Future Concepts from GM Design
General Motors has shared renders and photos of five new concepts on its Instagram, covering different types of electric vehicles: road-going, racing, utility, adventure, and flying. Scale models of these concepts are on display at the EPCOT park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Exploring Creative Ideas
These vehicles are not intended for mass production. They were created to explore new ideas across different vehicle categories. Designers used digital renderings and detailed scale models to bring their visions to life without the need to build full-scale prototypes.
A Sports Car Without a Windshield
The P1 Concept is an open-top sports car with a bathtub-shaped body and exposed wheels, reminiscent of a modern rival to the 1996 Ford Indigo concept. The car lacks a windshield, features a central driving position and two bench seats in front of a small cargo area. The minimalist design includes thin LEDs at both ends and a pronounced front bumper.
An Aerodynamic Electric Car
The P2 Concept is a low-slung electric car focused on aerodynamic efficiency. The windshield is sharply raked, leading to a smooth roofline that cuts off at a slightly recessed rear end. Despite its length, the car has only two doors that open upwards. Decals on the sides indicate technologies such as an “AI. Pilot” system, which likely handles the driving.
Utility Concept
The P3 Concept, also known as the Utility Concept, is focused on practicality. It can be seen as a distant descendant of modern compact hatchbacks and crossovers. The wheels with aerodynamic covers are positioned at the corners of the monocoque body. The glass area is body-colored, intersected by metal inserts, giving it a somewhat futuristic look.
Adventure Off-Roader
The P4 Concept is an electric off-roader with a capsule-like body mounted on large tires with aggressive treads. Overhangs are virtually absent, ground clearance is high, and details include a sharply raked windshield, full-width LED lighting, roof racks for carrying surfboards, and body-colored side glass.
Flying Vehicle
The P5 Concept is a flying vehicle designed for vertical take-off and landing. It resembles a large drone with two sets of fans and a flat floor, while the main body uses styling elements similar to the other concepts.
Impressions and Accessibility
Overall, this group of GM concepts looks more suited for a video game or sci-fi movie than for the real world. However, that is the beauty of design without constraints. Scale models of all five concepts are exhibited at the EPCOT theme park in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. General Motors is the official automotive sponsor of the venue and recently launched an updated Test Track attraction for visitors.
It is interesting that such concepts often become a source of inspiration for future production models, even if they are not intended for direct manufacturing. They demonstrate how manufacturers experiment with shapes, technologies, and functions to meet growing demands for sustainability and innovation. Similar projects also highlight the importance of collaboration between automotive companies and cultural centers like Disney to popularize future transportation solutions.