What’s the Purpose of Concept Cars Today? We Inquired with the Designers Behind Them.

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      As someone who dreamed of writing about cars inspired by the impressive concept cars of my childhood, I regret to say that today's ambitious design projects don't excite me as much anymore. In fact, very few of them do. Have I become cynical over time? Or has the nature of concept cars changed for the worse? What if both of these notions are correct? Or perhaps neither is?

      I realize I'm not the only one with this sentiment. It's a topic we frequently discuss in The Drive's Slack channels. When a theme comes up often in our chats, we follow what we call "Slack Law" and write about it. The rationale is that if we find it interesting enough to discuss repeatedly, then it could be interesting for others as well.

      Our Editor-in-Chief, Kyle Cheromcha, took this further by creating a 30-minute film about concept cars, showcasing five of the most influential designers in the automotive industry.

      From start to finish, the featured designers include Alex Shen (Toyota CALTY), Jon Ikeda (Acura), Tom Peters (General Motors), Ralph Gilles (Stellantis), and Sangyup Lee (Hyundai and Genesis).

      The latest video on The Drive’s YouTube channel highlights Alex Shen, who designed the FT-1 concept that evolved into the new Supra; Jon Ikeda, the former head of Acura design who created the front-engine NSX concept; Tom Peters, the previous head of performance car design at GM responsible for the Indy Corvette and the 2007 Camaro concept, among others; Ralph Gilles, who is the global design head for Stellantis; and Sangyup Lee, the head of design for Hyundai and Genesis.

      Many internet commentators express that concept cars are “uninspired,” but spending time with the individuals who design, sculpt, and build them may change your perspective. The video centers around Kyle’s belief that there is a deeper reason for this shift in vibe, and after watching the entire clip, I find myself in agreement. (And no, this isn't flattery—promise!)

      I recommend listening to these design professionals directly, not to absorb corporate excuses that attribute less exciting concepts to reduced budgets, but to gain insight into the creative process of those who dedicate their careers to artistic expression. As you might expect, harmonizing creativity with engineering limitations and safety standards is no small feat. Nevertheless, the designers we've spoken with make it work because they share a passion for cars just like you and I.

      After hearing Kyle's complete conversation with Jon Ikeda on The Drivecast, I'm inclined to believe he has an even greater love for cars than I do.

      Do you have a tip or a question for the author? Reach out to them directly at caleb@thedrive.com.