Head-Turning Concepts We Loved the Most in 2025
Concepts and design studies are an important part of planning for automakers. They often provide a glimpse into their brand's future in terms of styling, technology and direction.
As you know, 2025 was full of twists and turns—especially in North America—with tariffs, counter-tariffs and revised electrification plans. However, concepts are somewhat immune to these political and corporate issues, allowing us to fantasize about what might be possible.
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Several unique and head-turning concepts were introduced during the year. We’ve chosen to highlight the seven below.
Audi Concept C
Both stylish and minimalist, the Concept C embodies "timeless elegance" in the form of a coupe. While Audi claims the lines are a nod to the late TT, we think it has more resemblance with the Jaguar Type 00 concept unveiled in 2024. Inside, the clean dashboard features touch-based controls rather than touchscreens.
Genesis G90 Wingback Concept
While in France to attend the world premiere of the Genesis GV60 Magma, The Car Guide was able to take a peek at the fantastic G90 Wingback concept, a sporty wagon based on the Korean full-size luxury sedan. We don't know what powertrain it uses, nor if Genesis intends to make it a production model. However, this bold concept would make a perfect rival to the Audi RS 6 Avant, that’s for sure.
Lexus LFA Concept
The awesome, V10-powered Lexus LFA has been gone for over a decade now, but Lexus has decided to revive it as a fully electric concept, which we saw at the Japan Mobility Show in late October. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t shared any details regarding output, battery capacity or any other technical aspect of the car.
Toyota Corolla Concept
Toyota took advantage of the same event to unveil a Corolla concept suggesting a futuristic look for the compact sedan. You know, there’s been surprisingly plenty of action involving small cars this year, and the Corolla could benefit from a major update. Unfortunately, details regarding this potential new model were not provided, except that the platform can accommodate gas, hybrid and electric powertrains. The next-generation Corolla is slated to arrive in 2026 as a 2027 model.
Subaru Performance-E STI Concept
Still at the Japan Mobility Show, the Performance-E STI concept embodied Subaru's vision of performance for future electrified products, emphasizing driving pleasure and handling. Styling combines modern proportions with a nod to the brand's heritage. The wide and low-slung silhouette incorporates large triangular shapes at the front resulting in an aggressive snout. Oh, and check out the massive rear diffuser that’s clearly inspired from Subaru’s rally tradition.
Hyundai Crater Concept
Late in the year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Crater concept offered an extreme take on Hyundai's XRT model series, aiming to attract new customers who love adventure. Sporting oversized fenders, large skid plates, increased ground clearance and 35-inch all-terrain tires, the Crater looks as if it wants to challenge the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. It will make its Canadian debut at the Montreal Auto Show in January.
Hyundai Insteroid Concept
Based on the fully electric Inster city car from the South Korean manufacturer (not available in Canada), the Insteroid concept captivated lots of people this year with a video game-inspired design. The exterior appears to draw inspiration from the Renault Turbo of the 1980s, as well as the new Renault 5 Turbo 3 E that was unveiled in 2025. The Insteroid sports 21-inch wheels, excessively flared fenders and huge air intakes combined with multiple spoilers and diffusers, giving it an athletic yet futuristic look. The electric motors from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N would be a perfect match!
