These Sketches and Design Studies Have Auto Enthusiasts Buzzing

As you know, all vehicles go through a long and multi-step development process before they hit the road. Many come alive as concepts or prototypes hinting at the production models on the way, but it always starts with a few drawings and computer simulations.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen automakers post some pretty interesting sketches and design studies. Some of them seem to accurately predict the future, while others are just plain wild or mysterious. Here are five that have caught our attention:

Honda Prologue

Honda’s first fully electric SUV, to be called Prologue, became a little more official with a sketch showing what looks like a concept. Imagined by the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles in collaboration with a design team in Japan, the production model will hit the market in 2024. There’s a long wheelbase, short overhangs and “a strong stance outfitted with a capable tire,” as Honda puts it. The new SUV is also described as “adventure-ready” with a “neo-rugged look.” What’s more, Honda says its design team focused on aerodynamics, fine-tuning the body with a simple surface direction and fewer lines to improve range and reduce cabin noise.

Mercedes-Benz Vision AMG

What do you think Mercedes-AMG’s electric sports cars will look like in the future? The German automaker gave us a sort of preview with the spectacular Vision AMG design study. A long and super-low silhouette with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, long wheelbase, short front overhang, muscular fenders and oversized wheels are all part of the mix. The Vision AMG stands out with a closed grille featuring illuminated vertical bars and contour, plus unique headlights reminiscent of the brand’s three-pointed star logo. The exterior appears to be cut from a single piece of metal, with joints and shut lines that are reduced to a minimum, and the rear and side windows are painted in the same Alubeam silver as the car itself. By the way, the colours are shared with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team.

Scout Electric SUV and Pickup

Volkswagen plans to launch an all-electric pick-up and rugged SUV in North America. For real. These two models will be designed, engineered and manufactured in the U.S. using a brand new platform, and based on the sketches, there are definitely some similarities with the Rivian R1T and R1S. They won’t be sold as Volkswagen products, mind you. Rather, the automaker will revive the iconic Scout name, which it acquired in 2020, and create a separate, independent company within the VW family. In case you forgot, International Harvester introduced the Scout in the early 1960s. It was one of the first SUVs on the market and a response to the Jeep CJ. The goal is to unveil the first prototypes in 2023 and start production in 2026.

Ram Electric Pickup

Ram will hit the market with an electric pickup in 2024. A concept will be shown later this year, but in the meantime the automaker has released sketches that give us a taste of what this future truck will look like. The aggressive front end sports bold “RAM” lettering with LED headlights that appear to wrap around the corners. Ram probably has not settled on a final design yet. In fact, and this is the really cool part, the brand has introduced a new program called “Ram Revolution” giving customers the opportunity to provide input as Ram EV trucks are developed.

GMC Electric Sports Coupe

The Instagram account of General Motors’ design department is full of stunning sketches, many of which depict extreme or highly futuristic versions of existing vehicles—or some that don’t even exist. What if GMC added a rugged electric sports coupe with Denali-like levels of luxury to its SUV-and-pickup-only lineup? Someone within the design team came up with an outrageous proposition, and it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing anything remotely close to that vehicle in the near future.