Frankfurt Motor Show – Weird and Wonderful Concept Cars
Some wonderful (and bizarre) creations are being unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with a lot of emphasis on eco-friendly and retro designs.
Several electric cars feature, such as the two-seater Opel/Vauxhall RAKe, which looks a bit like a covered motorbike and would cost a mere 1 euro for every 60 miles! We have a bit of a soft-spot for 3-wheelers (another bonus – fewer tyres to replace!) but this looks more like a Batmobile than the Only Fools and Horses van. There’s also the Nils concept by Volkswagen – a lightweight (460kg!) single-seat electric car with a top speed of 80mph, although its range is only 40 miles.
The Forvision’s eco contribution was the next generation Fortwo Smartcar, with plastic wheels and solar cells on the roof. A little more ergonomic than current Smarts, this design hints at what the new versions may look like.
And on the other end of the scale, you have the large and outlandish, like the Renault Frendzy – half work van, half people carrier. This bright orange transformer-style vehicle can switch between a can with advertising screen in the side door, to a family car with retractable seating and changeable interior lighting.
And possibly the most ‘classic’ looking concept this year, there’s the Cadillac Ciel – a four-seat convertible … that looks a little bit like a giant coffin!