Concept Cars - Do they serve a purpose?

Dallas · 15th January 2018, 10:20

Concept Cars, do they actually serve a purpose?

A concept car is exactly what the name implies I suppose, its a car designed to demonstrate a concept.

What are peoples views on why these vehicles which rarely ever go into production?

If Rover were still making cars today, would they have put the TCV Tourer Concept into production by now?
Shown at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2002.

Pretty much all car manufactures have their concepts they like to show, and with the increased trend in electric vehicles being pushed, car designers have never had it so good.

Ian posted about the MG E-Motion the other day, is it safe to say MG will finally put this new EV concept car into production?

I'm also a Dacia onwer, and will quite likely buy a EV in the near future. We would seriously consider an EV built by Dacia, the main reason being the affordability. Dacia has confirmed that it will be looking to manufacturer electric cars in the UK and plans to retain its brand ethos of being cheap.

Will they ever build their Duster Concept EV?

Mike Noc · 15th January 2018, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas

What are peoples views on why these vehicles which rarely ever go into production?

Well, to be honest, my view is that it looks hideous.

stevestrat · 15th January 2018, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

Well, to be honest, my view is that it looks hideous.

Does look like it was designed with a ruler.

Mike Noc · 15th January 2018, 18:59

Yep, that or it is the high security version the Specialists Vehicle Department developed and added a Chobham armour plated bonnet.

LeRich · 15th January 2018, 19:09

As with other Rover innovations, the TCV was ahead of its time if you consider that now 16 years later, seemingly half the cars on the road are crossovers. The TCV's brutalist styling was bang on trend in 2002 and really showed how MGR were looking forward.

Concept cars are a fantastic tool for manufacturers to test the waters of a new vehicle or design language (without committing to production) or to alter brand image and perception. They often act as technological showcases to express the intention of a manufacturer to explore a new direction long before the technology is actual ready for the streets. The current trend for this is with fully autonomous vehicles; previously it has been alternative fuels and construction materials amongst other.s

Dallas · 15th January 2018, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeRich

As with other Rover innovations, the TCV was ahead of its time if you consider that now 16 years later, seemingly half the cars on the road are crossovers. The TCV's brutalist styling was bang on trend in 2002 and really showed how MGR were looking forward.

Concept cars are a fantastic tool for manufacturers to test the waters of a new vehicle or design language (without committing to production) or to alter brand image and perception. They often act as technological showcases to express the intention of a manufacturer to explore a new direction long before the technology is actual ready for the streets. The current trend for this is with fully autonomous vehicles; previously it has been alternative fuels and construction materials amongst other.s

The Rover TCV Tourer would most certainly have been ahead of its time, but Rover have always been one-step ahead of the others with their designs haven't they.

I quite like the looks of the TCV, and would most certainly be buying one today. Lets say if the first model TCV went into production around.. 2005 before Rover went under, the oldest model would be 13 years old now. You would most probably pick one up for the same price as a Chrysler 300c, I've also nearly bought one of those a few times now... certainly a sexy beast.

clf · 15th January 2018, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

Well, to be honest, my view is that it looks hideous.

I have to agree, but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

To my eye, it seems to be the spawn of a Vectra and a 5 series BMW, has got together with the same 5 series and incestuously reproduced.

Some concepts do make it to production. The TT being one, and the Sierra wasnt too far removed from its concept if I recall. Quite a few have, but generally it is exotica that makes it through, I guess they dont have to make the same compromises that 'regular' cars have to.

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Jim Jamieson · 15th January 2018, 22:41

That’s a brilliant idea for us caravanners. We could do our own washing.

That MG looks a stunner and had it made production I’m sure it would have sold well.

As for the OP, yes concept cars are important as they give the public a chance to view that particular manufacturers ideas.
It’s the same with F1 a lot of the features tested and eventually used finish up on production cars.

15th January 2018, 10:20	#1
Dallas This is my second home 1979 Capri 1.6L, 1982 Capri 1.6L, 2016 Dacia Stepway Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dorset Posts: 8,595 Thanks: 3,496 Thanked 3,397 Times in 2,218 Posts	Concept Cars - Do they serve a purpose? Concept Cars, do they actually serve a purpose? A concept car is exactly what the name implies I suppose, its a car designed to demonstrate a concept. What are peoples views on why these vehicles which rarely ever go into production? If Rover were still making cars today, would they have put the TCV Tourer Concept into production by now? Shown at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2002. Pretty much all car manufactures have their concepts they like to show, and with the increased trend in electric vehicles being pushed, car designers have never had it so good. Ian posted about the MG E-Motion the other day, is it safe to say MG will finally put this new EV concept car into production? I'm also a Dacia onwer, and will quite likely buy a EV in the near future. We would seriously consider an EV built by Dacia, the main reason being the affordability. Dacia has confirmed that it will be looking to manufacturer electric cars in the UK and plans to retain its brand ethos of being cheap. Will they ever build their Duster Concept EV? Last edited by Dallas; 15th January 2018 at 10:25..

15th January 2018, 19:09	#5
LeRich Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Cont SE 1.8T Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,082 Thanks: 215 Thanked 232 Times in 178 Posts	As with other Rover innovations, the TCV was ahead of its time if you consider that now 16 years later, seemingly half the cars on the road are crossovers. The TCV's brutalist styling was bang on trend in 2002 and really showed how MGR were looking forward. Concept cars are a fantastic tool for manufacturers to test the waters of a new vehicle or design language (without committing to production) or to alter brand image and perception. They often act as technological showcases to express the intention of a manufacturer to explore a new direction long before the technology is actual ready for the streets. The current trend for this is with fully autonomous vehicles; previously it has been alternative fuels and construction materials amongst other.s __________________ Rover 75 1.8T Contemporary SE Auto Starlight Silver MBB

15th January 2018, 18:59	#4
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,551 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	Yep, that or it is the high security version the Specialists Vehicle Department developed and added a Chobham armour plated bonnet.

15th January 2018, 22:41	#8
Jim Jamieson This is my second home Rover less ! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Tarbolton Posts: 3,442 Thanks: 393 Thanked 888 Times in 542 Posts	That’s a brilliant idea for us caravanners. We could do our own washing. That MG looks a stunner and had it made production I’m sure it would have sold well. As for the OP, yes concept cars are important as they give the public a chance to view that particular manufacturers ideas. It’s the same with F1 a lot of the features tested and eventually used finish up on production cars.