The Accord Coupe Concept

Ford Interceptor Concept

Mazda Ryuga Concept

Toyota FT-HS Concept

To some, auto show time means heading to the convention center, kicking a few tires and collecting brochures to take home and pore over before making that new purchase. To others, it’s a glimpse into the future.

Sometimes those future models, or concepts, which are shown at auto shows across the world are nothing more than styling exercises, while others may actually find their way into showrooms—with a few modifications. I suppose anyone attending the 1962 show might have wondered, after watching episodes of The Jetsons, “Where are the flying cars?” Although they have not yet come to pass, the styling of some concepts surely at least suggest something out of this world.

Take, for example, Mazda’s Ryuga. It certainly looks like it might take off at any moment. It’s wedge-shaped to suggest movement even while parked, an illusion greatly helped by flowing lines; nowhere on the exterior will you find a square corner—good luck finding even a straight line. Mazda’s chief designer, Yasushi Nakamuta, describes the headlamp design thusly: “The headlamp shape resembles the flow of morning dew dropping from bamboo leaves.” Flowing lava (which I guess moves differently from dew) inspired the taillight design. Both doors rise, Lamborghini-style, to allow entrance to a cockpit designed to “maximize the emotional connection between the car and driver”—Nakamuta’s words, not mine. Sure sounds inviting. Will we ever see the Ryuga in showrooms? Not likely. What is likely though, is that some of its styling cues will appear on future Mazdas. Don’t hold your breath waiting for the Lambo doors, though.

You’re more likely to come across the Ford Interceptor, a sedan concept that “…celebrates the best of American muscle with a four-door that marries ‘Built Ford Tough’ attitude with the sporty elegance of 1960s sedans.” Quote, unquote. Peter Hornbury, Ford’s executive director of design for the Americas, not only helped turn that descriptive phrase but goes on to say the Interceptor is “…much like a Marine in dress uniform; smart and elegant, but you can see the raw power that lies beneath.” And you wonder why this guy is a company spokesman.

Look at the photo, though. There is a certain toughness in the looks, without the goofiness of, say, import tuners with their undersized wheels and oversized wings. Rear-wheel drive, six-speed automatic, 5.0-liter V-8 which can run on E-85 fuel—yeah, I can see something like this in Ford dealerships. I’m sure your local police agency wouldn’t mind the transition from concept to showroom, either.

Here’s two others likely to see the light of day: Toyota’s FT-HS hybrid sports concept and Honda’s Accord Coupe concept. I say you’re likely to see the Honda (probably pretty close to what you see here) because the present Accord is a dull-looking lump of a car, unbefitting its position in Honda’s lineup. You can tell the concept is a success merely by looking at it—it looks smaller than it really is, whereas the present Accord looks much bigger than it really is. You be the judge. The FT-HS is a must because, since the demise of the Celica, what car does Toyota, which must be all things to all buyers, have to offer to the sporty small coupe buyer? Throw in hybrid technology and you’ve got all the bases covered. Styling alone, though, will draw buyers in. Gas mileage will merely be icing on the cake.

See you at the auto show, February 7-11 at the Buffalo Convention Center.