The world of concept cars is a fascinating realm, where designers push the boundaries of imagination and engineering. Among the myriad of shapes and styles, the wedge design stands out as a particularly iconic and influential form. This article delves into the 20 greatest wedges, exploring their unique features, historical significance, and the impact they've had on the automotive industry. From the iconic to the avant-garde, these concept cars showcase the pinnacle of automotive creativity and innovation.
Mercedes C111: A series of experimental wedges from the late 1960s/early 1970s, the C111 featured revolutionary aero, gullwing doors, and multi-link suspension. While they looked more like engineering prototypes, they were a glimpse into the future of automotive design.
Ferrari Pininfarina Modulo: Based on the V12 512/612 Can-Am, this concept car boasted a fully working 550bhp mid-mounted V12 and 220mph capability. Its angular styling, including four fared-in wheels and a low-slung stance, made it a true masterpiece.
Maserati Boomerang: Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this wedge was inspired by the Maserati Bora. Its sharp creases and functioning aerodynamic shape made it a showstopper, influencing Giugiaro's later work on iconic cars like the VW Golf MkI.
Bizzarini Manta: A rebodied Bizzarrini P538S with a 5.3-litre V8, the Manta became a famous Kamm-tailed wedge. Its sleek design remains relevant even today.
Mazda RX500: Unveiled at the 1970 Tokyo motor show, the RX500 showcased Mazda's wedge prowess with a sub-1.0-litre Wankel engine and 247bhp.
Alfa Romeo Carabo: Designed by Marcello Gandini, this concept car was based on the 33 Stradale with a 230bhp mid-mounted V8. It embodied the extreme wedginess of the pre-Countach era.
Aston Martin Bulldog: Capable of 237mph, the Bulldog was a straight-edge Aston Martin concept by William Towns. It challenged the notion that Lagonda had cornered the market in straight-edge Astons.
Alfa Romeo Navajo: Based on the 33 Stradale, the Navajo featured extra buttresses and a 2.0-litre V8. Its wedgy design and 230bhp performance made it a standout concept.
Corvette XP-882 (AeroVette): This experimental concept saw a mid-engined Vette become a reality, albeit with a cancelled program led by John DeLorean.
Holden Hurricane: A late 1960s concept for Holden, the Hurricane featured a high-compression V8, rudimentary GPS, CCTV, and air conditioning. It was closely related to the 1970 SRV.
Vauxhall SRV: A Wayne Cherry/Chris Field creation, the SRV was a styling research vehicle with adaptive aero and a four-door design, unusual for a wedge.
Lancia Bertone Stratos Zero: Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Stratos Zero is one of the most famous wedges. Its short and low design, coupled with a Lancia Fulvia V4 engine, made it a design icon.
BMW E25 Turbo: Designed by Paul Bracq, this concept car from 1972 featured a mid-mounted engine and 200bhp. Its low-slung and edgy design hinted at the M1.
Autobianchi Runabout: A Gandini design for Bertone, the Runabout became the Fiat X1/9. Its mid-mounted Fiat 128 engine and box-in-the-middle design were a shock to the system.
Lotus Esprit M70: Heavily influenced by the Maserati Boomerang, the M70 became the Lotus Esprit. Giugiaro's design prowess was on full display.
Ford Maya: Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Maya was a Ford concept that never made it to production. Ford ordered three more prototypes, but the Maya remained a concept.
Citroen Karin: Designed by Trevor Fiore, the Karin featured a central driving position and a pair of passengers. Its wedged roofline design never truly took off.
Insomnia Dome Zero P2: Designed by Minoru Hayashi, the Dome Zero Concept first appeared at the 1978 Geneva Automobile show. Its production cars weighed under a tonne, but gained hefty bumper protection.
Lamborghini Athon: A convertible wedge concept from the early 1980s, the Athon showcased big hair and big ideas. Its sleek styling never made it to production.
Ford GT90: Unveiled at Detroit in 1995, the GT90 had a 720bhp quad-turbo V12. It celebrated the GT40 but with a more angular design.
These concept cars represent the pinnacle of automotive creativity, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. While some never made it to production, their influence on the industry is undeniable, shaping the future of automotive aesthetics and performance.
