Prototype cars also called concepts appear at every auto show. They’re a way for companies to test ideas, gauge reaction and hint at future designs.

Audi, Nissan, Kia, Volkswagen and others will have concept cars at this year’s Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Jan. 18. Some will be nearly identical to the cars that wind up in dealerships; others will be more outlandish.

Here are some past prototypes that debuted in Detroit over the last decade, and what happened afterwards:

Detroit auto show concepts that made it (and those that didn’t)

DETROIT Prototype cars also called “concepts” appear at every auto show. They’re a way for companies to test ideas, gauge reaction and hint at future designs.Audi, Nissan, Kia, Volkswagen and others will have concept cars at this year’s Detroit auto show, which opens to the public Jan. 18. Some will be nearly identical to the cars that wind up in dealerships; others will be more outlandish.Here are some past prototypes that debuted in Detroit over the last …

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