Concept Cars That Gauge Consumer Reaction and Appeal

<h1>Concept Cars That Gauge Consumer Reaction and Appeal</h1>Author: <a title="Muna wa Wanjiru" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/muna-wa-wanjiru/22820.htm">Muna wa Wanjiru</a> Concept cars, or cars designed according to a certain theme or older model, are generally prototypes introduced at car and motor shows to gauge consumer reaction and appeal. Combining the best of modern technology with the sleek lines of tried and tested cars from the past, concept cars are often tentative feelers put out by automobile companies to test the waters before ‘diving’ into serious production.

Concept cars were first introduced by designer Harley Earl of General Motors in the 1950s. It was for the concept of a car that offered buyers state-of-the-art motor car technology in a new design which was actually a variation of an older theme. This gained almost instant popularity with the general public.

Recognizing a winning horse when they saw one, General Motors further publicized the concept and their car, through its touring Motorama shows of that period. Beautiful to behold, concept cars show off radical, futuristic designs, powerful engines and sometimes even controversial technology.

However, tempting as these concept cars may appear under the spotlight, many of them often undergo changes before being put on the production line by their manufacturers, and all of them are subjected to alterations that make them more suitable, and affordable, to their target markets.

The majority of concept cars seen at automobile exhibitions such as the Geneva Motor Show are the dream rides of automobile fans and racing enthusiasts, but are more often than not only show models made of wax, clay, metal, fibreglass and plastic. In fact many concept cars never even reach this stage due to impractical design glitches and cost factors.

An interesting example of an old, operational concept car being brought back into service would be the 1954 Ford Lincoln Futura, which after having been stored in the North Hollywood car shop of George Barris came out of storage to rise to stardom as the Batmobile of the 1966 Batman series on the ABC Television Network.

On the same note, current examples for concept cars would be the Mercedes-Benz bionic car (this is said to combine the best of nature, technology and the ever popular DaimlerCrysler engine), the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia concept coupe (based on the earlier BMW 328 Touring coupe and the BMW Z4 M coupe), the Camaro Concept sports coupe (which follows the lines of the first Camaros) and the Chrysler Imperial Concept 2006 (a direct descendent of classic Imperial and Chrysler designs).

Sadly, the majority of concept cars are destroyed once their use has been served. However, some do escape the crusher and continue to live their lives in storage or on display in automobile museums.

About the Author: Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on Concept cars, visit his site at <a href="http://www.merpetsales.com/coolcars/index.php" target="_blank">Concept Cars</a> Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/concept-cars-that-gauge-consumer-reaction-and-appeal-172264.html" title="Concept Cars That Gauge Consumer Reaction and Appeal">Concept Cars That Gauge Consumer Reaction and Appeal</a>

Concept cars, or cars designed according to a certain theme or older model, are generally prototypes introduced at car and motor shows to gauge consumer reaction and appeal. Combining the best of modern technology with the sleek lines of tried and tested cars from the past, concept cars are often tentative feelers put out by automobile companies to test the waters before ‘diving’ into serious production.

Concept cars were first introduced by designer Harley Earl of General Motors in the 1950s. It was for the concept of a car that offered buyers state-of-the-art motor car technology in a new design which was actually a variation of an older theme. This gained almost instant popularity with the general public.

Recognizing a winning horse when they saw one, General Motors further publicized the concept and their car, through its touring Motorama shows of that period. Beautiful to behold, concept cars show off radical, futuristic designs, powerful engines and sometimes even controversial technology.

However, tempting as these concept cars may appear under the spotlight, many of them often undergo changes before being put on the production line by their manufacturers, and all of them are subjected to alterations that make them more suitable, and affordable, to their target markets.

The majority of concept cars seen at automobile exhibitions such as the Geneva Motor Show are the dream rides of automobile fans and racing enthusiasts, but are more often than not only show models made of wax, clay, metal, fibreglass and plastic. In fact many concept cars never even reach this stage due to impractical design glitches and cost factors.

An interesting example of an old, operational concept car being brought back into service would be the 1954 Ford Lincoln Futura, which after having been stored in the North Hollywood car shop of George Barris came out of storage to rise to stardom as the Batmobile of the 1966 Batman series on the ABC Television Network.

On the same note, current examples for concept cars would be the Mercedes-Benz bionic car (this is said to combine the best of nature, technology and the ever popular DaimlerCrysler engine), the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia concept coupe (based on the earlier BMW 328 Touring coupe and the BMW Z4 M coupe), the Camaro Concept sports coupe (which follows the lines of the first Camaros) and the Chrysler Imperial Concept 2006 (a direct descendent of classic Imperial and Chrysler designs).

Sadly, the majority of concept cars are destroyed once their use has been served. However, some do escape the crusher and continue to live their lives in storage or on display in automobile museums.

Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on Concept cars, visit his site at Concept Cars

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/classics-articles/concept-cars-that-gauge-consumer-reaction-and-appeal-172264.html

Article Tags: Concept Cars

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Classics Articles
More from Muna wa Wanjiru

Collecting Classic Cars - A Hobby

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
For some people, a car is just a car. It is nothing more than a means to get from one place to another. There are others, however, that view automobiles, especially classics, with a passion and fervor. They do not just drive their cars; they collect them, restore them and show them off with the kind of pride generally reserved for new parents.

Classic Car Profile: Ford Crown Victoria

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
When it comes to classic American cars, the Ford name ranks right at the top. From the earliest days of the Model T to the on again, off again love affair with the Crown Victoria, this company has often set the bar others seek to attain.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum Is A Mecca For Classic Car Lovers

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
etroit might be the Motor City, but for a time, it did not have much on Auburn, Indiana. Throughout the early 1900s, this little town was a big focus of the American automobile industry. In fact, automobile enthusiasts who want to see a different side of history than Detroit can provide will find a gem when they visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum.

Explore The Beauty Of The 541S Jensen British Classic Car

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
There are some classic cars that make collectors go gaga. There are others that are highly underrated even when the reputation is not deserved. The 541S Jensen is one such overlooked gem. This unusual British model offered topnotch safety features, decent engine features and luxurious appointments, but it was overlooked by buyers when it first rolled off the line and continues to be passed over by collectors.

Renting A Classic Car

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
If you have always wanted to own a classic car, but have not been able to realize the dream as of yet hope is still alive. Why not give the antique automobile of your fantasies a spin on your next vacation? Believe it or not, you can rent a classic instead of standard late model vehicles for trips pertaining to business or pleasure.

Exploring The Antique Automobile Club Of America

By: Levi Quinn | 30/12/2009
ith members in all 50 states and more than 50 countries around the world, the Antique Automobile Club of America is one of the largest and most prestigious organizations of its kind on the planet. Since its inception in 1935 with only about 14 members, the club has grown to boast 400 regional and localized chapters throughout the world.

How To Decide What Muscle Car To Buy

By: David C. Atkin | 28/12/2009
How To Decide What Muscle Car To Buy: Let's say that you have decided to buy a classic muscle car, and maybe you and the family plan to restore it and go to the local car shows, but since you this is to be your first muscle car your wondering what car you should buy, this really is up to you, but I will give you a couple of hints.

Seibon Carbon Fiber Hood

By: Alizarose | 28/12/2009
Cars have always provided their drivers with an extraordinary and powerful feeling especially when men are sitting behind the steering wheel. The powerful aspect is becoming even more outstanding when it comes to the favorite racing cars. Nowadays, there are many various manufacturers specializing in the production of equipment and parts specially designed for sport and racing cars. Due to the high requirements on the durability and resistance, every part of a racing car has to be made of mate

Rustic Shower Curtains

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 10/01/2009 | Interior Design
It is always interesting to go for an adventure. If you like visiting the mountains, you will definitely find lodges that someone can rest in. There are different trees to look at and animals to admire. Rustic shower curtains are made of pictures of the wilderness.

Birthday Decorations

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Parenting
When you are having a birthday party especially for kid’s, it is always nice to decorate the house and fill it with cool birthday decorations. The decorations can go according to the theme of the birthday party.

40th Birthday Ideas

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Parenting
Even though forty is under rated because it falls before the half golden years, it should be a day when you go all out because, by the time you reach fifty you want to have done the things you had put back.

How to Do a 1st Birthday Party

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Teenagers
When your child turns one year’s old, it is always necessary for you to celebrate his or her birthday to commemorate his or her first birthday.

What Macro Photographs are

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Photography
I bet you are wondering what macro photographs are and what they have to do with you taking photos? Well if you want to know what they are I will tell you.

Why Winter Photography is so Hard to Master

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Digital Photography
Winter photography is probably one of the hardest photography you can master. This is usually caused by the fact that we set our cameras on automatic as a way of ensuring the camera does its own tricks.

How to Find Coins for Investment

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 13/10/2008 | Collecting
When you want to invest in coins, it is advisable for you to get an agent to do the buying for you. This is because; they are more familiar with the best coins in the market, and where to get them and so on.

Bank Rolls

By: Muna wa Wanjiru | 26/09/2008 | Collecting
When we say bank rolls people always assume it means a ward of cash or how the old school gangsters in movies used to say cash back in the day.