Concept cars or dreams of the future

Forerunners to production vehicles, technological showcases or purely objects of fascination: the world of concept cars is rich in diversity. There is a common aim, however: giving a glimpse of the future of motoring whilst stirring the imagination. A flashback to the history of concepts cars.

The design of a car is always accompanied from the very start by major studies in technology and styling. Aside from production vehicles, this research is reflected more and more, from the 60's and 70's, in the creation of concept cars. Created to be displayed at international motorshows, these unique vehicles bring together the expertise, creativity and values of a vehicle manufacturer. A powerful means of projecting an image, concept cars are a means of communication in themselves, generating fame and popularity for the manufacturer.

A multifaceted aim
Peugeot's creations of the past twenty years illustrate perfectly the many facets of a concept car. A concept can serve as a “teaser”, to give a glimpse of the features of a future production model, and as a result will test the reactions of the press and the public. The Peugeot Oxia (1988), which unveiled the styling features of the 605, is a prime example of this.

Innovation being at the heart of automotive design at PSA Peugeot Citroën, concept cars are an ideal means of promoting the new technological solutions of the group. With Peugeot, the demonstrators H2O and QUARK were designed to present the group's research in the field of fuel cells.

Free from the majority of economic and technological constraints tied to full-scale production, the creators of concepts are free to unleash their imagination and creativity. One of the best examples of this are the “showcars”, whose purpose is to capture the imagination with their lines or mechanics.