Mi-Ray (United States of America, 2011)

The Mi-ray – Korean for “future” – was developed at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Seoul and draws inspiration from the 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder. Chevrolet also say the “aerodynamic fuselage is reminiscent of modern jet fighters.”

The Mi-ray is powered by what Chevrolet calls a “mid-electric” propulsion system. During urban driving two 15kW electric motors draw energy from 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery which charges itself through regenerative braking energy. In this mode the Mi-ray can also be switched between front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive and allows for zero emissions. When more performance is needed, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine combines with the electric motors. The powertrain also features dual-clutch transmission and a start-stop system.

The Mi-ray’s exterior is made entirely of carbon fibre and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with the wedged body casting “a sweeping line of light when the car is in motion” according to Chevrolet. Also featured are scissor doors, LED headlamps, Corvette inspired front and rear bumpers and carbon-fibre spoilers. Aluminium-carbon fibre composite wheels are fitted with 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear.

On the interior, the Mi-ray contains a mixture of “brushed aluminum, natural leather, white fabric and liquid metal surfaces”. The instrument panel is divided into three zones; vehicle performance is in the centre with range on the left and navigation and mileage on the right. Rear view cameras which can be retracted protrude from the side glass while a forward-facing camera feeds real-time video into the navigation system.