Styling transformation – from concept car to production model

Concept vehicles are high on the list of dream machines at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

These vehicles with their wow factor continue to provide consumers with a peek at the direction of future automotive production in the U.S. and around the world. What showgoers see today may be in their driveways tomorrow.

During the 2008 auto show circuit, General Motors displayed the Cadillac CTS Concept Coupe. The display raised eyebrows as coupes were considered then to be out of style.

However, showgoers seeing the concept for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit agreed the time was right for a modern fast–back styled Cadillac coupe.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe was quickly scheduled for production with only minor changes from the original concept car and can be seen at GM's Cadillac display at this year's Chicago Auto Show..

Included in the production model is the standard V6 motor with automatic transmission and rear–wheel drive. The performance enthusiast can step up to the CTS–V Coupe that pumps out 556 horsepower that turns 0 to 60 miles per hour time in 3.9 seconds A six–speed manual transmission is available on the Cadillac CTS–V Coupe.

Land Rover introduced a Concept Vehicle in 2008 that was a radical departure from the British marque's existing product line with the Land Rover LRX Concept. The LRX Concept was also met with accolades and quickly went into production as the 2012 Range Rover Evoque. The production version has become an immediate hit garnering 53 prestigious awards worldwide.

The 2012 Range Rover Evoque comes in five–door and the three–door coupe styling with standard all–wheel drive. Both models are powered by an I–4, 2.0–liter Turbocharged engine rated at 240 horsepower.

Sights on the future

This year's Chicago show will highlight Ford Motor Co.'s rendering of the EVOS Concept Car destined to be its 2013 Fusion model. We previewed this model in Dearborn, Mich., and came away delighted with the dramatic styling. Ford announced sale of the 2013 Ford Fusion scheduled to start mid–year, available in a gasoline version as well as two hybrid options.

Not to be outdone envisioning the future comes Japanese automaker Lexus with its LF–LC 2+2 Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept.

"Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF–LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe."

Conceived as a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design, the LF–LC was created at the company's Calty Design Studio in Newport Beach, Calif.

The Chicago Auto Show concept vehicles are a must–see for all consumers interested in future designs and production models from automakers worldwide.