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Five incredible concept cars from Geneva 2017

Glimpse the future of automobiles with the latest concept cars unveiled at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.

Photo credit: © gims.swiss

Photo credit: © gims.swiss

The Geneva International Motor Show may be finished for another year, but the automotive expo left us with plenty to ponder about the future of motoring. There was a raft of amazing concept cars on display, each moving away from our fossil-fuelled present towards a greener and more efficient future.

Hyundai FE Concept

Hyundai has been leading the way in hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and with the FE (Future Eco) they have refined their tech with a lighter and more efficient powerplant. Unlike battery-powered vehicles, there’s no range anxiety and the FE can run 497 miles before it needs to be refuelled. The interior is futuristic and features elongated touchscreen displays on both the dashboard and central console. Hyundai plan to release a production version of the FE by 2018, alongside 13 other eco-friendly cars, establishing the South Korean manufacturer as the industry leader when it comes to cleaner driving.

Volkswagen Sedric

Volkswagen’s vision of an autonomous future is one of the least conventional vehicles on show at Geneva. Sedric (SElf-DRIving Car – yes, really) looks a bit like a cable car with wheels, although if you squint really hard if could be an old VW camper van. There’s no bonnet, conventional engine or even a steering wheel. Instead, all passengers have to do is tell this computer-controlled vehicle where they want to go and it will take them using the best possible route. Passengers can enjoy a conversation as they sit facing each other, taking in the views through the glassy interior. If you’d prefer some entertainment to pass the time, you can watch the media of your choice on the semi-transparent screen.

Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e

Who says that electric cars can’t be refined? With this concept convertible, Bentley is aiming to prove that you can have luxury, economy and speed. For drive, its high performance electric powertrain has a range of more than 300 miles, and there’s also promise of fierce acceleration, thanks to the reliable torque of electric motors. As you’d expect from Bentley, the car has been expertly handcrafted, but to reflect the innovation under the hood, alternative materials have been used, with copper detailing within the cabin and hand-cut glass utilised on the central console and steering wheel.

Toyota i-TRIL

Toyota’s latest concept is a compact model with just three seats (and three wheels), envisaging a future where space is at a premium. While many concept cars are kitted out to the max, the i-TRIL is a minimalist affair, featuring recycled materials in the cabin and a single control column steering wheel. This all means it’s a light vehicle weighing in at just just 600kg. The car has autonomous driving capabilities but the driver can take control at any time. However, as there are no pedals, it may be a bit more like playing a video game than driving a car.

Renault ZOE e-sport

Renault fused together their experience with Formula E with the practicality of the ZOE to create one of the most exciting hot hatches we’ve seen in decades. This two-seater has insane acceleration and uses 640 Nm of torque to reach 60mph in an incredible 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 130mph. There are two engines that employ high capacity permanent magnet technology to achieve power of 340kW; that’s the equivalent of 460bhp. With its racing lines, imposing narrow headlights, black alloys and yellow highlights, it’s gorgeous to look at, too. With the new ZOE arriving later this year, expect at least a few of these features to be incorporated.

  

About the Author

Andrew Moir

Staff writer at Arnold Clark

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