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2024 has been an exciting year for car enthusiasts, with automakers from around the world unveiling incredible concepts as they move toward a zero-emissions future. Concepts are always exciting because they aren’t constrained by the same rules (and sometimes even the laws of physics) as our production cars, allowing them to push the boundaries of design and performance and create truly drool-worthy vehicles. Often these vehicles don’t even come close to going into production, but occasionally, a company comes to its senses and, like Hyundai, puts its money where its mouth is.

Not every concept is made equal, unfortunately, as some are much cooler than others. Coolness is subjective, we know, but that’s what makes cars so amazing; a vehicle that may be god’s gift to humanity to you may be a crime against humanity to another. This is why we’ve created a completely subjective list of the coolest-looking concept cars released this year – so far, at least. Every single one of these vehicles pushes the boundaries of automotive design, and if we’re lucky, maybe one or two will make it to production.

1 Alpine Alpenglow Hy4

The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is a hydrogen-powered hypercar that combines Alpine’s racing heritage with a futuristic design:

The Alpenglow’s low-slung, aerodynamic silhouette is complemented by a dazzling light signature that runs through the bodywork, making it look as if it’s been carved from a block of ice and is ready to take on the prototype class at the next 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a gorgeous vehicle, but performance leaves a little to be desired even if it is hydrogen-powered. Fortunately, the company is working on a more powerful V6 hydrogen powertrain that should be unveiled in the coming months.

2 Acura Integra Type S HRC

The Acura Integra Type S may be the pinnacle of high-end front-wheel-drive performance, but the major criticism that’s been heaped upon it has been that Acura didn’t push the car far enough. The company may be taking those criticisms to heart because it just unveiled the Integra Type S HRC Prototype at Monterey Car Week, and it gives the Type S’s performance a serious upgrade. Inspired by the brand’s Integra Type S DE5 race car, the company has given the model a host of aero, chassis, and powertrain upgrades that essentially give it a Subaru STI-like upgrade. It’s a hardcore vehicle, but we feel it has enough to attract customers, and given how finished it looks, we wouldn’t be surprised if it has a limited production run in the next couple of years.

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3 Subaru WRX Project Midnight

Sometimes companies need to remind the world just what they’re capable of, and the Subaru WRX Project Midnight is a dark, stealthy interpretation of Subaru’s rally-bred sports sedan that is meant to put competitors on notice. The current generation of the WRX is good, but we can’t help but miss the high-performance STI versions the company stopped offering. This doesn’t mean the company has forgotten its roots, and this race car was unveiled to dominate the Goodwood Hill Climb, with nearly 700 horsepower on tap and one of the craziest aero-kits ever fitted to a Subaru WRX. Will it ever go into production? Not likely, but perhaps a watered-down version could. We’d take 400 horsepower and a slightly smaller wing if we had to.

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4 Polestar Concept BST

Hoping to build even more excitement for the brand’s first true sports car offering, Polestar unveiled the BST concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Mission accomplished, we say, because the model looks every bit as impressive as one could have hoped, combining Polestar’s signature minimalist aesthetic with an aggressive, track-focused design. The Concept BST is based on the upcoming Polestar 6 and features wide wheel arches, a low stance, and an array of aerodynamic enhancements that make it look ready to take on high-performance rivals like the Porsche 911 GT3. No performance metrics were revealed at the time, but this makes us wish 2026 could get here just a bit faster.

5 Cadillac Sollei

The Cadillac Celestiq is the best attempt the company has made at reclaiming the slogan “standard of the world” in decades, and the company is pushing that idea further with the Sollei concept that reimagines what ultra-luxury can look like. With its sleek, elongated body and dramatic roofline, the Sollei exudes elegance and sophistication while bathed in the exquisite ‘Manila Cream’ hue. Rolls-Royce Droptail? Bentley Batur Convertible? This concept is every bit as good, if not better. It insists upon itself in the best way, and we can’t imagine the company would struggle even slightly to sell every unit if it puts it into production.

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6 Chrysler Halcyon Concept

Chrysler’s Halcyon Concept is a luxurious, full-sized electric sedan that’s even bolder than the brand’s previous Airflow concept. The new head of Chrysler felt that the model wasn’t pushing the boundaries of design enough, so the company went back to the drawing board, coming up with this impressive vehicle instead. The Halcyon features a long, flowing body with smooth, sculpted surfaces and a prominent front grille that harks back to classic American sedans. Inside, the Halcyon offers a futuristic yet comfortable cabin that’s made of almost completely recycled materials, with large digital displays and Level 4 advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Not much is known about the model other than that it will be built on an 800-volt architecture, sit on the STLA Large platform, and it can’t get here soon enough.

7 Italdesign Quintessenza

The Italdesign Quintessenza is a rugged grand tourer that aims to combine the best parts of a performance sedan with an off-road overlander. A fully electric powertrain underpins the design, allowing the company to explore a curvaceous body, with flowing lines that emphasize its luxurious and sporty nature. The interior is a work of art, blending fine leather, wood, and state-of-the-art technology. Innovative features like a removable rear roof allow you to explore pickup truck or open-air seating options and the company revealed attachable camping items that appear to make it highly usable. It’s a stunning vehicle, but the odds of us ever seeing it on the road are extremely low, unfortunately.

8 Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Genesis has not been holding back with its Magma performance sub-brand concepts, with the Genesis X concepts debuting with gorgeous styling and supercar performance. The company has released about four different models that build on the GT idea, but the newest race car version is easily the most bonkers. Sporting an incredible hybridized V6 powertrain, the track-only supercar is ready to capture racetrack records. It features a wide body, prominent aero elements, and a stance that screams speed. The Gran Racer VGT looks like a bright orange threat, and if the company is serious about its performance aspirations, it would try everything in its power to get this on the track for real.

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9 Honda Saloon

Honda’s Saloon concept is a sleek, retro-futuristic sedan that blends high-tech features with a minimalist design as a part of the company’s 0 Series of EVs. The silhouette is smooth and flowing, not trying to be too flashy or showy, while making great use of space on the interior. It features innovative full-length lighting elements with a large open grille that is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven concept that debuted last year. The goal here isn’t performance as much as it’s about comfort, and the interior seems like an incredible place to enjoy yourself. We imagine this Honda concept will arrive in some shape or form stateside in the future, but don’t think it’s going to be as innovative in production form as it is here.

10 Renault R17 Electric Restomod Concept

Renault has reinvented its classic R17 coupe with the R17 Electric Restomod Concept, blending retro esthetics with cutting-edge EV technology. The design is unmistakably a nod to the original 1970s 2-door coupe, featuring period-inspired details, frame-less doors, compact dimensions, and no central pillar. The R17 concept is based on the original monocoque structure, meaning it shares the same underbody, doors, cabin and more. However, beneath the retro skin lies a modern carbon fiber chassis and a rear-mounted electric powertrain that delivers 270 horsepower. While it won’t be rapid, it should be more than quick enough to enjoy in everyday use. The concept also features a retro-inspired cabin with minimalist controls and modern connectivity options. This concept showcases Renault’s ability to celebrate its heritage while embracing the future of electric mobility.

11 Lotus Theory 1 Concept

The Lotus Theory 1 Concept is a striking showcase of the brand’s vision for the electric hypercar future. Powered by a 70kWh battery, the Lotus Theory 1 delivers a jaw-dropping 986 horsepower, propelling it from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Its design stays true to Lotus’s DNA, focusing on lightweight construction with a carbon fiber monocoque and active aerodynamics. Inside, the revolutionary LOTUSWEAR™ system enhances the driver’s connection with the car using adaptive robotic textiles for real-time haptic feedback. Developed with MotorSkins, it offers improved support and control, with inflatable pods in the seats and steering wheel responding to driving inputs. A 3D-printed headrest, created with Carbon, reduces weight and integrates KEF-designed binaural audio for personalized soundscapes which:

• Amplify ‘speed’ sounds to evoke thrill, excitement, and enjoyment.
• Utilize noise-canceling technology to boost focus and refine the listening experience.
• Enhance entertainment with immersive, high-quality audio that elevates the overall sound experience.

Combining cutting-edge technology and raw driving excitement, the Theory 1 is a clear statement of Lotus’s intent to dominate the EV performance space.

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12 DS Automobiles SM Tribute

The DS SM Tribute Concept reimagines the iconic Citroën SM for the modern era, combining its distinctive 1970s style with cutting-edge technology. Designed by DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS, it retains the SM’s signature long hood, flowing lines, and partially faired rear wheels while introducing a wider stance, lowered ride height, and bold bi-tone Gold Leaf paint. The futuristic front features a 3D screen framed by vertical lighting, while 22-inch wheels and aerodynamic details enhance its striking silhouette. Inside, the cabin blends vintage and modern, with ivory leather and Alcantara, laser-engraved door panels, and a curved projection system replacing traditional screens. DS want to turn this concept into an actual car you can buy, and it would most likely be powered by a Maserati Nettuno V6 3.0-litre turbo engine.