features from other modern race cars churned out by Porsche.

Under the skin there is a twin turbo 3.4 liter V8 and electric motors which run the front wheels. The combination ups the power from 563 to 767.

No.2 Rinspeed BamBoo

Though Switzerland doesn’t have any domestic automobile manufacturer, but they have Rinspeed, Zurich-based tuning specialists who have always come out with very interesting concepts.

The Bamboo imitates the Mini Moke in spirit and unlike many other concepts on the list is production ready. But knowing Rinspeed don’t expect it to be seen on a Mediterranean or a Caribbean beach any time soon.

No.1 BMW 328 Hommage

The original 328, no link to the modern 3 series, was introduced in 1936 and this tiny roadster tasted success big time at Mille Miglia and other races. This 2011 concept is a tribute to the original in its 75th anniversary year.

There are no plans to put it in production even for limited numbers. Suits it right as many one-off concept cars still linger on in memory as what might have been possible if they saw the light of the day.

Top 10 Concept Cars Of 2011, 1.3 out of 5 based on 1 rating