# Remember when concept cars were cool, futuristic machines? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 14, 2007, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923 "2007-01-14T10:24:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/1 "2007-01-14T10:24:33Z")
[I guess those days are gone](http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/01/08/ford-airstream-concept-a-shiny-hydrogen-powered-phev-funmobile/) It looks like a chrome sanding block. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_C](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Captain\_C](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_C)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/2 "2007-01-14T11:52:59Z")
I didn’t think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. – Bart Simpson ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/3 "2007-01-14T13:17:53Z")
That thing is proof positive of the conspiracy between the automotive industry and the oil industry to stifle the development of alternative fuel vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/4 "2007-01-14T13:50:34Z")
I’m still trying to figure out how making concept cars are anything more than the cars little boys drew in school. Very few make it out of production. I give a crap if they make an attractive, reliable, safe, fuel efficient car. Not if they just think about it. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/5 "2007-01-14T14:12:01Z")
Well the first question that I usually ask of a concept car is “does it fly?” But the idea of a flying Ford SUV doesn’t say “futuristic” quite so much as “potential basis for a horrible children’s movie starring Eddie Murphy.” So I’ll move on to my second concept car question, “is it nuclear-powered?” I note optimistically that the Airstream is hydrogen-fueled, and hydrogen does have applications in fusion research. So it’s a step in the right direction anyway. The thing that boggles my mind is that, impossibly, they somehow neglected to display the Ford Airstream _actually pulling an Airstream trailer._ What a wasted opportunity that was. I did enjoy the note that, to honor its Silver Bullet ancestors, the new Ford Airstream’s detailing sports twelve “ceremonial rivets.” The idea conjures up images of auto workers in ornate robes, placing each rivet while solemnly intoning occult necromantic invocations. Hell, now I want one of them Airstreams, if only to brag about the factory-direct necromancy. On the other hand, I kind of pity the innumerable birds that are going to beat themselves to death fighting with their reflections in the fenders. But perhaps their stolen life force helps feed the soul-hungry ceremonial rivets. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/6 "2007-01-14T17:28:42Z")
It _does_ look futuristic – in that 1950s “peek into the future” sort of way. In other words, it’s ugly as sin. Besides its ungainly shape and the smack of shiny mouth grilles, that red window trim really adds that touch of “Dear God, what the hell _is it_ and how do we kill it?” to the package. And it’s a _minivan!_ I think they must have been aiming at the seismically-negative-fashion-sense-soccer moms and hockey dads. ---
**Author:** ![Nanoda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/7 "2007-01-14T20:27:24Z")
(Apparently) poor side visibility… dull mirror finish… if it weren’t for the hideous afterthought of neon red window trim, you’d think they were _trying_ to get their prototype t-boned at an intersection. I agree with **Muffin** - it’s a conspiracy to prevent automakers from having to innovate. “Well we innovated the shit out of that last one and nobody wanted it, so that means everyone likes buying 89 octane!” :rolleyes: It’s like if McDonald’s new no-fat/no-salt experimental combo was a large fries with gravy, a triple-patty melt with special sauce, all with a mandatory coating of puréed sprouts. ---
**Author:** ![Nanoda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Nanoda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nanoda)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/8 "2007-01-14T20:32:30Z")
**OMG check out [_the inside_](http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-auto-show-ford-airstream-concept/)** :eek: :eek: :eek: The hideous, hideous continuation of _red…_ the gawd-awful seating arrangement… the cameras-instead-of-mirrors-cause-it’s-kewl… the… _thing_ in the back seat!!! I thought when they said ‘lava lamp’ they meant some type of screen-saver for the rear-passenger screens. But no. It’s a 2’+ lava lamp. ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/9 "2007-01-14T20:36:28Z")
[QUOTE=Nanoda] … the cameras-instead-of-mirrors-cause-it’s-kewl… [/QUOTE] This kinds of things are what concept cars are good for. Not because they’re kewl, but because they could have useful functions. Towing a trailer which blocks your wing mirrors? Either cross your fingers, fit some awkward mirror extension…or maybe have your car display the input from cameras on the trailer? Forget judging the thing by aesthetics. The Audi TT and new Beetle both look stupid, IMO, but made it from concept to production. ---
**Author:** ![Mindfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindfield/32/19759_2.png) [@Mindfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mindfield)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/10 "2007-01-14T21:43:11Z")
[QUOTE=Nanoda] **OMG check out [_the inside_](http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-auto-show-ford-airstream-concept/)** :eek: :eek: :eek: The hideous, hideous continuation of _red…_ the gawd-awful seating arrangement… the cameras-instead-of-mirrors-cause-it’s-kewl… the… _thing_ in the back seat!!! I thought when they said ‘lava lamp’ they meant some type of screen-saver for the rear-passenger screens. But no. It’s a 2’+ lava lamp. [/QUOTE] Great Og. It’s like 1968 got revoltingly drunk and power-spewed bad fashion all over the inside of a commercial refrigerator. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/11 "2007-01-14T21:44:11Z")
[QUOTE=Muffin] That thing is proof positive of the conspiracy between the automotive industry and the oil industry to stifle the development of alternative fuel vehicles. [/QUOTE] :dubious: > [@the link in the OP](#): > > The HySeries Drive is battery-powered, with plug-in capability and has a hydrogen fuel cell as an on-board charger. Ford estimates a combined city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating of 41 mpg. On all-electric power, the Airstream concept can go 25 miles. Add some hydrogen (ahh, if only it were so easy), and you can go another 280 miles. The fuel cell, made by Ballard, turns on automatically when the battery charge dips below 40 percent. With the on-board charger (110/220 VAC), the battery pack can be refilled at home. Ford says the HySeries Drive is 50 percent smaller and less complex than conventional fuel cell system and should have more than double the lifetime. Yup those damn sneaky oil companies. Conspiring with Ford to build a prototype car that does not use hydrocarbon fuel. As I understand it this vehicle represents their secret plan Step 1 Build cars that don’t use hydrocarbon fuel Step 2 \* Step 3 Profit! And world domination. \*I’m having a problem figuring out just how step 2 works. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@The\_Blue-Sighted\_Shadow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Blue-Sighted_Shadow)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/12 "2007-01-14T22:00:05Z")
Am I the only one that feels carsick looking at the seating configuration? Even in less retina-searing colors, I’d still be puking once the car started moving, unless I was driving. I cannot ride sideways or backwards in a moving vehicle, since I become violently ill. On the other hand, this car makes the Pontiac Aztek look cute. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/13 "2007-01-14T22:00:34Z")
What’s that [cylinder in the middle of the back?](http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-auto-show-ford-airstream-concept/128627/) (At least I think it’s the back…) A Mr. Fusion? Ze goggles, they do nothing against all that red. Everything else appears to be “by wire” so why does it have a steering column? ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/14 "2007-01-14T22:13:48Z")
[QUOTE=Rick] :dubious: Yup those damn sneaky oil companies. Conspiring with Ford to build a prototype car that does not use hydrocarbon fuel. As I understand it this vehicle represents their secret plan Step 1 Build cars that don’t use hydrocarbon fuel Step 2 \* Step 3 Profit! And world domination. \*I’m having a problem figuring out just how step 2 works. [/QUOTE] I think the point was that they made the alternative-fuel vehicle so odd-looking that no one would want to buy it. So I’m guessing Step 2 would be, “Gleefully watch the public’s desire for non-hydrocarbon fueled vehicles wither on the vine.” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/15 "2007-01-14T22:16:57Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] Well the first question that I usually ask of a concept car is “does it fly?” [/QUOTE] [Baby, you can fly my car](http://www.terrafugia.com/). Or drive my plane. Or something. ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine_and_Smiles)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/16 "2007-01-14T22:17:17Z")
[QUOTE=Rick] :dubious: Yup those damn sneaky oil companies. Conspiring with Ford to build a prototype car that does not use hydrocarbon fuel. As I understand it this vehicle represents their secret plan Step 1 Build cars that don’t use hydrocarbon fuel Step 2 \* Step 3 Profit! And world domination. \*I’m having a problem figuring out just how step 2 works. [/QUOTE] The point here being, the car is so hideous, no one will use it, thus… “stifling the development of alternative fuel vehicles.” ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine_and_Smiles)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/17 "2007-01-14T22:24:09Z")
Dammit! Beaten to the punch! ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/18 "2007-01-14T22:43:46Z")
[QUOTE=Nanoda] **OMG check out [_the inside_](http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/detroit-auto-show-ford-airstream-concept/)** :eek: :eek: :eek: The hideous, hideous continuation of _red…_ the gawd-awful seating arrangement… the cameras-instead-of-mirrors-cause-it’s-kewl… the… _thing_ in the back seat!!! I thought when they said ‘lava lamp’ they meant some type of screen-saver for the rear-passenger screens. [/QUOTE] This is what Austin Powers would drive if he teamed up with the Scooby Gang. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2007, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/19 "2007-01-14T23:54:14Z")
[QUOTE=Raygun99] This is what Austin Powers would drive if he teamed up with the Scooby Gang. [/QUOTE] …while guest starring on the Jetsons. ---
**Author:** ![ASAKMOTSD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/919ad9/32.png) [@ASAKMOTSD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASAKMOTSD)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2007, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923/20 "2007-01-15T00:40:03Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] The thing that boggles my mind is that, impossibly, they somehow neglected to display the Ford Airstream _actually pulling an Airstream trailer._ What a wasted opportunity that was. [/QUOTE] It would boggle my mind if it were somehow capable of pulling an Airstream trailer. I somehow just doubt it has the horsepower. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-when-concept-cars-were-cool-futuristic-machines/387923.md?page=2)