Seven Concept Cars You Wish You Could Own

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Demographic: The Dodge ZEO could appeal to car enthusiasts, techies, and the socially conscious alike. It satisfies the need for speed, combined with a futuristic look packed with all the necessary cool gadgets, and most important: it's easy on the environment, so you can tear down the track with a conscience that's crystal clear.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined

Jeep Renegade Concept

The Concept: The 2008 Jeep Renegade concept is a mean, lean, green machine. Built from recyclable materials, sustainability is a major theme in this concept car. Fitted with oversized tires, and a speedster windshield, this car is built for an off-roading, cross-country adventure.

The new Jeep sports a more elongated look than its boxier forerunners. In keeping with that close-to-nature vibe, the Renegade was designed as a full time open-air vehicle, meaning it has no roof. In lieu of a roof, the back trunk can be fitted with a number of “lids.” The lids act as storage chests for all your outdoor needs including lids built for kayaking and mountain biking. There is also an “as built” option that can fit two matching water scooters and there's also an open storage space.

Coolest Feature: This car is green all over. Its building materials are all eco friendly: the chassis is molded without the use of harmful resins, while the metallic green color is added during the molding process, which cuts out harmful paint solvents. An advanced hybrid and regen-braking system allows the Renegade to reach a fuel economy of 110 mpg, approximately four times greater than that of a gas-only car. Topped off with seats made from a soy-based foam the Renegade is both innovative and socially responsible.

Demographic: Jeep's history of being outdoorsy continues with this concept. With its outdoor sport-friendly removable lids, the Renegade will appeal to off-roading fans, mountain bikers, and anyone who likes to play hard. It's also an obvious choice for the environmentally conscious.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined

HUMMER HX Concept

The Concept: The HUMMER HX redefines the look, feel, and attitude of the HUMMER. In an effort to stem the tide of a slowing off-roading market, the HX’s slick new design is a welcome departure from HUMMER’s usual brick-shaped silhouette. The HX takes a minimalist approach, and at 81 inches with 103-inch wheelbases, it's a lightweight compared to its predecessors. Its two-door, open-air concept is a reflection of the adventurous vibe of its three young designers.

Lead Exterior Designer, David Rojas looked to the skies for inspiration: “I looked at stealth planes like the F-117 fighter plane. It has faceted surfacing and I used it in bits and pieces in the design.” The new modernized grille design is based on a picture of an alligator coming out of the water.

The HX stays true to its HUMMER roots with body-on-frame construction, mounted on independent front and back suspensions, prominent air intakes, and hood vents. To make this concept an unstoppable off-roading machine, the HX is equipped with 35 inch off-road tires, a 4 wheel drive system, and the new E85 FlexFuel 3.6L SIDI V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. Throw in a complete underbody armor kit and a power-operated winch, and the HX concept is a force to be reckoned with.

Coolest Feature: HUMMER hasn’t been known for customization, but the HX should change public perception. According to Rojas, the HX can be reconfigured into three different forms. “You have the slantback, which is iconic to HUMMER. You can also take the rear hatch off which enables the squareback, which offers SUV capabilities for maximum capacity. If you take the whole thing off and fold the back seats down, you have a SUT which is a small truck.” Other additions of note are the removable fender flares and the removable doors that are advantages for serious off-roaders.

Demographic: HUMMER has always been a favorite among the younger market and the HX should continue in that tradition. Its scaled-back size has the ability to draw in an audience that was previously intimidated by the larger models. The HX's biggest audience will come from the off-roading market where HUMMER has traditionally made its bread and butter.

Expected Pricing: Undetermined