February 24, 2004

By: Claude Parizoe
Website: http://www.1st-in-cars.com

Concept Cars Provide Roadmap To Future Of Automotive Development

This year’s Central Florida International Auto Show at the Orange County Convention Center, offers a host of concept cars for show-goers to inspect. These futuristic vehicles are sure to steal the spotlight at this year’s auto show, providing a glimpse of what is around the corner in automotive design and technology.

A concept car is a product of an auto designer’s vision. It is created to address the transportation challenges of tomorrow and usually incorporates extremely advanced technology, innovative styling cues and alternative power sources. Concept cars serve as testing beds for new ideas and are designed to provoke interest, excite auto show audiences and create dialogue between consumers and manufacturers. Several aspects of a concept vehicle may be incorporated into production models or, in some cases, the entire concept vehicle will be made into a production model. Past examples include the popular Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Thunderbird and Volkswagen Beetle. Concept vehicles scheduled to be on display at this year’s auto show include the Mustang GT Coupe Concept Car and Pontiac Solstice.

Inspired by the Mustang 1 concept of the 1960s, the Mustang GT Coupe Concept Car embraces Ford’s design direction for the next-generation of the American pony car. The exterior is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, yet incorporates a futuristic modern look. Defining classic design cues include C-scoops in the sides, three-element tail lamps and the galloping pony in the center of the grille. Inside, the cockpit features dramatic lush red and charcoal leather accented by billet-aluminum hardware. The GT Coupe Concept started out with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture. The front-end geometry is original and customized to accommodate the signature 400-horsepower modular 4.6-liter V-8, which is balanced by 13.8-inch vented Brembo disc brakes.

GM’s Chairman of North American Operations, Bob Lutz, spearheaded the concept of the Pontiac Solstice and in just four months his team churned out an open-air roadster with Pontiac performance. The exterior is finished in a rich gunmetal gray color. The convertible drop-top is a simple one-hand operated manual fold down that stows neatly underneath the speedster-style hard cover. The interior is wrapped in saddle-brown Fragola leather with exterior color and titanium accents. Driver information is displayed on a small LCD screen to the right of the main cluster. The Solstice is powered by a rear-wheel-drive 2.2-liter DOHC supercharged EcoTec four-cylinder engine which generates up to 240 horsepower.

The 2004-Model Central Florida International Auto Show is owned and presented by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Inc., sponsored by the Orlando Sentinel and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, Inc.

About The Author:

Claude Parizoe is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cars.com.  Great car accessories and parts plus financing, insurance and leasing tips.