The return of the concept cars

The automotive world is ready to dream big again and the 2010 LA Auto Show is proof that automobile manufacturers are jump-starting their creative juices once more.

After a couple of years of being stuck in an economic slump, automotive manufacturers are positive that their future is in the upswing.

The 2010 LA Auto Show is displaying top carmakers’ concept cars. Although concept cars are supposed to represent the future, some of the cars here took some classic ideas to come up with new and more interesting concepts. For example, take the Audi Quattro Concept which gave a modern interpretation of Audi’s all-wheel-drive sport coupes that became famous back in the 1980s.

Other car companies, however, decided to be more futuristic with their designs and they showcased automobiles that looked like they came from a science-fiction flick. Two examples are the Mercedes Benz Biome and the Jaguar C-X75, which were both glamorous and futuristic concepts.

Mercedes-Benz Biome

The Mercedes Benz Biome is one car that customers would probably want to own if they live long enough ‘til it’s 2310. This car looks like it was conceptualized in the studio where they shoot Star Trek but in fact it was designed in Benz’s studio in Carlsbad, California. It is designed to accommodate four passengers and the seating arrangement is positioned in a diamond format.

What makes this car the automobile of the future is that Mercedes Benz said that it can be grown from seeds. Yes, you read it right. Mercedes Benz assures customers that the Mercedes Benz Biome can be grown from actual seeds and by using trees that are genetically modified the Biome’s bio-fiber cloth can be grown organically. The car will be powered by a material called BioNectar 4534, and when on the road it will emit nothing more than just pure oxygen.

Jaguar C-X75 Concept

The Jaguar C-X75 is a turbine electric hybrid car. This car runs on pure electricity and nothing more. Each wheel has an electric motor attached to it which gives the car a 195 horsepower kick. The electric motors are powered by a 506 pound lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged completely in only six hours at only 240 volts.

This car also has two micro gas turbines which can propel the automobile from 0 to 62mph in only 3.4 seconds. Its top speed was clocked at 205mph. The Jaguar C-X75 will give all the hybrid cars a run for their money.