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Despite the trade fair cancellations, the car manufacturers have again unveiled numerous studies in 2021 that provide a glimpse into the more distant future of cars. Here are five concept cars with special radiance or symbolic power.
As in the Corona year In 2020, many auto shows were also canceled in 2021, which is why some showcar the classic presentation stage was missing. Irrespective of this, the car manufacturers have unveiled a large number of groundbreaking concepts – sometimes with or without a trade fair show. In almost all cases, the visionary mobile showed that the future of cars will primarily be electric and also more sustainable. At the same time, however, she can continue to be wild and extravagant. Five studies from 2021 illustrate these and other trends.
MG builds its concept car in series
The electric roadster MG Cyberster unveiled at the Shanghai Auto in April arouses the desire for e-mobility with its fast bodywork. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h in under three seconds and a range of 800 kilometers are strong promises. They should even become reality, because the series production of the Cyberster was officially announced in May. However, the MG Roadster not only stands for sporty promises of the electric future, but also for a new self-confidence and the Chinese car manufacturer's thirst for expansion. Behind the once traditional English brand MG is the SAIC Group, which has been selling its cars produced in China in Europe for some time and with growing success.
Offroad meets luxury at Mercedes
How past and future can go together was demonstrated by Mercedes with the EQG at the IAA. The electric concept shows what one of the most iconic models from the Stern brand, namely the off-road classic G-Class, will look like in the clean drive future. The important news for all fans of the off-road giant and other luxury vehicles: You will be able to enjoy the splendor and pomp of the past decades without a heavy diesel or smooth V8 petrol engine and therefore without a guilty conscience in the future. Just a little quieter and no emissions. However, thanks to its wasteful basic nature, an electric G will hardly be suitable as truly ecological and particularly climate-friendly.
BMW and electric?
With its Circular electric car, BMW tried to make it clear to the IAA audience that it is possible and must be more sustainable. With the compact vehicle, which is particularly futuristic in the interior, the Munich car manufacturer has dispensed with lavish forms and superlatives in terms of performance and range. Strictly speaking, the drive, which is simply electric, is not mentioned. Rather, the actual topic of the Circular is the consistent implementation of production techniques that conserve raw materials. The vehicle was optimized for closed material cycles, because recycled materials that can be recycled again were used. These include tires made of natural rubber or a steering wheel rim made with bio-based materials in a 3D printer. In addition, the Vision Circular dispenses with exterior paint, leather and chrome. The energy storage device should be a fully recyclable solid-state battery.
Renault also builds a study as standard
Establishment of a circular economy, reduction of CO2 emissions and the transformation into a manufacturer of primarily electrically powered cars were the key words of the Renaulution strategic plan, which carmaker Renault presented in January 2021. The French will also remember their traditions in the electric model future, as revealed by a small car concept that is intended to follow in the footsteps of the R5. The electric R2024, initially declared as a study and now announced as a series model for 5, thus builds a bridge between the past and the e-future, which promises ecological balance in addition to driving fun.
The R5 will stand for suitability for everyday use and rightsizing in e-mobility. Its body, less than four meters long, a range of up to 400 kilometers and a good 100 kW drive promise a balanced measure of reason, which will not rule out driving fun.
Toyota wants to be electric
When the car year 2021 was already on the home stretch in mid-December, Toyota provided a final study firework display. The Japanese unveiled 15 new concepts at once. The sheer mass of future-oriented vehicles was already impressive, but even more impressive that Toyota of all people unveiled them as a preview of its all-electric future. For longer than any other volume manufacturer, the group has been alienated from the purely battery-electric car future and has always propagated hybrid drives as the last resort for climate protection and sustainability.
By the end of 2021 it will be clear: the thoroughbred Stromer will also win the race at Toyota. And of course they should also be fun and also convey traditional values, such as a super-sporty coupé from Lexus, which is traded as the successor to the V10 sports car LFA. And this model will not be a green fig leaf: Lexus itself is expected to become a purely electric manufacturer in Europe, the USA and China by 2030.