{"id":208496,"date":"2021-09-08T16:55:53","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T20:55:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?p=208496"},"modified":"2021-09-08T16:55:53","modified_gmt":"2021-09-08T20:55:53","slug":"concept-cars-rule-at-the-debut-munich-motor-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/2021\/09\/concept-cars-rule-at-the-debut-munich-motor-show\/","title":{"rendered":"Concept Cars Rule at the Debut Munich Motor Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"IAA
While there were plenty of examples of new cars available now, IAA 2021 in Munich featured a slew of compelling concepts.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There was plenty of buzz at the first-ever Munich Motor Show about all the battery-electric vehicles making their debut \u2014 but a look at the long list of debuts reveals that the show was also notable for the number of concept vehicles on display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And where many of the show cars we\u2019ve seen in recent years were simply thinly disguised variants of upcoming production vehicles, some automakers brought more classic, fantasy-in-chrome concepts to Munich. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These included the updated version of the Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR with technology allowing the driver to operate vehicle functions simply by thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Automakers provide a glimpse at the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Audi
Audi Grandsphere concept<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a look at some of the most notable concept vehicles to roll into the 2021 Munich Motor Show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audi Grandsphere. <\/strong>The second of three futuristic concepts Audi is rolling out, the all-electric, fully autonomous Audi Grandsphere can be seen as a four-wheeled luxury jet \u2014 or, a \u201cfirst class lounge\u201d on wheels. Part of a long history of fantasy-in-chrome show cars, Audi contends it will influence future production models. Grandsphere is less radical a design departure<\/a><\/strong> than the earlier Skysphere which could stretch its length by nearly a foot. Grandsphere\u2019s technology falls roughly into three distinct categories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start with, it uses an all-electric drivetrain pairing twin motors \u2014 one on each axle \u2014 to produce 711 horsepower and 686 pound-feet of torque. Grandsphere, meanwhile, features Level 4 autonomy where vehicle controls retract and occupants can shift seating to face one another. Then, the cabin becomes a showcase of smart functions. Numerous surfaces, double as video displays. And while it\u2019s not quite up to Star Trek tech, there\u2019s even what Audi calls a \u201choloride\u201d virtual reality system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"BMW
BMW i Vision Circular<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

BMW i Vision Circular. <\/strong>The BMW show \u201csymbolizes our ambition to be a pioneering force in the development of a circular economy,\u201d said BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse.\u201d The prototype is more than just a design or technology exercise. It is intended to promote an entirely new way to design, build and, eventually, recycle vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea is to create a circular automotive economy reliant on clean energy and reusable materials, such as the concept\u2019s flax-based plastics and synthetic rubber. Then, when it\u2019s time to scrap the vehicle, all its parts and components can be fully recycled. The design of the i Vision Circular<\/a><\/strong> moves beyond the new iX, inside and out. The show car makes use of breakthrough technologies, such as its next-gen solid-state batteries, and display screen technology directly incorporated into the windshield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"City
City Transformer CT-1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

City Transformer. <\/strong>Two trends are reshaping urban highways: the need to cut emissions, and the challenge of coping with ever-increasing highway congestion. Oddly, two brands known for their pint-sized products, Smart and Mini, came to Munich with concepts much larger than what they\u2019re known for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israeli startup City Transformer showed up with an EV concept that could be perfect for jaunting around town. The CT-1 measures just 92 inches in length, more than a foot shorter than the Smart ForTwo. It\u2019s 1,000 mm, or 39 inches, wide under normal driving conditions, so tiny overall that four can fit in a typical parking space. But it can expand to a width of 1,400 mm, or 55 inches, in Performance Mode. The concept has a rated top speed of around 56 mph and can get anywhere from 75 to 112 miles per charge. City Transformer hopes to go public to raise cash and put the car into production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cupra
Cupra UrbanRebel concept<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cupra UrbanRebel.<\/strong> While EVs have great green credentials, electric motors also can be incredibly quick due to the instant torque they develop. Cupra, the newest brand of the Volkswagen Group, shows how you could take advantage of that with an all-electric hot hatch. Looking like it rolled out of a videogame, the UrbanRebel\u00a0measures a mere 160 inches in length, or a bit shorter than a Chevrolet Bolt. And it draws power from a single motor rated at 335 horsepower. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also features a Boost mode that briefly bumps power up to 429 hp. That\u2019s enough to get you from 0-100 knh, or 0-62 mph, in 3.2 seconds. The Cupra shares the same skateboard-like platform with an array of Volkswagen Group products, including the ID.Life concept also debuting in Munich. That would make it easier to put into production \u2014 something that this SEAT sub-brand apparently hopes to do by 2025. No plans for the U.S., however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Hyundai
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Concept.<\/strong> Hyundai talks a lot about sustainability these days and its primary offering in Munich was a thinly disguised \u201cconcept\u201d version of its next battery-electric vehicle, the Ioniq 6<\/a><\/strong>. The production model has been delayed, Hyundai seeking to increase its range, among other things. But the show car provides a good indication of what it will look like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where the brand\u2019s first BEV, the Ioniq 5, retains the design theme of current, gas models, the Ioniq 6 adopts an entirely new take on Hyundau\u2019s \u201dSensuous Sportiness\u201d styling language. It\u2019s almost sports car-like on the outside \u2014 much like the earlier Prophecy concept. Both Ioniq models share the same E-GMP skateboard-style platform and an electric architecture that can operate at 400 or 800 volts \u2014 the latter allowing superfast recharging. After months of delays, expect the Hyundai Ioniq 6 to debut in production form next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz EQG<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz EQG. <\/strong>This “near-production study\u201d reimagines what a Gelandewagen \u2014 or G-Class, if you prefer \u2014 will be like in the new era of electrification. As with other battery-powered models, the concept SUV has clearly spent time in the wind tunnel, aerodynamics critical to maximizing range and performance. But it\u2019s gotten a far less radical makeover than we\u2019ve seen in the transition from Mercedes S-Class to EQS. The EQG\u2019s overall shape remains <\/a><\/strong>what Mercedes describes as \u201can uncompromising off-roader.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The show SUV gets an independent suspension on the front axle, but retains a rigid torsion beam axle in back. And there are four electric motors here, twice as many as on the EQS 4Matic and AMG EQS. By positioning individual motors near each individual wheel, the automaker explains, it can offer \u201cunique driving characteristics both on- and off-road.\u201d No word on when a production Mercedes EQG will appear, but it\u2019s likely to be within the next few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz AVTR concept<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR. <\/strong>Pronounced \u201cAvatar,\u201d the concept initially was developed in cooperation with James Cameron, director of the smash hit movie by that name. It first debuted at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Now, it has made the trek across the Atlantic and gotten some new, cutting-edge technology along the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors to the Munich show will get the chance to try out the brain-computer interface by climbing into a mockup of the Vision AVTR\u2019s driver\u2019s seat<\/a><\/strong>. Using a band with electrical sensors at the back of the head, the BCI system will detect \u201cneuronal activity,\u201d using it to operate a variety of different vehicle functions. There\u2019s also a glowing central controller that can read your pulse to operate many of the prototype\u2019s functions. And AVTR also features both virtual and augmented reality technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes-Maybach EQS<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Maybach EQS.<\/strong> Based on the same EVA platform as the comparatively mainstream Mercedes EQS sedan, this \u201cnear-production one-off\u201d takes things to new levels. That means an even more roomy and luxurious cabin, new features such as a floating rear center console and traditional Maybach details, including an \u201celaborate\u201d two-tone paint finish. The interior is intended to create the feel of a high-end lounge, especially with executive-style seats and the optional Chauffeur Package. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Maybach Concept adds unique features and details, including new door panels and armrests, trim elements in white piano lacquer and an interior finished in deep-sea blue. Mercedes didn\u2019t offer drivetrain details but the concept likely will share what\u2019s in the standard issue EQS, perhaps with a performance upgrade in line with the 751-hp AMG EQS also debuting in Munich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mini
Mini Vision Urbanaut <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mini Vision Urbanaut. <\/strong>If you\u2019re getting a sense of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu, that\u2019s no surprise. The Mini Urbanaut originally appeared in 2020<\/a><\/strong>, but BMW\u2019s British brand has made a number of changes to this microvan-like concept that suggest a production version is in the works. Mini insists you\u2019ll immediately recognize its brand cues, but the styling is unlike any Mini we\u2019ve seen before \u2014 both outside and in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s certainly a lot more room inside where it adopts a sort of lounge-on-wheels appearance offering far more space than any prior Mini product. If there\u2019s one thing that clearly does carry over it\u2019s the broad sense of quirkiness that has traditionally defined the brand. In concept form, the Urbanaut is envisioned as a fully autonomous vehicle, allowing passengers to use the interior space as a gathering place. If brought to market in the near-term, expect to see the Mini Urbanaut still require a driver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Polestar
Polestar Re:Move<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Polestar Re:Move. <\/strong>With this concept, Volvo\u2019s EV spinoff focuses on a very different sort of mobility issue, the \u201clast mile\u201d challenge. The Polestar Re:Move is designed to replace delivery vans<\/a><\/strong> to improve traffic flow in traffic-clogged urban environments. The prototype uses a 2.2 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. It measures 29.5 inches wide, narrow enough to fit in bicycle lanes, yet can carry as much as 397 pounds. The frame is built using flax-based composites, rather than plastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its low-carbon aluminum chassis has an electric tilt mechanism, allowing the vehicle to \u201clean in\u201d to turns, allowing for a 23-foot turning radius. You likely won\u2019t take it for a joy ride, however, as top speed is a fraction above 15 mph. While Polestar isn\u2019t talking production plans there\u2019s clearly a need for these delivery van alternatives and a number of similar concepts are popping up, including GM\u2019s new, droid-like EP1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Porsche
Porsche Mission R<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Porsche Mission R.<\/strong> This concept will influence both Porsche\u2019s future racers and production vehicles. Porsche has long been a force to be reckoned with in racing. And it has begun getting its wheels wet in electric motorsports as part of the Formula E series. But the unveiling of the Mission R concept was clearly designed to signal that an even broader effort is in development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sleek Mission R concept picks up on classic Porsche design cues<\/a><\/strong>, with clear links to the automaker\u2019s first production battery-electric vehicle, the Taycan. Its twin motors are capable of making \u201cover 1,000 horsepower\u201d in qualifying mode and running at speeds up to 300 kmh \u2014 or 186 mph for up to 30 minutes on a charge. Inside, it\u2019s a decidedly driver-oriented layout and one of the more innovative features is the use of a video screen layout mounted directly in the center of the steering wheel. Expect to see key features from the Mission R concept to reappear on track and production models, said Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Smart
Smart Concept No. 1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Smart Concept #1. <\/strong>The Mercedes spinoff has been going through a number of changes, starting with its transformation into an electric-only brand. Smart apparently has several show cars in the works, starting with the Concept #1 debuting in Munich. It\u2019s bigger than the products the brand has been known far \u2014 and more luxurious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The semi-matte white exterior is contrasted by an interior lavished with rose gold. The foundation is the same as the skateboard-like platform underpinning the new Mercedes EQA battery-electric vehicle \u2014 which, Smart promises, will deliver much more \u201cdynamic handling\u201d than the brand has been known for. Measuring 169 inches, nose-to-tail, the prototype is almost as big as a Mini Countryman. Expect to see a final version of this concept go into production by 2023. Developed as a joint venture with Geely, it will be offered in China \u2014 where it will be built \u2014 as well as Europe, but almost certainly not the U.S., a market Smart abandoned in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VW
Volkswagen ID.Life concept car<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Volkswagen ID.Life. <\/strong>This five-door hatchback forecasts a new 2025 Volkswagen ID electric crossover that will fill the gap between the ID.3 hatchback and ID.4 compact crossover in VW\u2019s line-up. The ID.Life rides on the automaker\u2019s flexible MEB architecture<\/a><\/strong>, a skateboard-like platform with batteries and other drivetrain components below the load floor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new front-wheel-drive crossover is powered by a 57kWh battery pack powering a 231-horsepower electric motor. Range is an estimated 249-miles. The battery pack can recapture 101 miles in 10 minutes using a DC fast charger. ID.Life runs 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds and boasts a 112 mph top speed. Being a concept, you\u2019d expect some wild ideas and ID.Life is no exception. There are no mirrors; they\u2019ve been replaced by cameras. The yoke-style steering wheel houses the vehicle\u2019s controls, including the vehicle\u2019s projector screen, which rises from the dashboard when the vehicle is parked. It also hosts the vehicle\u2019s built-in gaming console.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Contributing Editor Larry Printz assisted in this story.)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There was plenty of buzz at the first-ever Munich Motor Show about all the battery-electric vehicles making their debut \u2014 but a look at the long list of debuts reveals that the show was also notable for the number of concept vehicles on display. Check ’em out at TheDetroitBureau.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":208501,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7,8,1608,9],"tags":[383,2572,2571,1964,2573,2484],"make":[],"post-state":[],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208496"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208496"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208496\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":208510,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208496\/revisions\/208510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208501"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208496"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=208496"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=208496"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=208496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}