Automakers build concept cars to gauge public reaction to radical designs, new materials, or future powertrains at auto shows. These vehicles are rarely fully functional and often lack production-ready engines, drivetrains, or safety features. Elements from successful concepts eventually trickle down into mass-production models years later.
Heard on the job
The production model looks nothing like the concept car they showed in Geneva last year.
Also heard as
- show car
Related terms
Auto show
A public exhibition where manufacturers display new vehicles and concept cars.
Development mule
A development mule is a test vehicle used by automakers to evaluate prototype powertrains or chassis components.
Platform
The shared underlying architecture and mechanical components used across multiple vehicle models.