Future Cars: 18 High-Tech Concept Cars

2050 BMW M3 Concept

By 2050, a car with hydrogen electric propulsion may be commonplace in a world worried about pollution, so the coolest thing about this futuristic BMW M3 might actually be the paint job. Envisioned by designer Daniel Nikonchik of Chicago’s Tangent Design Group, the exterior paint incorporates millions of nano-sized cameras linked to a high-definition display inside the vehicle. As a result, the driver is able to see through the body panels as if they were invisible (no blind spots in this car), while also zooming in on distant traffic signs. The vehicle’s interior is no less high tech, with full digital displays that the driver can adjust the orientation or appearance of at the click of a button. That means different downloadable color ways, style switches, and dragable user controls for a fully customizable experience

Nothing smacks of summer more than cruising with the top down—that simple act of transforming your car from a buffer against the elements, to one that welcomes them with open arms. And though sun-kissed (and pleasantly wind-whipped) driving is a luxury of its own, carmakers are finding ways to make one of the season’s top indulgences even more enjoyable. While retractable hardtops still have their appeal, this year we’re seeing the old school ragtop making a comeback, albeit with major improvements that guarantee a quieter ride—with the top up, too. Other vehicles have added features like headrest heaters, more speed, better handling, and, for the perfect summer pairings, amenities like picnic hamper and champagne fridges. Here, our favorite rides to get behind the wheel of now.

Bentley Continental GT Convertible, Speed Black Edition

Sure the new Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition squeezes a little more horsepower—633, up from 626—out if its 12-cylinder engine (rifling from zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds), but most people will be talking about this convertible for its new look. A high-gloss black finish has been added to exterior details like the window openings and the lamp bezels, complementing the black 21-inch five-spoke wheels. Paired with a front splitter, rear diffuser, and side skirts available in four hues—yellow, red, black, and a silvery grey—the result is a sporty, yet sophisticated high-contrast presentation. The interior is also a study in contrasts, offering bold, new combinations, like touches of bright yellow against dark leather.