Computers may be used at almost every stage in the design and production of a new car, but most cars start with a good old piece of paper and pens.

A concept car comes further down the line, but its role is still mainly to show off the design in full size and 3D to get feedback from a wider audience. Concept cars cost millions of dollars to produce, but having a physical car to walk around, stare at and maybe see drive past is vital.

Reaction from the press and public at major auto shows such as New York’s can mean the vehicle is rushed to production (as Ford Fairlane Concept [Flex] or Dodge Challenger), or never seen again (2007 Chrysler Imperial ultraluxury barge).

In 2007, GM even asked visitors in New York to vote for their favorite city car from three concepts — the winning Beat became the Chevrolet Spark.

Designers take the opportunity to have some fun, too. They’ll give the model a crazy interior showing technology that may one day become standard, or may never make it for reasons of cost, practicality or something as humdrum as insurance implications.

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