Yorkregion.com - Leisure - New models and ‘flights of fancy’ featured at Tokyo Motor Show
New models and ‘flights of fancy’ featured at Tokyo Motor Show
TOKYO: The 40th Tokyo Motor Show wasn't so much about being green as it was about sustainability through technological advances. This was reflected by manufacturers such as Mazda with two, hydrogen-burning rotary engine cars, Toyota's 1/X hybrid concept that weighs one-third that of the current Prius and Suzuki with the PIXY, a one seat, personal transporter.
With 241 participating companies showing 542 vehicles and 77 (mostly concepts) of them making their world premiere, the other focus was on a new generation of cars that are smaller, cuter and easier to drive like the Honda CR-Z hybrid subcompact sports coupe.
MAZDA
The Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with a next-generation rotary engine and the Mazda Premacy (Mazda5) Hydrogen RE Hybrid are part of Mazda's new strategy of "Sustainable Zoom Zoom".
Mazda is in the fortunate position of having a long history of development with its rotary engine that has proven uniquely suited to turning hydrogen into energy.
The Mazda Taiki continues the evolution of the Nagare design theme, following in the footsteps of the Nagare, Ryuga and Hakaze concept vehicles. Make no mistake, these concepts look wild now but the design elements shown will become as much a part of Mazda in the next decade as the Zoom Zoom concept is today.
In the decade following 2010, Mazda has said it will revise its entire powertrain series aimed at reaching Sustainable Zoom-Zoom with the emphasis on enhanced fuel and emissions performance combined with superior driving performance.
Closer to the present, the Premacy Hydrogen hybrid is equipped with a transversely mounted rotary engine, featuring Mazda's hydrogen/gasoline dual-fuel system. The hybrid system efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion to electricity and uses it to power the motor that drives the wheels.
This vehicle promotes practical use thanks to an extended hydrogen-fueled range, and enhanced driving performance and packaging. Mazda said a leasing program for this vehicle would commence in Japan next year.
SUZUKI
Suzuki’s theme was “small cars for a big future” which makes sense for a company already geared towards the downsizing trend of customers in search of improved emissions and better fuel economy. But looking forward, Suzuki unveiled a wide variety of concepts and future product – a new Kizashi 2 concept, sleek and powerful with 3.6-litre V6 engine, the highest-displacement engine ever used by Suzuki and hinting at a larger vehicle due within the next few years. The one-person PIXY concept works in conjunction with a SSC base transport. The X-HEAD cross utility vehicle offers innovative storage inside its pickup side walls. The PALETTE concept takes the small cube concept one step further than the new Splash, a replacement for the popular WagonR in Europe. And the SX4 sedan peaks with the WRC version that has already begun competing in World Rally Championships.
SUBARU
Subaru has finally unveiled the 2008 Impreza WRX STI.
Developed by a dedicated team of performance-loving engineers, the new WRX STI steers away from big-blistered wheel arches and huge wing spoiler for a more stylish look.
Meanwhile, other Subaru highlights at the Tokyo Motor Show included the seven-seater Exiga Concept that resembles a larger Legacy wagon.
The Exiga Concept not only comfortably accommodates seven adults thanks to compact engine/transmission packaging but also offers exhilarating performance from its 2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive transmission.
Also new was an environmentally friendly electric car, which is unusual in being a full five-seater despite compact dimensions. Called the G4e Concept, it was fitted with the next generation lithium-ion batteries stored underneath the floor.
Its triangle-shaped body is surprisingly attractive and Subaru's parent, Fuji Heavy Industries, expects the car to have a 200-km range per charge thanks to its lightweight and high-performance, next-generation batteries.
HONDA
Two Honda concepts made their world premiere in Tokyo.
The star of the Honda stand was the CR-Z, a lightweight, two-seater sports coupe equipped with Honda's gasoline-electric hybrid IMA powertrain. The PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle designed to provide fun for both the driver and his or her surroundings.
Following in the tire prints of the Honda Remix Concept (seen at LA Show last year), and the Small Hybrid Sports Concept (debuted at Geneva in March), the CR-Z Concept explores the potential of a compact, lightweight sportscar that's exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the environment.
The CR-Z features the latest Honda hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and impressive economy.
One of the key goals of the PUYO project is to create a cornerless car that is kind to both people and the environment. Developed to have a silky feel, the PUYO's interior is designed to be inviting and provide a people-friendly cabin with a feeling of space emphasized by transparent materials.
Features include an instrument panel monitor, elastic-like controls made from cloth that rise up when the vehicle starts and luminous fluid level displays
TOYOTA
Toyota showed no less than eight concept vehicles under the theme: Harmonious Drive, a New Tomorrow for People and the Planet.
In keeping with its tradition of highlighting new, automotive possibilities in the form of a wide variety of concept vehicles and groundbreaking technologies, Toyota's exhibit was meant to provide new proposals for the automobile.
Toyota concept vehicles included:
The 1/X that redefines the idea of what it means to be environmentally considerate. It maintains an interior space on par with that of the Prius, with an aimed-for fuel efficiency that is double and a weight reduced to 420 kilograms (about one third the weight of the Prius).
The RiN focuses on increased comfort and serene, healthy living.
In addition to featuring comfortable, heated seats, an oxygen-level conditioner and pinpoint humidifier, it uses green glass that reduces infiltration of ultraviolet and infrared light and makes the surroundings seem brighter and clearer to increase cabin comfort.
The i-REAL is a personal mobility vehicle seen as a step toward commercialization in the near future. It uses three wheels (two at the front and one at the back), in low-speed mode, shortening its wheelbase to allow it to maneuver naturally among pedestrians at similar eyesight height without taking up a large amount of space. In high-speed mode, the wheelbase lengthens to provide a lower centre of gravity and better driving performance.
The iQ is a subcompact offering ultra-efficient packaging aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. This ultra small vehicle maintains the status of a premium automobile even with its exceptionally short length of less than three metres.
The Hi-CT aims to offer a new coolness and new ways to have fun as a departure from conventional vehicles, an edgy, urban vehicle inspired by the thinking and lifestyles of youth. It adopts a plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor. By placing the battery under the floor, it achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.
The FT-MV makes its presence felt as a first-class, next generation minivan. It boasts a bold, vibrant and stately exterior that includes luxurious, second-row seats with fully automatic ottoman style, using soft ambient lighting to create an elegant space.
The Crown Hybrid's latest hybrid system, VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) and other features, result in an advanced fusion of driving, environmental and safety performance.
As a next-generation hybrid sports car, the FT-HS offers the exceptionally smooth cruising of a hybrid vehicle combined with high fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 and other emissions and a quiet cabin, on top of the driving excitement of rear-wheel-drive.
LEXUS
Beside Toyota on the Lexus stand, the LF-Xh and LF-A concepts where shown along with six production vehicles.
The LF-Xh is a concept SUV based on the Lexus design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system. It combines the look of a SUV/crossover with Lexus Hybrid Drive for a fusion of superior environmental and power performance that seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and low emissions.
NISSAN
The big news on the Nissan stand was the long-awaited GT-R that has a cult following in Japan. Featuring a twin turbo, 3.8-litre V6, the GT-R accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
The four concept cars from Nissan included the Pivo 2, which presents a new connection between car and driver while the Round Box is a youth-oriented compact convertible that provides occupants with a unique sensation of speed and exhilaration. The application of numerous cutting-edge technologies has resulted in Pivo 2's compact package, unprecedented shape and in its movement, never before seen in a road-going vehicle.
The Nissan exhibit also showcased the company's Research and Development (R&D) vision for the future, with a special focus on environment and safety advances.
Displays featured Compact Lithium-ion Battery technology, a compact 3D motor, a new Pop-up Engine Hood design, as well as a number of other advanced systems.
MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi had a large presence at the show with the most interesting vehicle in terms of North America being the Concept cX, a near to production looking CUV that could be slotted in below the Outlander CUV and would possibly go up against the likes of Honda CR-V and Jeep Compass.
Also shown was the i-MiEV Sport concept coupe. It is based on the Mitsubishi "i" a four-seat micro car in turn based on the smart car. The i-MiEV is also an electric.
DAIHATSU
Not sold in North America, Daihatsu specializes in subcompacts and micro cars.
The Copen, a two-seat sportscar, is about size of a golf cart. It is in the "Kei" car class in Japan with engines limited to three cylinders and no more that 660 cc. But on the stand was also the OFC-1 (Open Future Concept) with a glass roof that allows occupants to "enjoy open-air motoring even when the top is up."
VOLKSWAGEN
Just six weeks after the world premiere of a two-door city specialist – the up! – at the IAA in Frankfurt, VW unveiled the next member of the “New Small Family” – the space up! concept car. Also of interest was a seven-speed, dual clutch transmission offering significant fuel savings and designed for a new generation of light, small cars, although it could be used on larger vehicles up to the Passat.
AUDI
Audi was the only manufacturer to unveil a "surprise" show car called the Metro Project Quattro. This three-door, four-seater also looks to a new small city car with a 150 hp gasoline engine augmented by a 41 hp electric motor with a 0-100 km/h time of only 7.8 seconds and estimated fuel rating of 4.9L/100 km.
With its dashing styling, power and size, it was mobbed on the Audi stand, not just by press, but other makers taking photos of every feature.
BMW
Following on the hydrogen-powered 7 Series sedan, BMW unveiled the X6 ActiveHybrid, a CUV that is a step up from the current X5. Also a special "hotted up" version of the 1 Series called the Coupe tii was shown.