Top 10 Concept Cars of 2014
The futuristic cars that defined 2014
The year end is here, and it’s time to reflect upon our favorite concept cars of 2014.
This year saw several insane concept cars, especially those that were a result of the Vision Gran Turismo project. We got to see some of these in the flesh, while other are reserved for driving in the popular racing video game. Other concepts from 2014 featured high-tech powertrains, low-emission output and out of this world styling.
10. Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner:
We’ll start this list off with some love for the truck fans out there. The Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner showed up at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, sporting a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel from Cummins under the hood and sent all kinds of small-pickup fanatics (including our very own Stephen Elmer) into a frenzy. Sure, we know that Cummins and Nissan are working to deliver a big diesel engine for the upcoming Titan, but if the Japanese automaker wants to make an even bigger splash in the truck market, a diesel mid-size truck would be the way to do it. The Frontier Diesel Runner Concept shows that the company is thinking about it.
We saw this compact sports car concept back at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, and are still waiting to hear more about a production version. The Kia GT4 Stinger Concept is sharp looking, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 315-hp to the rear wheels. Weighing in at just 2,800 lbs. the GT4 Stinger would be a fantastic rival in the world of compact sports cars.
This 2+2 concept car popped up at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and stole quite a few hearts with its stunning design. The Alfieri Concept’s design was inspired by classic Maserati models, with the interior heavily influenced by the Maserati 5000 GT. Under the hood, the Italian automaker stuck a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine with 460 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. We can’t wait to see this curvy, sexy Maserati hit the roads and we’d bet that very little would change in terms of exterior styling between this concept and the production version.
7. Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept Gran Turismo
The Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept Gran Turismo is not only an extremely long name for a concept car, but one that you can drive right now, assuming you have a copy of Gran Turismo 6. But it’s more than just a virtual concept, we got the chance to see this thing in the flesh at the LA Auto Show, and it’s outrageous design is even more jaw-dropping in person. Thanks to its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that puts out 503 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque this concept car can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Don’t believe it? Fire up GT6 and see for yourself!
Even though 2014 was the year that the Viper Racing team was discontinued, the automaker still rolled out this sexy concept at the 2014 SEMA Show. The Viper American Club Racer concept was stripped out like a genuine race-car, featuring no radio, carpet or sound deadening. It also sports a ton of carbon fiber to keep weight down to a minimum. Oh yeah and there’s still that awesome 8.4-liter V10 engine under the hood, making 645 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque.
