Hopes raised by glitzy concepts, then dashed by the mundane reality. By Andy Franklin
CAR Online’s latest scoop inside the XF got me thinking. Why do manufacturers continue to tease us with concept cars? Especially when they too often disappoint with a watered-down reality once the humdrum production car arrives. And judging by the number of comments on our news story, you’ll probably agree with me…
Too few car companies are prepared to take a gamble and produce something different and radical. There is no lack of design talent out there – it’s a lack of balls in the boardrooms from Coventry to Detroit. And the transition from gloriously modern, techy feel inside the C-XF concept to the rather ordinary glimpse inside the XF production car is just one case in point; most manufacturers are as guilty as Jaguar.
I’ve forgotten how many concepts I’ve drooled over, only to be let down by the reality. Imagine if you had the outrageous styling of TVR wedded to the build quality of Audi? Now that’s something I’d buy. And manufacturers do successfully launch bold concepts from time to time; I bet Audi wishes every model had the TT’s wow factor and resultant commercial success.
So, come on manufacturers. Have the guts to build brave concepts and then stick with them for the showroom. There’s a whole generation of buyers gagging for brave, distinctive designs – and fortune favours the brave.