From Paris and Geneva to Detroit, Chicago, and New York, the annual “Big Five” auto shows act as a sort of gas-powered Fashion Week, allowing brands to give drivers a sneak peek at upcoming vehicles and stir excitement for the coming year. While many of these models may eventually make their way into the market as mass-produced vehicles, some serve as one-off concepts designed to showcase emerging technology and push the envelope in terms of design. As the year comes to a close, we thought it would be a good time to review some of the most intriguing concept models that have crossed the desk here at AutoInfluence HQ over the last 12 months. From a six-wheeled luxury minivan to the return of a beloved sport compact, new hybrid off-road options, and a one-off roadster designed to celebrate one of the industry’s first SUVs, we’ve gathered a few of our favorites to give readers an idea of where the industry might be headed as we prepare to welcome a new crop of 2026 models.
Lexus LS Concept
The Lexus LS Concept bears all the hallmarks of a concept model. Boldly futuristic, boxy design? Check. A minimalist interior that looks like the cockpit of a sci-fi spaceship? Check. A few too many wheels? You betcha. The LS Concept singlehandedly invents a new segment as the market’s first six-wheeled luxury minivan. It might sound like an odd combination, or a design cribbed from an entirely different automotive era, but luxury minivans are actually gaining significant ground in the fast-growing Chinese market. Aimed at executives and well-heeled families, luxury minivans like the Buick GL8 and Denza D9 often include premium features like large rear-seat displays, reclining seats, and even refrigerators.
The LS, or “Luxury Space” Concept turns the rear seats into a plush lounge complete with five seats, bamboo shades, and plenty of premium materials. The minivan’s six-wheel design might seem like something of a novelty, but Lexus says that the four smaller rear wheels are intended to improve comfort and maximize cargo space while still providing plenty of room for up to seven passengers. The LS Concept’s rectangular design is sure to turn heads, as are the minivan’s front lighting elements, glass roof, and the bright green paint job that covers much of the rear windows. The minivan’s sliding side doors are designed to open as wide as possible, making entry easier and allowing passengers to enjoy a little more dignity than they might in a traditional family model. Lexus is taking some big swings with the LS Concept, and while it’s tough to say how many features will make it to market, the concept model is the perfect testing ground for such ideas.
Subaru Performance-E STI Concept and Performance-B STI Concept
Subaru is quickly expanding its EV lineup with two new models slated to hit the streets in 2026. The Trailseeker and Uncharted EVs will join the Solterra compact crossover to offer drivers three options, but the Japanese brand is just getting started. The 2025 Japan Mobility Show served as the coming-out party for two concept models that will combine Subaru’s experience in the sport compact segment with exciting new EV technology designed to usher in a new era of performance and efficiency.
The first is the Performance-E STI Concept, an all-electric performance hatchback with a massive rear wing, low-profile design, and Subaru’s signature gold-colored wheels. Performance details are still scarce, but a previous concept model, the STI E-RA electric track car, was powered by four electric motors that lent the concept model more than 1,000 hp. While the Performance-E STI Concept probably won’t hit that high mark, it does suggest that Subaru knows how to squeeze plenty of power out of an all-electric powertrain.
The Performance-E STI Concept will be joined by the Performance-B STI Concept, which, unlike the “E” model, will employ Subaru’s traditional gas-powered Boxer engine. The is more akin to the traditional WRX STI, which has been missing from the market since 2021. The new Performance-B STI Concept would be the first hatchback-style WRX STI in over a decade, enabling Subaru to regain its dominance in the performance-focused segment. The Performance-B STI Concept features all the Subaru standbys like the Boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive system. It even throws in a manual transmission that’s sure to satisfy the tuner crowd.
Ford Bronco Roadster Concept
Ford has achieved considerable success in playing the hits, reviving popular badges like the Maverick and Ranger to capitalize on nostalgia value and fill key gaps in its lineup. While the two pickups have garnered a strong response from consumers, they have nothing on the Ford Bronco. The midsize SUV has long been one of Ford’s most iconic models, and has quickly become one of the brand’s bestsellers since returning to the roster in 2021. The Bronco represents a compelling new off-road option for Ford fans, and now the automaker is delving into its archives to create a one-off concept model that offers a fresh take on the popular SUV.
When Ford engineers set out to design the original Bronco in 1965, they had a simple brief: create an off-road version of the Mustang. This assignment resulted in what Ford would later market as “the world’s first four-wheel drive sports car” with three distinct body styles to choose from. The Bronco U15 wagon is the closest to the current sixth-gen Bronco, and the U14 half-cab pickup represented a unique, compact truck-inspired take on the SUV. The U13 roadster now gets its moment of glory with the unveiling of the new concept model. Inspired by a beautifully preserved 1966 Wimbledon White Bronco roadster, Ford set out to modernize the model with an open-air, two-seater design that represents a pared-down approach to the legendary SUV.
The Bronco Roadster Concept is a vision in white and silver, featuring a mounted spare tire in its modest cargo bed. A set of machined Fifteen52 Analog wheels, a reimagined tailgate, and a manual gearbox set the roadster apart from the current Bronco, while modified front and rear bumpers harken back to the OG version. It’s not crazy to think that we’ll see a true performance-focused Bronco model somewhere down the line, but sadly, it won’t be the roadster, which Ford clearly states is not intended for production.
Mitsubishi Elevance Concept
Speaking of off-road SUVs, Mitsubishi looks to reestablish itself in the adventure-ready segment. Japanese brands have quickly embraced a new generation of off-road models and trims, with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan all rolling out rugged concept and production models. Their compatriot, Mitsubishi, isn’t about to be left behind with its new Mitsubishi Elevance Concept. The turn to the off-road segment might seem a bit sudden for North American drivers, but globally, Mitsubishi has long been a leader in this thrill-seeking niche. The brand’s Triton pickup and Pajero/Montero Sport midsize SUV are popular off-road options on the international market. Mitsubishi now invites U.S. drivers to join in the fun with the new concept model.
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept likely serves as a preview of the Montero, a full-size body-on-frame SUV that has been absent from the U.S. market since 2006. The Montero, also marketed as the Pajero, was a storied off-road option in its day, winning a trophy in the 1983 Dakar Rally and accumulating a record 150 stage wins between the early 1980s and 2007. The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept updates the SUV for the modern era with an edgy, geometric design, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, and an “AI Co-Driver” system designed to surpass the typical digital assistant features found in many of today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs. Designed with off-road driving in mind, the AI Co-Driver can actually improve off-road performance by suggesting different settings and strategies based on real-time driving conditions.
Four electric motors mean that each wheel provides its own propulsion. Although there are no detailed specifications on the PHEV powertrain, the electrified approach appears to be the perfect fit for the full-size model. Drivers will be able to rely on all-electric power during the course of their daily driving duties, but will be able to tap the gas engine to provide a little extra range when they venture off the beaten path.
The Elevance Concept features a bold design complete with futuristic wheel arches, side doors that blend seamlessly into the tinted glass of the side windows, and a hexagonal grille pattern reminiscent of the underside of a desert-dwelling reptile. The interior maximizes visibility with a glass roof and slender A-pillars, allowing for an expansive view of the road, and offers seating for six passengers. It’s tough to say how many of these features will make their way into the upcoming 2028 Montero, but the concept model appears to suggest that Mitsubishi is reentering the off-road segment in a big way.
A Solid Crop of Concepts
They’re not always practical or aesthetically pleasing, but these concept models play a crucial role in the development process. They can often be used as a handy bellwether to know which way the automotive winds are blowing. While they didn’t make the cut this time around, a new generation of microcars also seems to be gaining steam, with both Honda and Lexus introducing their own ultra-compact offerings at the Japan Mobility Show. Designed as “last mile” vehicles that can seamlessly, and perhaps autonomously, close the gap between public transportation and your final destination, these microcars represent a fascinating glimpse into the future of personal transportation.
The Mitsubishi Elevance Concept addresses the growing demand for off-road-ready SUVs, while the Lexus LS Concept offers an intriguing glimpse into the trends shaping the current Chinese market. The Subaru Performance-E STI Concept and Performance-B STI Concept are here to prove that there’s still room for a sport compact in today’s crossover-obsessed world. While we’re not holding our breath for a full production run of the Ford Bronco Roadster Concept, it does open the door to some interesting possibilities down the line.
