© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Rolling Showcases
Auto shows are the ultimate venue to experience the latest cars in one location. Although new production models are always fun to check out, the real excitement at auto shows comes from seeing one-of-a-kind concept cars. The world has changed in the last few years, and while we still see concept cars at the major auto shows, most car companies have found other ways to reveal and showcase their latest high-tech machinery. Typically created as canvases for future technology or next-generation styling, concept cars add an extra level of excitement for the buying public. Take a few moments to feast your eyes on these fantastic machines — the concept cars that debuted in 2022 listed in alphabetical order.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Acura Precision EV Concept
Many automakers and brands around the globe have announced plans to electrify their model lines, and Acura joined the fray by announcing that its first full-electric SUV will arrive in 2024. To provide a taste of what we can expect from this high-tech new model, Honda’s luxury brand debuted the Acura Precision EV Concept during Monterey Car Week this past August. Even though this concept is not expected to reach production, it provides a glimpse into what we can expect from the first electric Acura.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Acura Precision EV Concept
“The Acura Precision EV Concept is a design study that will shape the direction of future Acura products in the electrified era, including our first all-electric SUV in 2024,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “We are committed to delivering Precision Crafted Performance in every facet of the Acura client experience, which includes a powerful and very exciting direction for the next generation of electrified Acura models,” Korkor observed. Acura has since announced that it will bring back the name ZDX, which will adorn the production electric vehicle based on this concept.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Gransphere Concept
First shown at the 2021 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi gransphere concept is designed as the ultimate in luxury travel with interior styling akin to a private jet. On display at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours, the gransphere concept measures almost 18 feet long and features Level 4 autonomous driving. When the driver engages autonomous mode, the steering wheel and pedals disappear, letting front-seat occupants enjoy first-class accommodations with spacious legroom and panoramic views out the vehicle’s front and side windows.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Gransphere Concept
With autonomous driving activated, occupants lounging in the large front seats of the gransphere concept could enjoy a customized infotainment system with seamless integration of streaming music or video on large display screens. In addition, by employing Audi’s advanced digital services, the gransphere concept can even be sent to pick up its passengers. After dropping them off, it could also handle parking duties and determine where to charge the electric vehicle’s batteries — all on its own.
© General Motors
Cadillac Celestiq Show Car
Cadillac has already announced plans to electrify its entire vehicle portfolio. To that end, GM’s luxury brand provided a glimpse at a future elegant electric flagship sedan called CELESTIQ. The CELESTIQ show car debuted earlier in 2022 and will act as a bellwether for the Cadillac design and engineering teams as they continue to iterate on the vehicle to develop CELESTIQ. The EV features a long, sweeping roofline that flows from the top of the windshield to the very end of the car. Up front, styling is similar to the LYRIQ, indicating that we should expect this look on forthcoming electric Cadillacs. Unique taillights wrap around the rear corners and extend to the C-pillar, further emphasizing the CELESTIQ’s formidable rear flanks.
© General Motors
Cadillac Celestiq Show Car
Both luxurious and technologically advanced, the CELESTIQ’s interior is captivated by a 55-inch diagonal advanced LED display spanning the dashboard. The system also includes a passenger display with digital blinds that allow the right-seat occupant to view a video without distracting the driver. CELESTIQ is fitted with Ultra Cruise, which is the next step in GM’s move toward autonomous driving. In addition to the large main display, CELESTIQ has three screens for rear-area passengers. Each seating position gets an integrated display, and a center screen enables interaction with climate control and other systems. One of the most advanced features of the CELESTIQ show car is its Smart Glass Roof. The roof uses Suspended Particle Device technology to create up to four zones that are adjustable to allow different levels of light through the roof, personalizing each passenger’s space. Cadillac has announced that the Celestiq will go into production at the end of 2023 with prices starting above $300,000.
© Stellantis North America
Chrysler Airflow Concept
It appears there will be a future for the Chrysler brand — and it’s electrifying. Embarking on a new journey under the Stellantis umbrella (last year’s merger of Fiat Chrysler and French PSA Group), the time-honored American brand debuted the Airflow Concept at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The big news accompanying the concept’s introduction: Chrysler will become an all-electric brand by 2028, with the first battery-electric vehicle planned for 2025. The Airflow Concept features a sleek design, low ride height and wide track. Extremely slim headlights flank the wide grille, and the Chrysler logo gets illuminated with crystal LED lighting. Painted in Arctic White with a contrasting black roof, the Airflow Concept has a streamlined profile enhanced by a long wheelbase and large 22-inch wheels.
© Stellantis North America
Chrysler Airflow Concept
Powering this concept are two 150 kW (approximately 200 horsepower each) electric drive motors — one on each axle to provide all-wheel drive. The motors are located at the front and rear of the vehicle to maximize interior space and allow for larger capacity motors in the future that will offer higher performance. The range is anticipated to be 350–400 miles on a single charge. The electric powertrain allowed designers to create a spacious interior with the feeling of an open, roomy lounge enhanced by a large panoramic roof. Designed to be soothing and relaxing for occupants, the Airflow features comforting ambient lighting and supple leather-trimmed seats. All buttons and switches have been eliminated — except a centrally located start/stop button. Instead, all vehicle technology is accessed via touchscreens as well as soft-touch controls on the steering wheel.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
DeLorean Alpha5
Perhaps one of the best-known defunct automotive brands, the DeLorean name is making a comeback — this time as a futuristic, full-electric sports car called the Alpha5. Created under the brand DeLorean Motors Reimagined, the Alpha5 possesses clear connections to the original DeLorean thanks to signature gull-wing doors. While the shape is much more streamlined than the original, the new car still harks back to the original DeLorean through details such as a louvered rear window. Ultimately the new Alpha5 features a modern design with sleek lines and slim LED headlights and taillights.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
DeLorean Alpha5
DeLorean hasn’t provided many details regarding the Alpha5’s powertrain; however, the company claims this modern-day DeLorean will carry a 100+ kWh battery that translates to a driving range of more than 300 miles. Acceleration to 60 mph takes 2.99 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. And for those who feel the need for time travel, DeLorean points out that the Alpha5 can hit 88 mph in 4.35 seconds (a fun “Back to the Future” movie reference). DeLorean expects a production version of the Alpha5 to be ready for purchase in 2024. More details around pricing and other logistics will be released closer to the on-sale date.
© Stellantis North America
Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept
With the inevitable end of the V8 gas engine rapidly approaching, Dodge has provided a glimpse into what an all-electric muscle car could be like with the Charger Daytona SRT Concept. The aggressive new design incorporates subtle references to past Dodge performance models, including vertical grille details that draw from the style of the 1968 Dodge Charger. The 21-inch wheels have painted pockets and diamond-cut faces with a turbine-like design. Brushed aluminum Banshee badges are on the front fenders behind the front wheelwells.
© Stellantis North America
Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept
The Charger Daytona SRT Concept is powered by a new 800V Banshee propulsion system that will make this electric vehicle faster than a Hellcat in all key performance measures. In addition, the eRupt multispeed transmission with electro-mechanical shifting delivers specific shift points, providing a driving experience that is more like a gas-powered muscle car and less like other high-performance electric vehicles now on the market. Dodge will also introduce the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system, which produces a 126-dB sound equal to the SRT Hellcat by pushing sound through an amplifier and a tuning chamber at the rear of the vehicle to emit a sound genuinely worthy of a muscle car.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Genesis X Convertible Concept
Perhaps one of the most beautiful concepts at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show was the all-new Genesis X Convertible. This all-electric concept vehicle carries the same unique styling of two earlier Genesis concepts — the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe Concept — completing an EV concept trilogy. The 4-seat convertible features a folding hardtop with an integrated moonroof to provide an open, airy feeling even when the roof is closed. The sleek convertible also features an evolution of the traditional Genesis Crest Grille. As an electric vehicle, there’s no need for a grille opening, so this rendition uses lighting to portray the grille’s shape.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Genesis X Convertible Concept
The long hood and short overhangs of the X Convertible Concept give this elegant model a grand presence, further emphasized by Genesis signature quad lighting that extends around the hood edge to the front of the doors. Horizontal quad lights can be found at the convertible’s rear, which features a concave elliptical ducktail. According to Genesis, white cranes represent nobility and sanctity in Korea, so the X Convertible is painted in Crane White. The Interior trim is in Giwa Navy, which offers a pleasant contrast to the exterior shade. Interior materials are recyclable wool fabric. Genesis reps would not speculate about the feasibility of this X Convertible ever reaching production.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept
Perhaps one of the sexiest models on the Concept Car Green at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours was this X Speedium Coupe Concept from Genesis. First shown earlier in the year at the Genesis House in New York (exterior-only, no interior), the sleek lines of this coupe concept are emphasized by wraparound headlights that reinterpret the signature Genesis Crest Grille. Inside, the cabin is beautiful and straightforward, featuring Pinegrove Green in the driver’s area, which contrasts nicely with Monterey Gold in the rest of the cabin, inspired by yellow flowers and the golden sand of the Northern California coast.
© Genesis
Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept
Surprisingly, Genesis never intended the gorgeous X Speedium Coupe for public view. “The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “Given the positive reception it received . . . we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours,” Donckerwolke explained.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept
A futuristic concept sports car on display at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Hyundai N Vision 74 is the concept we would most want to drive. Inspired by the Giugiaro-designed Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974 (thus the name), the N Vision 74 features dynamic performance proportions with Parametric Pixel lighting that adds to the vehicle’s futuristic look.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept
Under the sporty skin of this concept is an equally futuristic drivetrain — a one-of-a-kind hydrogen hybrid system designed for performance. A 62.4 kWh T-type battery mounted in the floor and an 85 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack mounted up front send power to two rear-mounted motors — one per wheel — for a total output of 500 kW, or about 670 horsepower. With a motor on each wheel, the power distribution can be constantly adjusted for optimum performance. The N Vison 74 can be fueled by charging the battery or filling the 9.3-pound capacity hydrogen fuel tanks mounted at the rear. Hyundai says the concept has a top speed above 155 mph and can travel more than 373 miles between fill-ups / charges.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep ’41 Concept
Jeep displays “Since 1941” as a badge of honor on its vehicles, promoting the history of this legendary brand. As it does at every Easter Jeep Safari, the off-road brand presented a concept vehicle that showcases a vehicle from that colorful past. This year’s event includes a Wrangler concept highlighting the company’s military roots — specifically the Willys MB built for the US Army. The ’41 concept takes that retro styling and ironically puts it on the most advanced Wrangler ever offered, the Rubicon 4xe PHEV. With an electric motor and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Wrangler 4xe delivers up to 49 MPGe and 21 miles of electric-only cruising.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep ’41 Concept
This Wrangler 4xe features an olive DRAB ’41 matte green finish. Adding to the retro styling are black powder-coated steel bumpers, a tan soft-top, Jeep Performance Parts half doors, and 17-inch Fifteen52 wheels that look like steel wheels. Interior goodies include a retro shifter and canvas-covered seats with camo inserts, and the DRAB ’41 matte green color continues inside, trimming the instrument panel and Rhino-lined protective floor. The ’41 concept delivers proper Jeep capability with a JPP 2-inch lift kit and 35-inch mud-terrain tires.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Birdcage Concept
Engineers and designers created this extreme Wrangler concept to showcase the possibilities of Mopar and JPP accessories. Based on the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, the Birdcage Concept provides an open-air experience made possible by removing the windshield (and wipers) as well as the roof. The Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown leather seats match the Eagle Brown exterior paint well. The 4xe Surf Blue accents can be found throughout the vehicle, including custom tow hoops and interior accent stitching. Flat fender flares painted in Granite Crystal have removable daytime running light covers for improved off-road clearance.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Birdcage Concept
The Birdcage rides on an industry-first JPP 2-inch lift kit with Fox Shocks specifically tuned for the Wrangler 4xe PHEV. A custom rock-slider skidplate connects to two 2-inch steel support bars and integrates well with the custom 7-slot grille. This skidplate also protects a recessed Warn winch. Providing proper traction are BF Goodrich KM3 37-inch off-road tires that fit under custom flat-fender flares. Underbody rock lights at each corner illuminate the terrain for better nocturnal navigation, and custom rock rails create additional protection for the body. At the rear, the Mopar design team created an Add-A-Trunk with a lockable decklid panel as extra security for the open-air concept.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Bob Concept
No one named “Bob” is associated with this concept — a common practice among extreme off-roaders is to “bob” or cut off the long overhangs of a pickup truck to make it more agile on the trail. That’s precisely what Jeep did with this Gladiator; approximately 12 inches of bed has been bobbed. In addition to the custom bed, this Gladiator gets a permanent open-air experience with removed doors and B-pillars. The perforated hardtop has been covered with canvas to provide shelter from the elements when needed. The Bob Concept stands out with both gloss and matte exterior paint. With no doors obstructing views inside, the interior’s custom orange seats and trim complement and complete the outward appearance.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Bob Concept
Powering the Bob concept is Jeep’s turbocharged Eco-Diesel V6 engine teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission set up for low-rpm shifts. Mopar cold-air intake improves both torque and fuel economy. Like the other special vehicles from Jeep, this Bob Concept is more than ready to take on Moab with a 3-inch lift kit, custom off-road suspension, Dynatrac pro-Rock 60 axles, and massive 40-inch tires fitted to 20-inch bead-lock wheels.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep D-Coder Concept
Jeep owners love to customize their vehicles, and to aid in that endeavor Mopar offers a catalog of more than 500 accessories including more than 200 Jeep Performance Parts. What better way to showcase these accessories than to create a rolling catalog — the D-Coder Concept. Every accessory painted in red on this custom Jeep Gladiator features a scannable QR code that links to the Mopar eStore, providing the part number, price and ability to order on the spot. (A brilliant move in off-road sales and marketing.) This Gladiator features 35 unique parts including a Rubicon 3-piece modular bumper, LED off-road lights, 17-inch 5-spoke beadlock wheels, a JPP snorkel, and a Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep D-Coder Concept
“Teaming up with the Jeep brand, there is no better place than the annual Easter Jeep Safari to show off our latest production and custom innovations to true off-road enthusiasts,” said Mark Bosanac, North America vice president of Mopar Service, Parts & Customer Care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our factory-tested and factory-backed Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world,” Bosanac noted prior to this year’s event.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
A follow-up to the first Wrangler Magneto concept, the Magneto 2.0 Concept silently attacked all types of terrain at the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari. A custom-built axial flux electric motor delivering 625 horsepower and an astounding 850 lb-ft of torque provides power to the Wrangler Magneto 2.0. Power gets directed to all four wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission taken from a Hellcat to deal with all that torque. Four lithium-ion battery packs are distributed throughout the chassis for proper weight balance. This new electric powertrain can deliver peak power for up to 10 seconds to showcase another cool trick of the Magneto — this electrifying Jeep can reach 60 mph in about 2 seconds.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept
To make proper use of all that power on the trail, engineers extended the 2-door Magento 2.0’s wheelbase by 12 inches. It features a 3-inch lift kit to accommodate massive 40-inch off-road tires. The chassis setup includes a Dynatrac 60 Pro-Rock front axle and an 80 Pro-Rock rear axle. The Magneto 2.0 also has a custom driveshaft and off-road suspension. Custom lightweight bumpers and carbon-fiber wheel flares keep weight to a minimum. The Magneto 2.0 also features one-pedal driving for ultimate control when crawling over rocks or other obstacles. Painted in Surf Blue with a custom bikini top, the Magneto 2.0 certainly was an attention-getter in Moab.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept
The Overlook concept began as a 4-door Wrangler Unlimited with the interior extended by 12 inches to add a third-row seat. A stepped roof adds 5 inches and includes side and front-facing windows. Above the driver and front-seat passenger, a custom removable one-piece Freedom Top includes a flip-up glass sunroof. This Wrangler Overlook rides on a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks and 20-inch Black Rhino York wheels mounted with 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires.
© Stellantis North America
Jeep Wrangler Overlook Concept
A narrower stamped-steel front bumper from Jeep Performance Parts improves the Wrangler Overlook concept’s approach angle and includes integrated LED fog lights. The grille gets finished in Satin Black, and the concept hood has black Mopar hood latches with the Jeep Willys logo. The custom rear bumper extends around the rear fenders to the wheel arches. The interior features black Katzkin leather seats and a black leather-wrapped dashboard with Sahara Bronze accents to match the exterior. The seat inserts are Raven Black suede with a hexed stitch pattern, and the front seats have an embroidered Jeep grille logo.
© Stellantis North America
Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept
Painted Desert Tan, the Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept is a 1967 Kaiser Jeep M725 military ambulance reconfigured to create an off-road support vehicle. Powered by a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI V8 engine that produces 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, the Kaiser Jeep M725 concept rides on its original reinforced frame with the original leaf springs replaced by a heavy-duty link/coil suspension. Power gets delivered through a vintage TorqueFlite 727 transmission.
© Stellantis North America
Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept
The custom roof panel over the cargo area of the Kaiser Jeep M725 Concept can be raised 16 inches to create standing room for off-road support personnel using the vehicle. An open panel on the driver’s side creates space for food and beverage service or parts distribution. At the front, the Jeep features concept 7-inch LED headlights flanked by pairs of Jeep Performance Parts 5-inch off-road LED lights. This Jeep’s boots on the ground are 20-inch Black Rhino Armory wheels wrapped with 40-inch tires. The Kaiser Jeep M725 features low-back Wrangler seats in tan canvas, a custom steering wheel and modern gauges.
© Ford Motor Company
Lincoln Model L100 Concept
Celebrating 100 years since Ford purchased Lincoln, this time-honored luxury brand was the featured marque of the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours. As part of its centennial celebrations, Lincoln debuted the Model L100 Concept as a futuristic look at the luxury sedan while paying homage to the original 1922 Model L. “Over the last 100 years, Lincoln has pioneered multiple innovations and pushed the boundaries of design that have come to define our brand as we know and love it today,” said Lincoln President Joy Falotico. “With the Model L100 Concept, we reimagine what the Lincoln sanctuary might look like for our clients of tomorrow, moving us forward to define the next chapter of the Lincoln story,” Falotico observed.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lincoln Model L100 Concept
The Model L100 sits wide and low with a windswept, sleek profile. Intuitive, integrated lighting both inside and out creates a particular feeling — the concept senses approaching occupants and uses lights to follow them around the vehicle via an advanced artificial intelligence system. Massive rear-hinged doors open wide as the roof rises, allowing easy access to a loungelike space. Front seats can be turned to face the rear as the L100 Concept operates autonomously. A crystal greyhound hood ornament originally selected by Edsel Ford in the 1920s completes the look and further ties this advanced concept to its roots.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lincoln Star Concept
Like many other car companies, Lincoln plans to move away from the internal combustion engine in favor of electrified powerplants. Within the next few years, Ford’s luxury brand expects to launch three new electric vehicles, with a fourth by the end of 2026. The fully electric Lincoln Star Concept provides a first look at the design and technology we can expect from these new vehicles. The Star Concept is a two-row SUV with seating for four that incorporates lights, sounds and even scents to create an immersive experience. The concept’s futuristic styling reveals how future electric-powered Lincolns may look. Designers used innovative lighting technology with a new Lincoln star on the front fascia that lights up like a jewel, surrounded by lights integrated into the vehicle’s surface using illuminated crystals.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Lincoln Star Concept
Taking full advantage of the Star’s compact electric powertrain, the interior of this Lincoln concept vehicle is both elegant and spacious, with an added high-tech feel. Doors open wide with rear-hinged rear doors to reveal a roomy living space with integrated lighting in the door panels as well as the floor to give the cabin a bright look. The panoramic roof, wraparound windows and A- and D-pillars add to the spaciousness, all created with 3D-printed metal latticework. Rear-seat passengers are pampered with spacious wraparound seating and individual leg rests complete with a storage drawer for slippers. Lincoln has not released many details about the Star’s electric drivetrain, but the architecture is designed for rear- or all-wheel drive variants, the latter likely utilizing two motors.
© MINI USA
MINI Concept Aceman
Like many automotive brands, MINI is embracing an electrified future, and the iconic marque provides a glimpse at what that might look like through the MINI Concept Aceman. This all-electric crossover not only introduces an EV powertrain but also showcases an entirely new, simplified design that looks both familiar and futuristic, which MINI dubs “Charismatic Simplicity.” Similar in size to the MINI Hardtop 4-Door, the Aceman features a new front end with the brand’s traditional hexagonal grille extended into an octagonal shape, highlighted by an illuminated surround. The Concept Aceman’s headlights are another departure from the classic MINI design language. No longer round, the Aceman’s headlights are squared off on the outside and point inward toward the center of the grille.
© MINI USA
MINI Concept Aceman
When Alec Issigonis designed the original MINI more than 50 years ago, it had a spartan interior — seats, steering wheel, gearshift, and one centrally located round speedometer. “In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we focus on a reduced appearance combined with high-quality materials and friendly colors. Digitalization allows us to get along with a minimal operating concept and at the same time maximize the experience in a typical MINI way,” explained Oliver Heilmer, head of MINI design. All materials inside the Concept Aceman are leather- and chrome-free, including the steering wheel trimmed in a dark green velour. High-quality, sustainable materials can be found throughout the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman.
© Nissan North America
Nissan NISMO Off Road Frontier V8 Concept
Adding considerable performance to the new Frontier, Nissan debuted this high-powered off-road pickup at the 2022 SEMA show. Built by Forsberg Racing, the NISMO Off Road Frontier V8 concept is an ideal showcase for the wide range of NISMO Off Road accessories available to Frontier customers. These include the NISMO Off Road roof rack, off-road lighting, Warn winch, off-road rock rails, and NISMO Off Road Axis 18 x 9 inch wheels with mud-terrain tires.
© Nissan North America
Nissan NISMO Off Road Frontier V8 Concept
Only a few items on this concept are not available in the NISMO catalog. Under the hood is a 5.6-liter V8 engine sourced from the full-size Nissan Titan, complete with a custom NISMO Off Road cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system. The truck also gets a wide-track suspension with custom upper control arms and NISMO/Bilstein coilover shocks. The Frontier concept gets bolder styling thanks to the wide body kit with carbon fiber front fenders, hood and bedsides, as well as a NISMO Off Road front bumper.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Project 72X
A new take on one of Nissan’s most popular trucks — the Datsun 720 introduced in the fall of 1979 — the Project 72X Frontier rides on the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab S 4 x 4. The Datsun 720 was a barebones, affordable truck designed for fun and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and Nissan designers set out to replicate the spirit of that truck in concept form. On display at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, the Project 72X is painted gray and features white, gray and black graphics. The truck has “custom” steel wheels that are actually stock spare wheels for Frontier, painted white and fitted with Hankook Dynapro AT2 265/70R17 all-terrain tires normally fitted to the Frontier PRO-4X.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Project 72X
The suspension system of Project 72X employs a Calmini 2.5-inch lift kit with adjustable upper suspension arms. In addition to the custom graphics, the Project 72X adds a Nissan Accessories Sport Bar behind the cab with a custom sport bar lettering plate, Frontier tailgate lettering and a Nissan Accessories black exhaust tip.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Nissan Frontier Project Adventure
One of three Nissan concepts created for the 2022 Chicago Autos Show, the Frontier Project Adventure is Nissan Design America’s take on the popular overlanding trend. The concept is based on the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X and features a custom wrap depicting a map of the United States and a carbon fiber snorkel designed by Nissan Design America. Project Adventure rides on a Calmini 5-inch lift kit with adjustable upper suspension arms and Frontier PRO-4X wheels fitted with 34-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3 285/75R17 tires.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
Nissan Frontier Project Adventure
The Frontier Project Adventure also adds a Yakima LoadWarrior roof cargo basket, a Yakima Overhaul System bed rack, and an iKamper Skycamp 2.0 rooftop tent. The build is complete with RotoTraX traction recovery boards with RotoPaX containers and mounts, Nissan Accessories Tailgate Audio by Kicker, black Frontier tailgate lettering, Nissan Accessories off-road step rails, and a black exhaust outlet.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Project Hardbody
The third of three Nissan truck concepts from the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, this Frontier concept pays homage to the Nissan Hardbody — the first truck designed completely by Nissan Design America and the inspiration for the more aggressive design of the new 2022 Frontier. Starting with the 2022 Frontier Crew Cab SV 4 x 4 painted red, Project Hardbody features a custom-painted gloss black front fascia and a Nissan Accessories black hood graphic. A Frontier PRO-4X front skidplate, Frontier PRO-4X overfenders, Nissan Aftersales gloss black mirror caps, Nissan Aftersales gloss black door handles and custom 4 x 4 door graphics complete the look.
© Nissan North America
Nissan Project Hardbody
Project Hardbody features a Calmini 3-inch lift kit with adjustable upper suspension arms and NDA-created custom 17 x 8 inch classic Hardbody block-style wheels fitted with BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA K02 285/70R17 tires. Project Hardbody also gets equipped with Nissan Accessories off-road step rails with the bolt-on steps removed, a Nissan Accessories sport bar, Rigid E-series 10-inch lights, a custom light bar mount, Nissan Utili-track system lower rails, a custom spare tire mount, custom tailgate graphics, a Nissan aftermarket gloss block rear bumper and a black exhaust tip.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Polestar O2
A standalone electric performance brand introduced about five years ago, Polestar is jointly owned by Volvo and Geely, the Swedish automaker’s parent company based in China. The company has delivered the Polestar1 and Polestar2 with plans announced for Polestar3 and Polestar4 as SUVs, as well as Polestar5 as a flagship sedan. Recently Polestar announced this high-performance electric roadster concept will go into production as Polestar6 in 2026. Like a proper sports car, the O2 is low and wide with an aggressive stance. The short front and rear overhangs and longer wheelbase provide classic sports car proportions further emphasized by 22-inch wheels.
© Rod Hatfield, Automotive Content Experience
Polestar O2
“Polestar O2 is our vision of a new era for sports cars. By mixing the joy of open-top driving with the purity of electric mobility, it unlocks a new mix of emotions in a car,” said Polestar Head of Design Maximilian Missoni. “But as with all our cars, we are about more than just straight-line sprints. It’s when you turn the steering wheel that the true fun begins,” Missoni enthused. The Polestar O2 features a retractable hardtop with a panoramic glass roof, so even while closed, it permits plenty of natural light within the cabin. When it’s time to enjoy some open-air motoring, the hardtop folds out of sight below the rear deck.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Toyota bz Compact SUV Concept
In 2021 Toyota introduced its first electric car, the bZ4x — the bZ refers to the company’s Beyond Zero electrification campaign. At the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Japan-based automaker took the wraps off a new bZ model — the bZ Compact SUV Concept. “We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the Beyond Zero moniker,” said Toyota group vice president and general manager David Christ. “With an aerodynamic design coupled with intuitive tech features never before seen in a Toyota model, the bZ Concept showcases another possible vision of the very near future with our battery electric vehicles,” Christ observed.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Toyota bz Compact SUV Concept
This aerodynamic crossover features edgy styling and an aggressive stance, aided by positioning the wheels at the corners with short overhangs. Unique front and back lighting add to this crossover concept’s futuristic looks. Toyota did not divulge details regarding the powertrain other than it is electric and likely all-wheel drive with dual motors. The interior continues the vehicle’s forward-leaning looks with multiple curved display screens and a narrow horizontal steering wheel.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp Camping Concept
For the 2022 SEMA show, Volkswagen created this rugged Basecamp concept based on the brand’s largest SUV, the Atlas. The Basecamp stands out with a custom graphics package and unique styling cues, but it is more than just a pretty face. Set up for adventure, the Atlas Basecamp Camping Concept is equipped with an H&R raised suspension with Street Performance Adventure Lift coilovers and TRAK+ wheel spacers. With VW’s 3.6-liter VR6 engine and 4motion all-wheel drive, the concept can handle challenging terrain with all-terrain tires fitted to 17-inch Traverse MX wheels in Frosted Graphite.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen Atlas Basecamp Camping Concept
This unique Atlas also gets additional Volkswagen Accessories including a Full Display Mirror, a security console safe by Tuffy Security Products, a tablet holder, Muddybuddy floor liners, and a first-aid kit. There’s also a Thule basket and side awning, Volkswagen Accessories crossbar, and a prototype 2-in-1 air pump integrated into the cargo space for inflating camp equipment. The Atlas Basecamp Camping concept was shown with an air mattress, camping lights and a fire extinguisher.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen GEN.TRAVEL Concept
Providing another look to the future, earlier this year Volkswagen introduced the GEN.TRAVEL concept in Paris, France. An advanced take on mobility, the GEN.TRAVEL is a full-electric multipurpose vehicle with Level 5 autonomous driving. “With GEN.TRAVEL, we can already experience today what will be possible in the near future with innovative technology. Door-to-door travel at a new level. Emission-free and stress-free,” said Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation Dr. Nikolai Ardey.
© Volkswagen of America
Volkswagen GEN.TRAVEL Concept
The interior of the GEN.TRAVEL is entirely configurable. With no need for a driver’s position, four comfortable seats around a large table work well with dynamic lighting that helps eliminate motion sickness. The interior can be converted to two beds for overnight travel. The passenger restraint system was designed to keep occupants safe even when lying down. According to Volkswagen, lighting can influence melatonin production to help passengers sleep and wake naturally. The GEN.TRAVEL features an active suspension system that optimizes a smooth ride.
