Concept cars are pretty cool cars as you'll already know if you've seen them at the auto shows. Manufacturers use concept cars (sometimes called 'prototypes' or 'show cars') to show off either radical design or automotive engineering. For instance, recent lines of concept hydrogen cars can show off both.

Audi RSQ Concept Car

But, a car doesn't have to run on hydrogen to be a concept car. Many concept cars emphasize design and styling over mechanics and functionality.

This is why many concept cars will never see the light of day on a showroom floor.

Manufacturers bring concept cars to automotive shows in order to gauge public enthusiasm for their new designs and offerings. If a particular concept car receives an enthusiastic and warm welcome by the public, then it may progress towards the next step of becoming a production-ready automobile.

It is rare that a concept car go straight from concept to production since usually many refinements in style, functionality or safety need to be addressed before the vehicle is ready for the public. Concept cars used to start as small wax or clay mockups or even be made from metal, fiberglass or plastic. Sometimes this is still the case. But, now days, most of the design starts on the computer with 3-D rendering models and diagrams that detail every aspect of the concept car, inside and out.

Concept cars need not even be cars at all. At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Pivo Concept, which could barely be considered a car, was one of the most interesting and popular exhibitions. And, at some shows, crossover concept vehicles that are mixes between such things as motorcycles and ATVs or cars and SUVs are featured. Even a new age motor home concept was featured at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Though many concept cars are crowd pleasers, sometimes the crowd is disappointed to hear that the manufacture has no plans to bring that particular vehicle to the showrooms. This is a time, when the public can make a stand by writing and calling the manufacturer to request a production-ready vehicle. If enough parties raise their voices, then generally the manufacturers will gauge this as a sign for demand and promote the car to the next step along the chain for become a production-ready model.

Remember, that the automakers want to give what the public is asking for, so if you see a concept car at an auto show that you'd like to own, let the automakers know! You may be pleasantly surprised that you just may get what you ask for, and won't that be a treat?