Concept cars at the Chicago Auto Show

• Source: Global Times
• [13:50 February 12 2010]
• Comments

Take a look around at some of the concept cars at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.

Concept cars first appeared at auto shows in 1938 with the Buick Y-Job.  A concept car is a prototype made to showcase an idea, new styling, technology and more.  This year's show features 18 concept vehicles.

Manufacturers took consumers' wants and needs into consideration when developing this year's concept models.  The trend to provide environmentally sound vehicles has been a theme throughout these designs.  Many of these vehicles are hybrids and a few are electric.

Design and fashion trends are also evident in the interior design and exterior colors of the concept cars. Seats are becoming sleek, and white is being used with darker colors to create a stark contrast in the interior.

You can find these concept cars on display at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show or at the Photo section of the auto channel of Global Times Web site.

Cadillac XTS Platinum (2010)

Looking at the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept at the Chicago Auto Show will give a pretty good image of how the replacement for its current DTS and STS sedans will appear. However, much of the story lies beneath the smooth aerodynamic lines. It was designed from the inside out and features a 3.6 liter direct injection V-6, paired with a plug-in hybrid system that combines to produce 350 horsepower.

All wheel drive distributes the output where needed to 20-inch wheels, which are guided by Magnetic Ride Control. Inside tech features abound with an Organic Light-Emitting Diode displays replacing traditional gauges and screens. The display screen is blended into the instrument panel resulting in a minimum of buttons and switches. A layered and detailed interior features premium leather and suede. Wheelbase is 115 inches, length 203.5 and width 74.8.