Future Cars - - Where the Auto is Heading

The cars of today look completely different to the cars people were driving around in decades gone by, as our previous articles celebrating the cars of yesteryear have proven. But as we have become more and more reliant on road travel, the desire for innovation has continued to gather pace, with car designers ever keen to create vehicles that push the boundaries of comfort, performance and practicality to new levels. This list brings together ten of the most innovative car designs currently in development, and it's fair to say that some of them would once have been more commonly found on the set of a science fiction film, rather than the actual road. Can you envisage some of these incredible vehicles hitting a road near you any time soon?

1. Mercedes Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion

The Mercedes Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion might be a bit of a mouthful of a name, but it accurately describes the concept behind the car's design. The intention of the F015 is to ensure that any journey is as relaxing and as comfortable as possible, wherever the destination. It's a driverless vehicle and the interior looks more like a lounge than a car, with sleek, curved seats and doors that open at a 90 degree angle to allow ease of access. All the car's functions are controlled by touch screen computers, but it will also be capable of reading gestures and eye movements. The only problem is that it looks so good you'd just want the chance to drive it!

2. AeroMobil 3.0

The AeroMobil 3.0 aims to turn one of the most age-old dreams of science fiction into reality. It is a fully functional flying car, capable of reaching speeds of 160kph (100mph) on land and 200kph (124mph) in the air. Several fully functional prototypes have been manufactured already, and despite some teething problems (one of the early prototypes crashed), the AeroMobil has now successfully completed its first test run, both on land and in the air. If you want to see the car in action, then please click here and learn more. Suddenly the idea of a flying car does not feel so far-fetched after all!

3. Chevrolet EN-V

Overcongestion is a modern day problem that effects virtually every major city in the world, and we all know how frustrating it is to be stuck in unending lines of traffic. It's an issue that is only going to get worse if left unaddressed, and one that car designers are keen to acknowledge when considering the cars of tomorrow. Step forward the Chevrolet EN-V, a car designed to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the simplest way possible - by being really, really small. The electrically powered car is able to balance perfectly on its two wheels, despite its small base, and shouldn't be a problem to park given its tiny size.

4. Cadillac Aera

The Cadillac Aera is designed to be stylish and luxurious without compromising on efficiency and reliability. It is incredibly lightweight, yet manufactured from a material that can resist virtually any impact with another vehicle, thanks to several air pockets woven into the bodywork, which help minimize the severity of an impact inside the vehicle. It is also exceptionally aerodynamic, which makes it highly fuel efficient. If that wasn't enough, it also has a special engine powered by compressed air, and can drive for more than 1,000 miles without being refueled.

5. Kia Pop

The concept of the electric car has been around for some time, and is particularly important as the world becomes increasingly aware that fossil fuel supplies will not be around forever. The Kia Pop is one such solution and features a futuristic, instantly recognizable shape and design. It is also exceptionally lightweight, ensuring that the electric motor can travel for around 100 miles before it needs to be charged. It could be the perfect car for our increasingly congested, polluted cities, and if you want to see more about electric car innovations, be sure to watch the video at the bottom of the page!

6. Google's Self Driving Car

Google is so much more than an internet search engine these days, and have placed themselves at the forefront of a number of technological projects that could shape the future. Heading the list of these is the Google Self Driving Car, capable of traveling on the road without any input from the driver. It uses a number of sensors and a navigations system that sits on the top of the car (along with maps pre-loaded onto built-in computers) to navigate the road, although unlike the Mercedes F015, they can be driven manually too. It is hoped that the concept could alleviate a number of problems in the future - helping people cover long distances more easily; reducing the issue of drunk driving; and allowing people with degenerative physical conditions to stay mobile.

7. Mercedes Benz BIOME

The F015 has already hinted strongly at the leading role Mercedes Benz takes when it comes to futuristic car concepts, and the BIOMEprovides another example. It stands alone when it comes to innovation, by being the first car that is designed to be 'grown' rather than manufactured. Yes, you've read that right, the BIOME is made from natural materials including a specially grown material called BioFibre, which is incredibly light but majorly strong, and can be grown in a lab. The BIOME aims to combine the latest in modern technology, innovative design and nature's abundant resources to create a truly unique vehicle.

8. Terrafugia TF-X

The Terrafugia TF-X is another vehicle design hoping to satisfy the longstanding desire for a flying car. The concept has been researched and in development for many years, and the TF-X is by far Terrafugia's most advanced prototype yet. While the AeroMobil needs 250 meters (850 feet) to take off, the TF-X incorporates powerful propellers that allow the vehicle to take off vertically. That would certainly be one way to skip a traffic line! Once airborne, the TF-X will be capable of 320kph (200mph) and you can see computer generated images of how it will look in action here.

9. BMW GINA

The BMW GINA has been in development since 2001. Prototypes have been exhibited at trade shows all over the world, showcasing the GINA's unique body work and design quirks, all designed to make the driving experience more enjoyable. While most sports cars are manufactured predominantly from lightweight materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber, the GINA is made from a flexible, stretchable and water resistant fabric, which is actually a form of coated Spandex. This means that the car's body changes shape according to the conditions and speed at which the car is traveling.

10. Toyota Nori

The physical appearance of the Toyota Nori may well split opinion, but there is no denying that it is at the forefront of current innovation. It is not only exceptionally environmentally friendly, but the chassis and body of the car are one interwoven structure, rather than two entirely separate constructions. This keeps manufacturing costs down, but also increases the strength of the vehicle and reduces its total weight, making it more efficient. The Nori is powered by an electric motor, but its body work also contains solar cells, ensuring solar power is captured and stored as a backup in case the electric motor runs out of charge, or fails altogether.

As many of these fantastic new car designs use electric motors rather than traditional fuel, they will also need charging. Charge points in garages and around towns could gradually replace the familar sight of the gas station, but the UK is also committing significant funds to research the possibility of laying roads that actually charge electric cars as they drive along them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-1koHr5hxk