It's easy to love concept cars. They offer a glimpse of the automotive future while teasing us with ideas that may never come to life--but they're still amazing to contemplate. The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show featured a number of concept cars that either debuted at the show or are making their first appearance in the United States. We walked the floor for two days, took in the ambience and captured details and photos of seven concept cars that are figments of automakers' imaginations. Better yet, many of these concepts are coming soon in a watered-down version or, best of all, may actually appear in showrooms in remarkably similar fashion to the photos and specifications we're describing here.
Enjoy seven cool 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show concept cars. And don't miss our other articles from the L.A. Auto Show:
Read: 10 Coolest Cars of the 2011 L.A. Auto Show
Read: 5 Hot New Crossover SUVs From the 2011 L.A. Auto Show
Read: 5 Fun, Fast and Affordable Cars from the 2011 L.A. Auto Show
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BMW i3 and BMW i8 Concepts
Let's start this list with two cars that have secured plenty of attention over the past year and represent the future of green driving for BMW. Or as BMW calls it, examples of BMW as the "world's most innovative and sustainable auto manufacturer."
The all-electric BMW i3 and the gas-hybrid BMW i8 look like nothing else on the stage thanks to their generous helpings of glass, carbon fiber and renewable raw materials. While the smaller, city-focused i3 is expected to arrive in stores in 2013, eager buyers will have to wait until 2014 to get their hands on the sporty i8. Unless they visit the 2011 L.A. Auto Show where both vehicles are on display. It's the first chance many American car enthusiasts have to spend a little time with these futuristic models.
But if you can't make it to an auto show to see the i8 in person, plan on buying tickets to Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol when it opens in December 2011. Ethan Hawke (Tom Cruise) somehow finds a way to drive one of the world's most interesting cars as a getaway car. Jealous? We are.
Watch Mission Impossible 4 Movie Trailer featuring BMW i8
Watch Visionary Mobility BMW i3 and i8 Video
Watch BMW i3 and i8 Overview Video
