The British International Motor Show kicks off tomorrow, and if there’s one thing guaranteed to turn heads this week, it’s the plethora of eye-popping concept cars on display.We’ve rounded up our favourite motors due to make an appearance. Feast your eyes on these visions of the automotive future. They’ll all be available for the public to fondle, drool over and marvel at from Wednesday, with the Motor Show running until August 3rd.
Citroen C-CactusThis unusual four-door from Citroen shows how seriously the French are taking eco-friendly motoring. It’s a stripped down concept car that managing an eyebrow-raising 97.4 miles per gallon.It’s more likely than any other to become reality too, since it’s built on the same platform as the existing Citroen C4 saloon. The technology inside is real-world too: a Diesel hybrid, pumping power from the engine for long hauls, but relying on battery power for trips around town.
Honda CR-Z
This concept hybrid sports car shows Honda’s got its mind on performance, as well as economy, when it comes to green vehicles.
It’s a gorgeous slab of automotive artistry, with a panoramic glass roof, see-through boot and enough speed to see off the nearest hot hatch without a shred of pollution-induced guilt. The best news – it’s going into production in just two years time.
Kia Kee
This sports coupe might look a little like the Smart Roadster, and shares the fact that it too is not in production. Yet. Kia have plans to wow with this and many more concept cars though, including its Soul (a mini SUV).
Land Rover LRX
We’ve got hot under the collar over the LRX before. It’s Land Rover’s ultra-futuristic four-by-four, packing iPhone compatibility, and even using the Apple phone as a key to start the car once it’s docked. It’ll be on Land Rover’s stand for all to see, marking the car maker’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Lexus LF-A
This supercar concept not only has the looks of a dream car, but specs to make it seem more fantasy than reality too. It’s all real though, especially that awesome 500bhp 5-litre V10 engine. If Lexus ever let it rip on the motorway it’d show off its top speed of almost 200mph.
Morgan LIFECar
With classic Morgan looks and a futuristic twist, this jaw-dropping concept will be constantly surrounded by fans. Inside is a hydrogen fuel cell and smart energy-capturing brakes. Old and new combined, and Morgan has never looked sexier.
Peugeot RCZ
This production-guaranteed concept propels Peugeot design into areas never before tapped by the French car-makers. It simply oozes style, with supercar looks and performance to rival an Audi TT. It’ll hit forecourts in 2010, but you can get a first glimpse at the British Motor Show.
Renault Laguna Coupe
This concept coupe looks like it’s straight out of Apple’s design labs, with its sleek white shell and angle-free lines. Not much is known about the insides, but with an exterior like this, who cares!
Toyota iQ
This Smart-rivalling city car comes to the UK for the first time, as Toyota continues to gauge public reaction to its cutesy design. Tentatively scheduled for launch next spring, it should cost around £10,000, and will seat three adults plus luggage. That’s one more than the Smart ForTwo.
