Last week was the top ten cars for 2008, but we still want to dream, so these are the top ten concept cars from 2008. The rules for this are much simpler: the car had to be in an auto show or officially recognized by a car manufacturer in 2008.

That leaves a pretty big field still out there so we narrowed it down further by eliminating cars that are have already been altered to their final production form (like the European Ford Focus RS), or cars that were a concept at the beginning of 2008 and are already for sale. As always, write-ins are encouraged (we may even change the list with enough protest.)

So here is the list (in alphabetical order) of the top ten concept cars of 2008:

BMW M1 Hommage

I could talk about how great the original BMW M1 was, and how it deserves a fitting tribute. But that’s unnecessary. The M1 Hommage is looks too cool to ignore. It’s not a retro car; this is just what the M1 would look like if it continuously evolved for 30 years.

Chevrolet Volt

Chevy is getting pretty creative with the Volt. This is flexing America’s technology muscle. Its not just patriotism that got the Volt on the list, but the fact that this is a pure dream car that is going into production. Although the version shown in September will be close to the final product, GM is still working on fine-tuning the whole car.

There is a real Japanese style of attention to detail here. For example, the car will get seat heaters because GM engineers found out the rump warmers would be more efficient than what the climate control unit would have to produce for the same effect. Any company thinking about out cold butts this winter deserves a spot on this list.

Citroen GT

It’s wild, irreverent, and the engine doesn’t exist (unless there Citroen has a 646 hp hydrogen fuel unit on the shelf.) This car based on a video game is exactly what a French concept car should be.

Honda OSM

It’s looks kind of like the next CRX gone topless. It’s hard to argue with a lightweight, fuel-efficient roadster. AWESOM-O.

Kia Koup

This is probably the car most likely to make it to the market just as it has been shown. It carries the many of the elements of the upcoming Forte/Spectra, which we are surprisingly excited about. Lock up your daughters, the Koreans are starting to understand how to make a good looking car.

Lamborghini Estoque

Not excited about this car? Check your pulse….cant find it? That’s because you’re dead.

[

Mazda Furai

->ar50497]

It may not be the prettiest supercar concept on the block, but there is something distinctly different in this future museum piece. As a concept it completely succeeds.

We doubt it will ever make it into the real world. Just imagine how many little bits would fall off if someone hit it parallel parking.

Rinspeed sQuba

There is nothing practical about a Lotus Elise that can double for a submarine. But these are concept cars, practical doesn’t apply here. Extra cool points are awarded for using a Lotus, making us think of James Bond from The Spy Who Loved Me.

Saleen S5S Raptor

Not excited? See procedure listed in the Lamborghini Estoque, then call mortician.

Volkswagen SP-2 Concept

This last one violates the rules established for the list. It didn’t appear at an auto show, and Volkswagen didn’t commission this car. It doesn’t even exist in real life; it’s just a design study. But we can’t let go this really cool interpretation of a rare Brazilian-built VW.