David Obendorfer Fiat 127 concept : 2013

1971 Fiat 127 and 2013 David Obendorfer Fiat 127 concept.

This concept by David Obendorfer, with substantially different proportions in comparison with the original model, proposes a modern interpretation of Pio Manzù’s masterpiece, the legendary Fiat 127. (source: David Obendorfer)

1971 Fiat 127 and 2013 David Obendorfer Fiat 127 concept.

Volkswagen Golf GTI concept : 2012

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept.

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept was shown at the 2012 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris and for the first time, is being offered with two power levels (220 PS in standard version and 230 PS with performance pack) when it goes on sale in early 2013. This is the hatch that made them cool. Nothing comes close to this on the market today, and it still looks great, even after seven generations.

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI concept.

Chevrolet Nomad : 2004

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.

In 2004, GM considered and explored the possibility of bringing back the classic Chevrolet Nomad. This time, it was via a 2+2 seating hatchback concept. A 250-horsepower 2.2-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four sits under the Nomad’s long hood, driving the rear wheels.

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.

2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept

BMW i3 : 2012

BMW i3 concept

BMW has not only thrown in a few new ideas this year, but they’ve also done it via a new brand. The i Division offers us this beautiful and futuristic hatchback called the i3. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

BMW i3 concept

BMW i3 concept

Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept : 1984

1984 Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept

The rear wheel drive Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept was conceived and executed by Franco Sbarro. Powered by a 3-liter 260hp V8 with a five-speed manual, it was unveiled at the 1984 Geneva auto show. Sbarro started with a Ferrari 308 GTB, with a shortened frame and custom bodywork. Only one example was said to have been built.

1984 Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept

MG MG5 : 2012

2012 MG MG5 concept

The MG5 Concept represents an exciting new chapter in MG’s history. This five-door hatchback was developed at MG Birmingham under the UK Design Director, Tony Williams-Kenny. The new model was recently unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, where it received much critical acclaim. The main features of the car include LED head cluster lights, rear spoiler stance and an aerodynamic shape, all of which offer a look that’s both sporty and sophisticated. (source: MG)

2012 MG MG5 concept

Hyundai i-oniq : 2012

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

The 2012, 14-foot long i-oniq hatchback concept is an unexpected and pleasant surprise from Hyundai. It is an electric sport hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine. The 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.

2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.

Seat Ibiza Cupra : 2012

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra concept.

The Volkswagen Group’s Seat division presented the Ibiza Cupra as a close-to-production concept car at the 2012 Beijing International Motor Show. The production version arrives at the end of this year with 180 HP and is an icon of the brand since 1996 when the first generation hit the streets.

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra concept.

Lexus LF-Ch : 2009

2009 Lexus LF-Ch

The Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept made its North American Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show and a world premiere on September 15, 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The LF-Ch Hybrid Concept offers dramatic style, premium features, an innovative drivetrain with low emissions, and impressive fuel economy in a sporty yet versatile five-door package.

2009 Lexus LF-Ch

Nissan Invitation : 2012

2012 Nissan Invitation concept

Nissan has revealed the first details of a head-turning hatchback concept, the Invitation, at this the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show which previews the company’s next generation compact car, a mainstream B-segment contender. It is due to be launched in Europe from 2013.

2012 Nissan Invitation concept

Chevrolet Tru 140S : 2012

2012 Chevrolet Tru 140S concept

The 2012 Chevrolet Tru 140s concept, which was introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, is a three-door hatchback designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car. Based on the Cruze platform and the Chevy Volt, its purpose was to demonstrate technologies typically found in more expensive cars.

2012 Chevrolet Tru 140S concept

Volkswagen Nils : 2011

2011 Volkswagen Nils.

The 2011 Volkswagen Nils electric concept shown at the 2011 64th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt is a bit of an oddball, and some would say not a real hatchback, but I think it qualifies on two counts. The rear opens like a hatch, and I like Volkswagen. Who knows, this might be what the future of hatchbacks is.

2011 Volkswagen Nils.

2011 Volkswagen Nils.

 

Audi A2 : 2011

2011 Audi A2 concept

The 2011 Audi A2 electric only powertrain premium-class concept shows us the future of electric mobility at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2011. It has a flat interior floorboard, next phase in LED technology, known as matrix beam and a red bar of light flows forward from the tail lights when braking and demonstrates the strength of the brakes intuitively for other road users.

2011 Audi A2 concept

Nissan 270X : 1970

1970 Nissan 270X

The 1970 Nissan 270X concept was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. (source: Glen H.)

1970 Nissan 270X

Mazda MX-81 : 1981

1981 Mazda MX-81

The 1981 MX-81 was a Bertone styled show car for Mazda in the early 1980s. (image source: Glen H.)

1981 Mazda MX-81