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The Citela was one of many electrically powered urban concept vehicles developed by Citroën. The Citela was an electric town car with a recyclable body with interchangeable panels. The two-door four-seat Citela could reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and had a fuel range of 130 miles on a single charge. The car's base unit housed all the running gear with a modular construction, while the upper body could be transformed into various styles. The rear wheels placed very narrowly together under a cover also serving as the rear bumper were notable. The compact interior provided enough room for three adults and one child. The mirrors were also placed further up onto the front side windows. Not only was the Citela electrically powered, but it also featured a modular body enabling it to be transformed at will from a coupé to a mini estate to a saloon. Many of the styling cues were carried over into the ECO 2000 project. Citela was shown at the French pavilion at the Universal Exposition in Seville in 1992. Source: ConceptCarCentral; www.citroenet.org.uk Images: Citroen; Concept Car Central

Presented at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show, the Chrysler Cirrus concept car is another example of the company's leading-edge efforts in a cab-forward design and two-stroke engine technology. Cirrus begins the thesis for a next-generation compact sedan. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged Fury V6 engine that, when running on fuel grade alcohol it would produce 400 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The Chrysler Cirrus concept car is missing something—a pillar between the front and rear door. The lack of a "B pillar" makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. Its performance-oriented interior, with bucket seats for each passenger, matches its aggressive exterior, which has a steeply raked windshield and a low, wide stance. Source: Chrysler Product Public Relations; www.chicagoautoshow.com Images: Chrysler Corporation

Yes, this is the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina Sizigi. The design has some interesting factors, though. The intent was to show the revised short nose of the 1994 Lumina Dustbuster minivan. Still, when you compare them, there are some pretty significant differences between this and the actual production model. The name, Sizigi, is derived from the philosophical term 'syzygy' proposed by Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov in the late-19th century. Source: https://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/2013-42/db-0019-1992-chevrolet-lumina-sizigi-concept/ Images: Concept Car Central

In 1989, design honcho Chuck Jordan staged an internal competition between three studios to style the C5 Corvette. His favorite was that penned by the newly established Advanced Concept Center in Southern California. This roadster explored a radical rethink of the Corvette’s proportions, stretching the wheelbase 6.7 inches and the width 3.3 inches, bobbing the tail by some four inches, and pulling the steeply raked windshield way forward. The seats were fixed in place, and the steering wheel and pedals moved. A unique safety idea was a rollover bar that popped up when needed (Mercedes and BMW have offered the same feature in recent years). The original running prototype proposed fitting a high-output V-6 engine (which may have influenced the odd three-spoke, three-lug wheels), but by its 1992 Detroit show debut, it was packing 300 horses’ worth of LT-1 V-8 muscle. The active suspension’s optical sensors shine four beams of white light down from the undercarriage, and the car also has four-wheel steering. The seating position, rakish windshield, and accelerative force would all feel familiar to a Lamborghini or mid-engine Ferrari owner. Climbing into the fixed seats is more accessible by low side sills and an instrument-panel pod that articulates up when the door opens for improved knee clearance. The seatbacks are raked to a nearly recumbent position, and the hybrid analog/digital gauges are visible over the top of the small, fat steering wheel. Organic dash forms and featureless door panels surround occupants without crowding them. The car was considered for production, but the $300,000-plus price tag was deemed prohibitive for a Chevy--even a 225-mph one. Elements of the three different Corvette proposals were blended into the final design of the C5. If he were here, Bill Mitchell would probably counsel his successors that this amalgamated committee approach was responsible for the lukewarm reception the 1997 Corvette’s styling received. And he’d probably coach current design chief Ed Welburn to take just one more stab at a mid-engine, fixed-seat Corvette dream car. Source: Chevrolet Public Relations; www.chicagoautoshow.com; Mario van Ginneken - www.corvettes.nl Images: GM; Concept Car Central

The 1992 Chevrolet Concept Monte Carlo was presented at the Detroit Auto Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show. Life hasn't quite been the same at Chevrolet since the Monte Carlo vanished after the '88 model year. The Lumina coupe hasn't cut it against Ford's stylish T-Bird, and something must be done. What Chevy would like is a fresh set of fenders to make the front-drive Lumina platform worthy of a reprise for the Monte Carlo nameplate. The rolling design study before your eyes is the most accurate estimate of what a mid-'90s MC machine could look like. While we were granted a drive In this fiberglass mockup for photos, that experience added no luster to the Monte Carlo legend. Due to fixed side windows and a dearth of ventilation, piloting this plastic-fantastic dream ship was exactly like doing time in a porta-john in Phoenix in July. The bullet nose and aggressively tapered tail showcase GM's most current aesthetic principles: well-balanced proportions, seamless sculpturing, and slippery aerodynamics. This Monte Carlo wears its functional elements—headlamps, taillamps, air intakes, and wheel openings—neatly and naturally. The boldest design stroke is a tiny toupee roof supported by four slim pillars and vast expanses of curved glass. Reflective coatings might conceivably diminish the hot-house interior effect, and upper torso restraints could be mounted to the seat backs (since there are no B-pillars). One unexpected pleasure is a roomy back seat permitted by long doors and the bubble roof design. Unfortunately, Chevy's Monte Carlo dreams may be academic because budgets at GM now are tighter, and Thunderbird sales are currently in a tailspin. While the Monte Carlo moniker is an old name that rings bells for thousands of people, the design of this forward-looking Chevy coupe is fresh and appealing. The NASCAR drivers currently getting their ears pinned back by T-Birds should find its slippery fines beneficial, too. Chevy could make a potent performer by offering the car powered by its DOHC 3.4-liter 200-horse-power V-8 engine. Source: FUTURE SHOCKERS, Don Sherman - Motor Trend, August 1992 Images: GM; Motor Trend, August 1992

The Sceptre represented a global expression of Buick's premium American automobile characteristics. An advanced 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine powers the rear-wheel-drive five-passenger sedan. "It is a concept car that is dramatic in appearance yet realistic in its design and execution," says Buick's general manager, Edward Mertz. The Sceptre's expressive grille is arguably the single most compelling exterior design element. Buick's trademarks were vertical bar grilles and wrap-around taillights, both used on the Sceptre. The striking pearlescent white exterior is complemented with light beige accents. The headlights are high-intensity projection units, and, in addition, perimeter lights are high-intensity strobe/hazard lights. An advanced electronic five-speed automatic transmission with automatic traction control is mated to the supercharged engine. The Sceptre's 246 ZR40 X 18 tires were designed by Buick and made by Michelin, especially for the car. The spatial design of the seats provides a more comfortable fit for the shoulder belts. The sculptured leather interior accommodates five passengers. The interior color scheme is a family of warm earth tones with rich gray and brown accents. The instrument panel and center console controls feature jewel-like graphics that are crisp and clear through cool-to-the-touch fiber optic illumination. Interior features include a hands-free cellular telephone with a keypad mounted on the center console, a Concert Sound IV entertainment system with cassette and compact disc player, and four-tone ComforTemp climate controls allowing each passenger to control the temperature from individual door-mounted outlets. Source: Concept Car Central Images: General Motors Corp.; Concept Car Central

Despite the lack of commercial success for the SZ, a new version was introduced in 1992: the Roadster Zagato (RZ). As the name suggests, the car is an open version of the SZ coupe. Zagato had introduced the SZ-based spider prototype a year earlier, which looks much sleeker due to its attractive, "feminine" shapes. But the production RZ is much more similar to the SZ with its angular shapes and tall line of glass as if the roof of SZ had been cut off. Source: Nikonow Auto Archive Images: Zagato

Only a single prototype of this touring car exists, built in 1992/93; its six-cylinder engine develops 388 bhp at the impressive engine speed of 10,500 revolutions per minute. But this car never reached the starting line. Several manufacturers, including Audi, withdrew from the race series after a dispute with the ONS (Germany’s supreme motorsport authority) on how the rules should be interpreted. Source: https://oldconceptcars.com/1930-2004/audi-80-quattro-2-5-dtm-prototype-1993/

The second-generation BMW E1 prototype, the Z15, was revealed in 1993 at International Motor Show Germany on September 9, 1993. Two examples of the car were built; an all-electric version and a hybrid version. The Z15, like the previous Z11, was also a 3-door city car that seats four passengers. The electric version is powered by a 19 kWh sodium nickel chloride battery and has a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). It is finished in green metallic paint and features a green interior. The hybrid version also uses the 4-cylinder internal combustion engine used in the BMW K1100 motorcycle and 5-speed manual transmission and 82 hp. This variant is painted red. Both examples of the Z15-gen E1 feature a similar lightweight body to that of the Z11, which is made of aluminum and plastic. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E1 Images: https://oldconceptcars.com/1930-2004/bmw-z15-e1-1993/

Displayed in the 30th 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, it was a preview of the next generation of the GT-R, which got so famous thanks to the successful motorsport career of the R32. It was based on the then-new R33 platform launched earlier that year. The engine was the RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-6 borrowed from the R32, but now making 550hp and 490Nm of torque channeled to all four wheels thanks to a five-speed manual. It had some carbon fiber parts; thanks to that, the prototype weighed just over 1260kg (2778 pounds). Design-wise, we can see that it was inspired by the outgoing R32 GT-R, with its simple bumper with little openings and grille. In the back, a fixed-wing was mounted. The car had a set of BBS wheels. Compared to the prototype, the production car launched in 1995 (pictured below) had a much more aggressive front and the rear wing was now adjustable. Also, the wheels changed. The carbon fiber was ditched maybe because it was too expensive, and the engine was detuned to 276hp thanks to Japan’s Gentleman’s Agreement (It really made around 320 to 330hp). Source: https://www.carthrottle.com/post/lrg2o58/ Images: https://oldconceptcars.com/1930-2004/nissan-skyline-gt-r-prototype-bcnr33-1993/

Sun Favor was a solar car powered by the energy of the sun's rays. It used advanced technology such as monolithic silicon solar cells and a primary battery employing silver oxide zinc technology. It achieved second place in the FIA Electro-Solar Cup in Suzuka 1992, received the "Most Outstanding" Award at the Asahi Solar Car Rally in Kobe 1992, and it came in 12th place at the 1993 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in which it traversed the Australia continent from north to south. Specifications Overall length / width: 5,960/2,000mm Wheelbase: 1,050mm Tread (front): 1,434mm Curb weight: 150kg Turning radius: 6.0m (nose) Solar cells (type): Monolithic silicon Generating capacity: Over 1kW Primary batteries: Silver oxide zinc Coefficient of drag (Cd): 0.11 Seating capacity: 1 Top speed: 120km/h Note: 1993 World Solar Challenge entry Solar Car Race Solar cars are the ultimate in "clean cars" since they emit no exhaust gases. Companies, universities, and research institutes from countries worldwide are now working on solar car R& D. In support of such projects, timed races are held to provide opportunities for testing the solar cars currently under development. These races are Australia's World Solar Challenge (WSC), Switzerland's Tour de Sol, the U.S.'s American Solar Challenge, and Japan's Solar Car Race Suzuka. But most famous is the WSC held once every three years in Australia; it is a grueling race that runs 3,000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide. The delicate test vehicles must share the Stuart Highway with giant transcontinental trucks across the country from north to south. Typically fewer than half the entrants make it to the goal. However, top teams can complete it in four to five days. The Aurora 101 won the event in 1999 with an average speed of 72.96km/h. Source: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/sun-favor

The 1993 Dodge Viper Defender Concept was a one-off built at Chrysler’s Detroit headquarters for the NBC TV series VIPER starring James McCaffrey, which centered around a 1993 Dodge Viper RT/10 that could transform into the Viper Defender. The Defender was a “Crime Fighting Vehicle” in the series. The side pods located under the doors contained an array of weapons such as a grappling hook and missiles. Source: https://carsthatnevermadeitetc.tumblr.com/post/146323874133/dodge-viper-defender-concept-1993-a-one-off

The Rinspeed Veleno was a heavily modified Dodge Viper built by Rinspeed that debuted in 1993 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Veleno was fitted with an electronically controlled nitrous-oxide injection system, which increased power from the Viper's 400 bhp (298 kW) to 550 bhp (410 kW) and increased torque from 630 N⋅m (465 lb-ft) to 820 N⋅m (605 lbf⋅ft). The Veleno features a viper green paint job on the exterior, three-piece OZ Racing wheels fitted with Pirelli PZero tires, a new front lip, modified rear roll protection, and an integrated spoiler windshield frame-mounted rearview mirrors, and integrated rear lower lights. On the interior, the Veleno features Vinerus upholstery in place of the original leather, green painted instrument panel and center console, integrated Alpine CD changer, and a Nokia 121 cellular phone Engine: 8.0-liter (488.1 cu in) odd-firing Viper V10 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinspeed_Veleno

Citroën in France manufactured this three-door hatchback. It was a front-wheel drive with a manual five-speed gearbox. It was equipped with a diesel fuel engine with displacement: 1361 cm3 / 82.8 cui, advertised power: 37 kW / 50 hp / 50 PS ( DIN ), and torque: 82 Nm / 60 lb-ft. Source: https://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/citroen/ax/ax_eco_concept/1993.html

A speedster version of the 5th generation Celica by the American Sunroof Corporation who made the official convertible version of the car. The Tsunami, which was displayed at the LA Auto Show, features a removable panel behind the front seats that tuned it into an open 4-seater though with the roof in place it only seated the driver and front passenger. Source: https://carsthatnevermadeitetc.tumblr.com/post/613089120903905280/toyota-celica-tsunami-concept-1993-by-asc-a

Presented at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, the Raum-II concept car is a full-size family sedan with boxy lines to maximize interior space. Source: Popular Science, Feb-1994 Images: Toyota; www.igatarou.com

This unning prototype was developed and built by I.DE.A Institute on Toyota’s styling (Tokyo Motor Show 1993) The AXV-V of 1993 combined aerodynamics with advanced direct injection engine technology. Toyota claimed a Cd figure of just 0.20 - equivalent to an airplane - which helped give it remarkable fuel consumption. Other technological innovations included air suspension, an anti-collision automatic brake system, touch-shift transmission, and LCD monitors. Source: www.idea.institute.it; www.is-it-a-lemon.com Images: car.mt.co.kr; www.idea.institute.it; community.webshots.com/user/paulnh1

Presented at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, the EE-10 is a hybrid-engined city commuter concept. Source: Suzuki

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) provided a glimpse of how it will sail into the future with today's unveiling of the Sagres concept sport wagon at the North American International Auto Show. A blurring of traditional differences between sport sedans and sport wagons, the California-fashioned — at Subaru Research and Design — Sagres features a cab-forward, flush-glass superstructure enveloping a 203-horsepower, all-wheel-drive (of course!) platform. And as the leading station wagon importer, SOA President George Muller thinks Sagres depicts a natural Subaru development. "Subaru and its parent — Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. — intends to be the world's station wagon leader, and the Sagres represents a look at where we think this product could head," he explained. "We will continue to take the 'basic' station wagon theme and develop and refine it to address the individualized needs of our customers better." Sagres features a long (relative to body length) wheelbase and visually striking cab-forward design. This, coupled with a wide-tread, low profile; large diameter tires, results in a sleek, stable presence, more sports car than station wagon like. Since it is a station wagon, the utility must be provided without compromising style or aerodynamics. The built-in roof rails meet these criteria, remaining flush with the roof until needed when electric motors send them into the proper position. Electrics also power the reclining and sliding individually split rear seats to accommodate passenger and cargo needs. The ergonomically designed cabin features "digi-ana" meters combining instantaneously readable digital functions with analog ones, which allow advanced monitoring of the car's various systems. Driver comfort and convenience, which make for a safer driver, are further enhanced through active noise control, which cancels out intruding sounds by generating corresponding ones at the same level (but phase inverted). Dynamically, the Sagres is all Subaru — independent suspension, AWD, horizontally opposed engine, and continuously variable transmission — but to a new degree. The 2-liter, 16-valve, the double-overhead-camshaft-equipped motor features variable-valve operation and puts its 203hp through a new, high-torque CVT which utilizes a torque converter. The new multi-link rear suspension facilitates both improved utility — all links are below the cargo floor for increased space — and better performance — the multiple links better control tire camber changes, thus ensuring stable and predictable handling. And helping the driver sail along is a global positioning system, the obvious accessory for a car named after the oldest nautical academy in the world. Had Columbus (or other graduates of this Portuguese institution) had the GPS in the Sagres, he could have entered his destination into the system, and the best route to India would have been displayed on the seven-inch CRT (which also provides standard video and audio functions). Source: DETROIT, Jan. 3, 1994,/PRNewswire/ Images: www.Subaru-Impreza.de; Automobile February 1994 via wildtoys.com

Presented at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show, the Subaru Jusmin is a three-door hatchback style car with a front positioned engine supplying power to the front wheels. It's powered courtesy of a naturally aspirated engine of 0.8-liter capacity. This powerplant features a single overhead camshaft valve gear, a four-cylinder layout, and four valves per cylinder. It develops 63 bhp (64 PS/47 kW) of power and maximum torque of 74 N·m (55 lb·ft/7.5 kgm). The engine delivers its power through to the wheels by means of a continuously variable gearbox. Source: https://www.carfolio.com/subaru-jusmin-189585 Images: www.Subaru-Impreza.de