[Brabus E V12]

Gents, check out the concept cars from The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2008. Below is a complete summary of the Show.

Fully espousing the tradition of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, car manufacturers and design studios have for some years now been invited to bring their latest creations along to Lake Como. To qualify for entry, all concept cars and prototypes must be in road-ready condition. "It allows us to construct a unique scenario," said Karl Baumer, Chairman of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este and Director of BMW Group Mobile Tradition, at the press conference in Milan for this year's Concorso. "Models which are normally only seen in isolation on a pedestal at motor shows can reveal themselves in action in the light of day and be directly compared with other design studies and prototypes," Baumer went on.
Jean Marc Droulers, President of Villa d'Este SpA., sees the contest's tradition upheld: "Up until 1949, it was customary for the latest creations by car manufacturers and designers to be presented at the Concorso. Then, as now, the public were able to vote for their favourite on the basis of a direct comparison." The following concept cars were showcased at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este:

Rinspeed sQuba, 2008 (Rinspeed)



Every year, Frank M. Rinderknecht surprises the Geneva Motor Show in March with a high-tech concept model. Inspired by James Bond, who in his day took up the chase in a submersible Lotus, Frank Rinderknecht presented a concept in Geneva that allows the driver and passenger to fly under water in an open roadster.

Morgan Life Car Coupé, 2008 (Morgan Motor Company)



Morgan Motor Company will soon be looking back on a 100-year heritage of motor design. Their Life Car Coupé, showcased at the 2008 International Geneva Motor Show, was a concept car featuring a futuristic design and driven by a zero-emission electric motor.

Bugatti Veyron Fbg Hermès, 2008 (Bugatti)



With the Bugatti Veyron Fbg, Hermès has revived the former collaboration between car-crazy Emile Hermès and horse-loving carmaker Ettore Bugatti to transform the Bugatti Veyron into a Hermès special.

Hyundai HED-5, 2008 (Hyundai)



The HED-5 concept car marked its world premiere at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The lightweight design of this compact people carrier featured a range of synthetic materials and displays a fluid line that slopes steeply from the front end to the centre of the car before dropping away into a coupé-like rear.

Lexus LF-A, 2008 (Lexus)



Lexus caused a major stir at this year's Detroit Auto Show with its LF-A Roadster study. Following its premiere in Detroit, it made its European debut at the Geneva Show. The LF-A Roadster was based on the current version of the LF-A Coupé that premiered in Geneva in 2007.

Renault Mégane Coupé Concept, 2008 (Renault)



The Renault Mégane Coupé Concept affords a preview of the forthcoming Mégane Coupé production model. The real highlight are the doors, which are horizontally split and have an intriguing opening mechanism that is reminiscent of the movement of dragonfly wings.

Bentley Zagato Continental GTZ, 2008 (Zagato)



In recent years at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the Zagato studio has presented customised superstructures on chassis from Ferrari and Maserati. This year Zagato showcased its Bentley GTZ study, presented in Geneva where it caused a sensation with its characteristic Zagato "double bubble" roof and tail end design.

Mercedes-Benz F700, 2007 (Mercedes Benz)



With its F700 Concept Car, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz afforded a glimpse of what a large touring saloon could look like in the future. Its "DiesOtto" engine, a four-cylinder with a capacity of just 1.8 litres, is designed to unite the strengths of a low-emission spark-ignition ("Otto") engine with the fuel advantage of a diesel unit.

Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio fastback, 2008 (Carrozzeria Touring)



With the Bellagio fastback concept based on the Maserati Quattroporte, the Touring Superleggera brand revived its longstanding links with the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este: in the past, the latest Carrozzeria creations were likewise traditionally presented to the well-heeled public at the Concorso on the shores of Lake Como.

Cadillac CTS Coupé, 2008 (Cadillac)



The Cadillac CTS Coupé concept celebrated its world premiere at Detroit in 2008. The Coupé is the third study in the CTS concept line and features the same styling as its predecessors. The rear, in particular, displayed the
hallmark features that reflect the new design language of the Cadillacs.

Saab 9-X, 2008 (Saab)



With the Saab 9-X, the carmaker brought a world premiere to the International Geneva Motor Show that runs on bio-ethanol. A jury from the trade publication Autoweek voted the Saab 9-X "Best Concept".


On the weekend of 25 - 27 April 2008, the splendid grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and the Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como turned into a unique backdrop for the most beautiful automobiles from past eras and the boldest concept vehicles of the present day. First staged at this same location in 1929, the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este today rates as the world's most tradition-laden event of its kind.

[1Day]

my fav is the veyron and the LF-A

[normally_crazy]

Oh boy that Lexus is a stunner. mean lines and a very aggressive stance. I like it lots.

And IMO the worst is the Mercedes.

[vvnagan]

Oooooh!!!! Awesome Pics
The Bentley, Renault and the Veyron look very good.
Awful lights on the Merc though.

[ballkey]

The Zagato and the Bellagio look luscious. There's something about the Eyetalians.

They sure like arching, cuddly, warm curves...