Events across the globe are being cancelled because of the coronavirus. In motoring terms, the biggie to have had its doors shut is the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, an annual automotive bunfight which many manufacturers use to reveal their flashiest and most innovative creations.
The internet is a wonderful thing though, so those with wares to share have used the electronic ether to show off what they couldn’t in Switzerland. And, to save you trawling the internet, we’ve gathered together a few of the more brazen offerings.
You won’t see all of these cars on UAE shores, or anywhere else for that matter (that’s the thing about concept cars – quite often they remain on the laptops of the square-spectacled designers in polo necks who give them life), but elements of the more way-out designs usually end up in future models. Right now though, we can still all have a good look at the pictures and wonder what bits will turn up where, as well as ponder some of the real-world stuff we might actually get to drive. If we’ve got enough cash, of course.
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar
Spectacular looking and built to the highest standards, the designer, Stefan Sielaff, refers to the Bacalar as a “resting beast”. He may have a point. They’re only making 12 of them though, and each one has already been sold, so it’s probably best not to pine too much for this one as you’re more likely to set a landspeed record on your scooter than actually drive one. Particularly as they reportedly cost in the region of Dh8.7 million each.
BMW i4 concept
The German marque’s new electric vehicle is properly ground-breaking, and the manufacturer says this concept version will bear a strong resemblance to what the actual production model, due for delivery to customers in 2022, will look like. BMW is thusfar being coy about the price, but its products generally occupy slots in the upper end of the market, so don’t expect the i4 to be ranked alongside a Renault Duster any time soon.
Mclaren 765LT
No mistaking this car as a McLaren, with its sleek lines and long tail. The company says this newest offering is lighter and more powerful than any of its predecessors, resulting, unsurprisingly, in higher levels of performance in every area where it matters. This one is a limited edition too, but you’ve more chance of getting one as there’ll be 765 on offer, hence its name. No price yet, but estimates suggest something in the region of Dh1.3 million.
Hyundai Prophecy concept
Lots of mission statements accompany this electric vehicle, with the manufacturer talking about “sensuous sportiness” and “optimistic futurism” in the bumf introducing what is an admittedly neat and streamlined affair. This is one you definitely won’t see on the road, but Hyundai has some bold plans for its electric line-up, so some of the Prophecy’s stylings are likely to reappear on future models. We’ll have to wait and see what they charge for the final product though.
Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA
The sporty Italian manufacturer has refashioned a legendary car that originally appeared in 1965, the Giulia Sprint GTA, making the new model similarly unashamedly loud and proud. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’ll be old-fashioned though as the company says this 2020 model is all about the future. And that red colour is bound to make it go 10 per cent faster than it would if it was in beige, surely. Price estimates suggest something in the Dh500,000 region.
Polestar Precept concept
Some thought has gone into the electric Precept, with Volvo’s Polestar brand using sustainable materials to create this prototype. “A Precept is a manifesto of things to come,” the marketing blurb reads, adding that it is “a declaration”. Noble intentions, indeed. The Precept will run on Google’s Android Automotive OS. Whether this means you can drive it via your mobile phone or not is unclear though, as is what you’ll have to pay for whatever product this morphs into.
Aston Martin V12 Speedster
We have another limited edition model here, with the British manufacturer only offering 88 of these monsters for sale. The styling clearly takes cues from some of Aston Martin’s older models, but there’s nothing retro about this vehicle. Probably not a car for everyday use though – the lack of windscreens and, indeed, a roof, may not make it the wisest choice for your daily commute. You’re likely to need around Dh3.5 million if you want one.
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