Conceptually Speaking

Let’s face facts: Concept vehicles are all about showing off. Built by automakers to flaunt new styling and technology, these often outlandish creations are expressly made to be floated at car shows in order to gauge public reaction to the auto world’s latest ideas and innovations.

Many concept cars are wildly eccentric statements that never come close to mass production. The “Jetsons”-esque 1955 Lincoln Futura, with its extreme tailfins and clear-plastic double-domed roof,eventually became the Batmobile in TV’s “Batman” series. Twelve years later, Dodge’s squat Deora pickup, which looked a bit like an El Camino repurposed as a spaceship, debuted at the Detroit Autorama and did end up mass-marketed — but only as a toy.

Yet some concept cars closely resemble subsequent production models. Just two examples: the hybrid Chevrolet Volt, which debuted as a concept in 2007 before hitting showrooms in late 2010, and Honda’s sporty NSX, which first appeared in concept form in the late 1980s prior to going into production as the Acura NSX stateside in 1990.

Here’s a handful of the dozen-plus “Will they or won’t they?” concepts that are set to tease crowds at this year’s L.A. Auto Show.

Audi Quattro Sport Concept
A legendary 1980s road and rally car — and the original inspiration for 5 million all-wheel-drive Audis to date — the groundbreaking Quattro has lately been the subject of a heavily whispered-about revival. First came the Quattro Concept in 2010 and now, to mark the 30th birthday of the original short-wheelbase Sport Quattro, the Audi Sport Quattro Concept makes its first North American appearance at the L.A. Auto Show. Summoning a staggering 700 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it seems a worthy successor to the weighty Quattro crown.

BMW Concept X4
Though BMW has been tinkering with the X4 idea since 2008, this will be the first appearance of its concept incarnation at a North American auto show. Concept or not, it’s no secret that this compact fastback crossover will soon go into production alongside existing X models at the BMW factory in Spartanburg, S.C. — folks in the area report they’ve already spotted disguised prototypes on public roads. Twin circular headlights and that signature “kidney” grille will make the X4 instantly recognizable. But BMW points out other traits, insisting that the X4’s sporty silhouette and character signify the future of the X model family.

Cadillac Elmiraj
Another North American auto show debut, the handsome Elmiraj from Cadillac is a luxurious rear-wheel-drive grand coupe closely related in design to the company’s recent Ciel convertible concept, which, incidentally, General Motors seriously considered for production. Unlike the hybrid-electric Ciel, however, the Elmiraj is propelled by a twin-turbocharged V-8 gasoline engine and shuns the former’s revivalist rear-hinged suicide doors. The Elmiraj looks ready to pull up at a red carpet event right now, so don’t be surprised if it (or something very much like it) passes you on the 405 soon.

Infiniti Q30
At a glance, Infiniti’s Q30 concept looks like a swanky contemporary crossover. But the Japanese brand is billing this compact creation as a “design mash-up” of coupe, hatch and crossover body styles. Whatever you label it, the swooshy Q30, which is making its North American auto show premiere downtown, seems squarely aimed at the growing premium-craving Gen-X and -Y demographics. Honed and athletic, the Q30 not only caters to younger buyers’ desired aesthetic but also to their love for connectivity; the car includes Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system.

Jaguar C-X17
Small luxury SUVs will be one of the big stories at this year’s show, thanks in part to the North American debut of Jaguar’s C-X17 concept. A departure for an automaker ordinarily associated with sleek grand tourers and stately sedans, this “sports crossover” introduces Jaguar’s all-new aluminum unibody architecture, on which a range of future models will be built. The C-X17, which is expected to spawn a very similar production vehicle by 2016, manages to look every bit a Jag while incorporating a panoramic roof, comfy seating for four and a handy rear hatch.

Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG Concept
Another world debut at the 2013 L.A. Auto Show, Merc’s GLA45 AMG Concept foreshadows what will be the range-topping head-turner of the German automaker’s compact GLA-Class crossovers, which were publicly unveiled at April’s Shanghai Auto Show. Expect the GLA45 AMG to share the same basic body style as the GLA250, but with aggressive accents and a sporty stance in keeping with an anticipated 355-plus-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged mill. Speed-sensitive steering and custom sports suspension should also be standard on the GLA45 AMG, which appears destined for U.S. showrooms next year, starting at a rumored $50K.

—Paul Rogers, Brand Publishing Writer