Future Car Modifications: How Far Can They Go?

It's hard to believe it, but cars have been around since 1834. There's no denying that cars have progressed immensely since their humble beginnings, and these days custom car modifications are becoming more and more advanced all the time.  But what will the car of the future look like? And how far can they actually go with car design and performance modifications?

Most major car manufacturers continue to develop what are called "concept cars."  A concept car is designed with state-of-the-art modifications and performance enhancements but is not usually offered for sale to the public.  Instead, they are used to research new developments for upcoming models, and gauge consumer interest in specific design and engineering modifications.

But even though concept cars are not produced for sale to the public, they are an excellent clue for those of us wondering what the automobiles of the future will look like. For example, automakers began experimenting with hybrid vehicles back in the early 1990s, and several concept cars were produced in that decade showcasing hybrid engine technology.  

Of course today, hybrid cars are freely available to the public, and are becoming more popular all the time.  This is a good example of how concept cars can help predict which design and performance modifications will be available 10, 20 or even 50 years in the future.

Most experts today believe that future cars will be powered primarily by electronic engine/transmission systems, although many cars may continue to also use gasoline in a hybrid-type design.  In fact, when it comes to future car modifications, "alternative propulsion" has become the buzzword.  One example is the liquid nitrogen powered car.  Lexus has recently produced a concept model of a state-of-the-art liquid nitrogen car that proves the technology is valid and practical.

A liquid nitrogen car produces virtually no exhaust waste, save for a few drops of water that is emitted from the engine as condensation.  Today liquid nitrogen is too expensive to be used in mass consumption, but in the future, cars may be able to take advantage of a solid nitrogen design, which is far less expensive and safer.

But besides "alternative propulsion," there are many other car modifications in the works that will likely be showing up in future models.  One example is the ultra-light car body.  Researchers are experimenting with various man-made materials for car body design, including modified titanium, and a new highly porous plastic polymer that reduces car body weight by 60% but is stronger than quarter-inch steel.

With ultra-light body modifications, cars in the future could actually be more spacious than you might imagine.  For example, some manufacturers are experimenting with a lightweight polymer double-decker car body, providing over 25 square feet of extra storage space on top of the vehicle, while actually reducing the net weight of the car.

Other important modifications currently being tested include hard plastic polymer vehicle rims and wheels, self cooling engines, and advanced computer navigation that would allow users to effectively run on "autopilot" on freeways and open roads.

In 20 or 30 years, it might be quite common to have a car that runs entirely on hydrogen or electricity, weighs about 20% the weight of current models, and mostly drives itself.  And as technology advances, we're likely to see a few surprises as well.

Traditionally, the automotive industry has followed in step with technology.  As new developments become practical and cost-efficient, new designs and propulsion systems will likely develop at a rapid pace, ensuring some very strange and (perhaps) wonderful car modifications in the future.