Concept Vehicles at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show

Concept Vehicles at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show,. Take a look around at some of the concept cars at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, and you will feel like you're starring in the Jetsons. While the cars on display cannot fly, they definitely have a futuristic look and feel.

Concept cars first appeared at auto shows in 1938 with the Buick Y-Job.  A concept car is a prototype made to showcase an idea, test a new styling direction, or highlight advanced technologies.  This year's show is sure to feature more than a dozen concept vehicles.

Manufacturers take consumers' wants and needs into consideration when developing concept models.  The trend to provide environmentally sound vehicles has been a theme throughout these designs.  Many of these vehicles are feature hybrid powertrains or are electric vehicles. Others highlight the use of renewable materials or energy-saving technology.

Design and fashion trends are also evident in the interior design and exterior colors of the concept cars. Seats are becoming sleek, and white is being used with darker colors to create a stark contrast in the interior.