Gairwyn, here's my response when Clett asked the same question 1 year and 2 days ago.
Quote:
Originally Posted by clett
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The Precept was never intended to go into production. Typically there are two types of "concept vehicles" on the auto show circuit. Some are showcases of
potential design directions or
potential technology directions. The Buick Bengal
shown at the 2003 North American International Auto Show is an example of a concept vehicle that was never really intended for production, but which signalled styling cues for where Buick, as a brand might be going.
The Precept
shown in 2000 was also never really considered for production, but was more of a learning vehicle to understand what it took to design, engineer, develop, and manufacture a hybrid vehicle. Much of what was learned from building this show car has been injected into the development of hybrid vehicles that will see production.
The second type of "concept vehicle" are those that are actually targeted for production, such as the 2002 Pontiac Solstice concept
Even in the case of "production intent" concepts, there are usually changes made from the original concept to facilitate manufacturing or to reduce the overall cost at production volumes, or to take advantage of changes in design thought or technical content that can occur from concept (2002 for Solstice) to production (2005).
So when you see a "concept vehicle" at an auto show, how do you know it is planned for production? You don't unless someone in a leadership capacity announces that it will (for example, Rick Wagoner announcing the Saturn VUE Plug-In). An indicator that it is at least being considered for production is if the concept vehicle appears in multiple years with evolutionary changes. Here's the 2003 Solstice concept. A lot closer to the actual car available today.
Peace,
Martin
I would also add that the Precept vehicle still exists and is used as a learning vehicle.