Tokyo Motor Show 2017 - what models did the manufacturers present?
The 45th Tokyo Motor Show, one of the five largest and most important auto shows in the world, has just begun and is the only one held in Asia. The exhibition was opened in 1954 and has been held every two years since 1975. The latest edition in 2015 was visited by 812,5 thousand people. visitors who had the opportunity to see 417 cars and witness 75 world premieres. What does it look like today?
Remember Sesame Street where each episode was sponsored by a chosen letter and number? It's the same with this year's Tokyo Motor Show, which is "sponsored" by...electric and hybrid vehicles. They almost completely occupy the halls of the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center.
At first glance, you might think that this is a showcase for the premiere of alternatively powered cars, but among these silent machines there are those for which air and liquid fossil fuels are still an explosive mixture and a source of energy. Naturally, the Tokyo Motor Show is, as always, the place where cars debut that in many cases - "fortunately or unfortunately" - we will never see on European roads. Moreover, it is also a place where, like nowhere else, there is a vision of the cars of the future and new technologies that show where the automotive world can go. So, let's check what interesting and remarkable awaits visitors in Tokyo's Ariake district ...
DAIHATSU
The manufacturer, known for the production of small cars, presented several interesting cars. The most interesting of them is undoubtedly cute DN Compagno concept, a small four-door runabout whose rear door is hidden so that at first glance the body looks like a coupe. The presented prototype refers to the 1963 Compagno model, developed for Daihatsu by the Italian studio Vignale. The power source for this small sedan can be a 1.0-liter or 1.2-liter turbocharged engine in a hybrid system.
DN Pro Cargo concept it is a vision of the small electric car of the future. Wide and high side doors (rear sliding) and no smaller rear doors provide easy access to the cab and cargo area. What's more, the interior can be freely configured to suit current transport needs.
A small SUV called Concept DN Trec It's a stylish city car with upstream tailgates that Daihatsu believes could, like the DN Compagno Concept, be powered by a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre turbocharged hybrid engine.
Another offer from Daihatsu. DN U-Space concept, a small, futuristic boxy minivan with sliding front and rear doors that could be powered by a 0.66-litre petrol engine.
DN Multisix concept it is, as the name suggests, a car for six people in three rows of seats. Noteworthy is the flat floor inside and the ability to move the two front rows of seats. This minivan, with now fashionable rear doors opening against the wind, could be driven by a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine.
The Boon is a small city car that received a sports version in Tokyo called Bun Sporza Limitedalthough a lot is said about the sports version, since the changes are actually limited to the car body. The car is based on Boon Silk, the top of the range regular model. The Sporza Limited version is available in two body colors - red with black stripes along the body and metallic black with red stripes. All this is emphasized by the front and rear bumpers and side sills, which visually lower the car, complemented by 14-inch alloy wheels. Under the hood we find a standard 3-cylinder 1-litre petrol engine. The Boon Sporza Limited is due to go on sale in Japan right after the Tokyo Motor Show.
HONDA
Just over a month ago, Honda unveiled a prototype electric city car called the Urban EV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now he has his five minutes in Tokyo. Sports electric car concept, the prototype of a small electric 2-seater coupe that takes inspiration stylistically from the city electric car and does it in a wonderful way. It's hard to say at this point if the Sports EV will go into production, but it's possible that sooner or later it will, as the Japanese brand has just confirmed that the production version of the Urban EV will debut on the market in 2019.
LEXUS
Toyota luxury line unveiled LS+ concept, which is sort of a vision of how the latest 10th-generation LS could evolve over the next 22 years. The car is distinguished primarily by large 2020-inch wheels and modified front and rear parts of the body. As befits the flagship “ship” of the brand, the car is equipped with the latest – developed by Lexus engineers – autonomous steering system, which will be “thatched” in the road models of the Japanese brand this year.
Models caused no less excitement Special Edition GS F i R Special edition, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the IS F, which in 2007 became the first member of the Lexus F sports line. Anniversary edition features? Matte dark gray paint, carbon fiber bodywork and black and blue interiors. What about disadvantages? Unfortunately, both models will be sold exclusively in the Japanese market.
MAZDA
Long before this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda announced that it would unveil two prototypes, and that's exactly what happened. The first one is compact. What a conceptwhich is stylistically reminiscent of the RX Vision Concept prototype unveiled at the previous Tokyo Motor Show and sets the Japanese brand's styling line for years to come, and is undoubtedly the harbinger of the new Mazda 3. The model is designed in accordance with the Mazda Kodo Design philosophy, with a rather minimalist interior, is given powered by the revolutionary Skyactive-X diesel engine.
The second star of the Mazda booth - Vision Cup, which can be safely called the 4-door incarnation of the RX Vision Concept, which means there is something to “hang yourself” for, but this is also another show of the possibilities of the stylists of the Japanese brand. The interior of the car is spacious and - as with the Kai Concept - minimalistic, with a large touchscreen that turns off when not needed so as not to distract the driver while driving. Does the road version of the Vision Coupe stand a chance? Yes, because Mazda is interested in having this type of car in its offer. Under the hood of the car will likely be an electric motor "powered" by a Wankel internal combustion engine, which - as already confirmed - will be used by Mazda from 2019 only as a range extender, i.e. "extension" work of the electric motor.
MICUBISI
After the Eclipse name "materialized" in the form of an SUV, it's time for another legendary name from Mitsubishi, Evolution. Electronic evolution concept is an electric SUV in which three high-torque engines drive both axles - one front and two rear. The battery is located in the center of the floor slab to provide a lower center of gravity and even weight distribution. The body has a rather aggressive look and is shaped like a sports car. Accessible through a long front door and a short rear door located upstream, there is room for 4 passengers in individual seats. In the center of the instrument panel is a large widescreen display, on the sides of which are two smaller ones, which display images from external cameras that act as rear-view mirrors. At present, there can be no question of launching a similar car into production, so the e-Evolution will remain just a prototype for now.
Emirates Concept 4 it is a vision of the future of the automotive industry under the sign of three diamonds. This electric two-seater has many interesting solutions. One of them is the Head-Up Display, which uses an augmented reality system - it combines a real image with a computer generated image. Through the use of devices and technologies that can locate the vehicle in a given environment with high accuracy, the system is able to guide the driver and give him instructions on how to drive, even in very bad weather conditions and very poor visibility. A set of cameras on the body allows you to observe the surroundings of the car in 3D on a large screen located in front of the driver. On the other hand, the interior of the car is monitored by a wide-angle camera, which, if potentially dangerous driver behavior is detected, will “warn” the driver with an appropriate message, as well as ensure smooth switching from automatic to manual mode. steering mode. In addition, the system controls the audio and air conditioning systems to provide passengers with the best possible comfort. The last interesting feature is the door anticipation system, which, by displaying an appropriate message on the road, warns other drivers and pedestrians that the door of the Emirai 4 Concept will be opened in a moment.
NISSAN
The main thing that attracts attention at the Nissan booth is IMx concept. This is an electric SUV that heralds the long-awaited crossover based on the Leaf electric model. The boldly stylized body hides an interior illuminated by a large panoramic roof, eye-catching minimalism and a completely flat floor. In turn, the lack of a B-pillar and rear doors that open upstream encourage you to take a seat in one of the four seats, the frames of which were printed using a 3D printer. The IMx Concept is powered by two electric motors with a total output of 430 hp. and a torque of 700 Nm, whose batteries after charging provide a range of more than 600 km. An interesting solution is the use of an autonomous steering system that, in ProPILOT mode, hides the steering wheel in the dashboard and folds out the seats for greater passenger comfort when driving alone. While the IMx is a typical concept car, the uplifted Leaf should see the light of day before 2020.
Nissan also introduced two models, “seasoned” by Nismo specialists. The first Leaf Nismo Concept, a once unfussy electric compact that now comes with a bold new body kit, diffuser, Nismo logo rims and red body accents, and the interior makes it clear that none other than (Nis)san (Mo) is behind this design. torsport. The changes also affected the hidden part of the body, where the reprogrammed computer that controls the electrical unit should, according to the manufacturer, provide instant acceleration at any speed.
The second sports model is a minivan called Serena We are notwhich features a new "pugnacious" body kit, a white body with a black roof and - by analogy with the Leaf - red accessories, which were also found in the cabin. To increase the dynamic capabilities of this family car, its suspension has been modified accordingly. The drive source is a standard 2-litre 144 hp petrol engine. and a torque of 210 Nm, in which the settings of the ECU that controls its operation are changed. In turn, the exhaust system gave way to a new, modified one. Serena Nismo will go on sale in the Japanese market in November this year.
SUBARU
Subaru was one of the few manufacturers to introduce cars that we are sure to see on the street. The first Party WRX STI S208, i.e. reinforced up to 329 hp (+6 hp) and with a modified suspension version of the top-end sedan under the sign of the “galaxy of stars”, which can be further thinned if you buy the NRB Challenge package, whose name refers to the Nürburgring track. Unfortunately, there are two bad news. First, only 450 units will be built, including 350 with the NRB package. And second, the car will only be available in Japan.
Another road model from Subaru. BRZ STI SportContrary to expectations, there was no increase in power, but only changes in suspension characteristics, larger rims and several new interior details and body modifications. As with the WRX STI S208, the BRZ STI Sport will only be available in Japan for the time being, with the first 100 units being the Cool Gray Khaki Edition, featuring a unique body color. .
The prototype, which is a preview of the next generation of the Impreza and its top-of-the-line WRX STI, is the addition and undoubtedly the star of Subaru's booth. Visual presentation concept This is an intimidating-looking sedan that uses carbon to a large extent (bumpers, fenders, roof and rear spoiler), and all-wheel drive provides the Japanese brand's classic S-symmetric all-wheel drive system.
SUZUKI
Suzuki introduced a small "fun" urban crossover called Xbee Concept (pronounced cross bee) and in three versions, stylistically reminiscent of the "pocket" version of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The standard version of the Xbee is shown in yellow, with a black roof and mirrors. The Outdoor Adventure version is a combination of "coffee" body with a white roof and lower panels on the doors, reminiscent of the wooden accessories once popular in the US. The third option, called Street Adventure, is a combination of black paint with a white roof and yellow accents on the body and rims. It is not yet known what will appear under the hood of this little "conqueror" of urban curbs, but it can be assumed that these will be 3- or 4-cylinder engines with a small displacement.
Unlike the Xbee, another prototype from Suzuki called Electronic survivor concept typical SUV. The appearance of the car with its proportions and front part resembles the Jimny model. Double interior, glass doors and a targa body - this is how Suzuki sees the future of off-road. What's more, it's also quad electric because each wheel has its own motor.
TOYOTA
Toyota presented, perhaps, the most novelties among all exhibitors. The most interesting of them is GR HV sports concept, which, to put it simply, is a hybrid version of the GT86 model in targa version. The car is based on the company's experience in WEC racing, including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The hybrid drive uses solutions developed in the TS050 Hybrid racing prototype in the royal LMP1 class. The battery is positioned low and close to the center of the vehicle to lower the center of gravity and ensure the best possible weight distribution. But it's not only technically related to the TS050 Hybrid. On the outside, the GR HV Sports Concept is stylistically reminiscent of its seasoned sibling at the front, which uses a similar set of LED lights and "build" wheels. The rear of the body has also changed significantly, in which the trained eye will see similarities with the Toyota FT-1 prototype or even TVR Sagaris.
Another interesting car is a square one. TJ Cruiser Concept, which is a new incarnation of an SUV known from private imports from the US called the FJ Cruiser. The name TJ refers to the English words "Toolbox" (pol. toolbox) and "Joy" (Polish. joy). The car offers a wide range of transport options, not only thanks to its shape, but also thanks to the sliding rear doors and a variety of interior design options. Everything is powered by a 2-litre petrol engine in a hybrid system that can power the front or all four wheels.
While the TJ Cruiser concept offers great transportation options, the other vehicle will be called The concept of a comfortable ride its task is to transport six passengers as comfortably as possible. Although the car looks like the minivan of the future, Toyota believes it is a new "genre" of luxury sedans. In the case of the Fine-Comfort Rider, Toyota relies on a hydrogen drive, which is “powered” with pressurized hydrogen within 3 minutes at a station capable of covering a distance of 1000 kilometers. Freedom and comfort for travelers are provided by the huge dimensions of the body (length 4,830 1,950 m / width 1,650 3,450 m / height m / axle width m), wheels “spaced” at its corners, sliding side doors, the absence of a central pillar and a wide range of “Arrangement” options interior
Earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Toyota unveiled a futuristic vehicle called the Concept-i, the concept of which was scaled down and presented as Concept - I'm driving. This is a two-seater electric car that uses joysticks located in the armrests instead of a steering wheel and pedals, so that the driver's seat can be freely moved along the transverse line of the cabin - provided that the passenger seat is folded first. This tiny car (2,500 m long / 1,300 m wide / 1,500 m high) can be ideally used as a vehicle for people with disabilities, as there is room in the cabin, in particular, for a folded wheelchair. The raised door is a practical solution to facilitate access to the Concept-i Ride cabin, as well as a stylistic highlight. The range of the car after a full charge of the battery is 150 km.
Toyota Century It has never been, is not and probably will not be on the European market, but it is worth mentioning if only because it is a kind of Rolls-Royce from the Land of the Rising Sun. This model debuted in 1967, and now its 3rd generation is debuting in Tokyo - yes, this is not a mistake, this is just the 3rd generation Century in 50 years. It's safe to say that in terms of styling, this is a car that differs little from its pre-mid-century predecessor. But don't let that fool you, because this huge angular body (length 5,335 m / width 1,930 m / height 1,505 m / axle size 3,090 m) hides all the technical innovations from Toyota. Things like adaptive LED lights, all available security systems or hybrid drive shouldn't surprise anyone here. Unlike the 2 second-generation V-1997 engine, the new Century's power source is Toyota's Hybrid System II, with a 12-liter V5 petrol engine that powered the previous generation Lexus LS8h with 600 hp. Nm of torque. Inside, traveler comfort is provided, including fully adjustable rear folding seats with massage function, a 394-speaker audio-video system with a large LCD screen, ANR active noise reduction system or a writing desk.
Another car that we will probably never see in Europe. Crown Concept, which was a preview of the 15th generation of this model, produced since 1955, and the current incarnation of which debuted in 2012. The Crown concept is based on the new TNGA platform, which Toyota says is designed to deliver pure driving pleasure for this big 4,910mm car. In terms of design, the new Crown is an evolution of the current generation, and the most notable change is the addition of a small windshield in the C-pillar, making the car lighter and more dynamic.
YAMAHA
The company, known for the production of unique motorcycles, presented a vehicle with not two, not three, but four wheels and a pickup truck body. But Cross hub concept It surprises not only with its origin, but also with its solutions, load capacity and spaciousness. The body, with fairly compact dimensions for a pickup truck (length 4,490-1,960 m/width 1,750-4 m/height 1 m) and an interesting design, accommodates 2013 passengers in a diamond-shaped layout, where the driver and last passenger seats are located on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. cockpit, and the other two are slightly recessed on either side of the driver's seat - basically a McLaren F2015 with a fourth seat instead of an engine. But that's not all, because, as befits a motorcycle company, they couldn't be absent here either. This is a rear cargo area that can accommodate up to two two-wheelers. While this isn't Yamaha's first take on two-tracks (there was already the Motiv.e Concept of the Year and the Sports Ride Concept of the Year), it is the first for Gordon Murray, the man responsible for creating the legendary McLaren. F - did not participate - despite the fact that the internal layout would indicate his commitment.
