The most special cars presented at the Tokyo Motor Show

After a four-year absence, the Tokyo Auto Show is coming back in force in 2023, under a new name: Japan Mobility Show and the PHP Rent a Car Cluj Napoca Airport rental office announces that this change of identity reflects the organizers' decision to expand the attraction event and increase participation by including auto component suppliers, technology companies, and transportation devices other than cars such as mopeds, bicycles, and electric scooters, among others. However, the event itself looks set to be one of the most exciting convention auto shows in recent years, full of bold concepts and enthusiast cars, some of which are destined for series production.

In fact, the sheer number of sports cars on display has drawn comparisons to the 1989 show, when the likes of the Acura NSX, Mitsubishi 3000GT and Nissan Figaro were showcased, among many other now-beloved classics. Fueled by Japan's red-hot economy and the 30-year rise of the Japanese auto industry, 1989 is remembered as a veritable feast of creativity and technology. Japanese automakers are in a different position in 2023, as Chinese automaker BYD's prominent presence at the show shows, but the atmosphere is reminiscent of those good old days.

As with previous editions of the Tokyo Motor Show, the focus is on concepts, but after years of delay by Japanese manufacturers in the electric vehicle department, almost all the cars on display have at least one part electrified. Although some of these vehicles will never reach us in Romania, a few of these models point to the direction that buyers can expect to see starting in 2025.

Infiniti and Lexus finally presented electric sedans, while Honda, Mazda and Toyota exhibited sports cars that try to answer the following question: how could electrification work in light, small and affordable cars for enthusiasts? Toyota also showed off an all-electric pick-up that could compete with the Ford Maverick, while Mitsubishi gave a sneak peek at a futuristic off-road design pick-up directly inspired by the popularity of its classic Delica. Japanese automakers even if they are behind in terms of production electric cars available at the moment, if we look at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, we can see that they are not missing from the landscape with their vibrant visions for the electrified future.

In other words, we're talking about concepts - lots of concepts. The Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) was full of prototypes and renderings from Japan's biggest brands, showing all the exciting ways electric cars will change the game. With the introduction over, the PHP Rent a Car Cluj Airport rental company presents below the most interesting concepts from the Japan Mobility Show 2023. The event ended on Sunday, November 5 and took place at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center.

Mazda ICONIC SP

One of the biggest challenges in developing electric sports cars is finding energy-efficient powertrains that provide decent range. Mazda has come up with the Iconic SP concept, which proposes an innovative solution: a rotary engine hybrid powertrain, a hallmark of the Mazda brand since the 1960s. This is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it uses an internal combustion engine small, thus allowing for greater emissions efficiency. It is speculated that this rotary engine could use hydrogen instead of gasoline. With its design inspired by classic Mazda models such as the RX-7 and RX-8, the Iconic SP is a two-seater fixed-roof sports car that is larger than the current Miata and could serve as the basis for a new model Miata.

 

Lexus LF-ZC

Lexus, the luxury division of automaker Toyota, has unveiled its LF-ZC concept, which could represent the brand's future zero-emissions electric vehicle. This compact electric car impresses with its distinctive design and origami shapes, which not only look good, but also ensure outstanding aerodynamic efficiency. The interior is designed largely from bamboo, a more sustainable material with a smaller carbon footprint. The LF-ZC concept also features an AI technology called "Butler" that learns the driver's driving style and preferences in the car, providing a personalized experience. Lexus aims to become an all-electric brand by 2035, and this concept indicates the direction it will take in the future.

 

Infiniti Vision Q

Although Infiniti is an international brand and not a strictly Japanese one, the Vision Q concept attracted attention at the Tokyo Motor Show. This mid-size electric car is an example of Infiniti's efforts to align with electrification trends. With a futuristic design and advanced technologies, the Vision Qe hints at the direction Infiniti is taking in electric vehicles. Although still in the concept stage, Infiniti could develop this car, thus offering an electric alternative to its traditional models.

 

Mitsubishi D:X

Mitsubishi has unveiled the D:X concept, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that combines off-road capability with energy efficiency. Inspired by the legendary Delica model, this concept proposes a robust design and a number of innovative functions, such as a screen that displays obstacles on an off-road course. This concept represents the future generation of the current Delica model and could become a desirable off road vehicle in our country.

 

Nissan Hyper Force

The next car that the PHP Rent a Car Airport Cluj Napoca agency wants to present is called the Nissan Hyper Force and it is one of the most captivating presences at the Japanese auto show. This 1341 horsepower electric vehicle is a reinterpretation of the famous GT-R as an electric racing car with a focus on downforce and performance. With a futuristic design and advanced technologies, Nissan offers a fully immersive experience for the driver, with four screens that provide real-time information about the car's status. This concept indicates Nissan's continued interest in innovation and technology.

 

Honda Prelude Concept

After a 22-year absence, Honda has brought the Prelude concept back to the public eye. This concept hints at the return of the Prelude in the form of a hybrid car, with mechanical details yet to be made public. With a modern and dynamic design, the Prelude Concept retains the sporty spirit of Honda models of the past and could be built in series if there is enough demand. This concept would round out Honda's lineup and bring a sporty alternative to the current Civic platform.

 

Honda Sustania-C & Pocket

Honda paid homage to the 1980s by introducing the Sustania-C, an urban car, and the Pocket, a mini bike. This duo takes inspiration from the 1982 Honda City and the optional Motocompo folding bike that accompanied it. At the time, the idea was that you could park your car and then use your bike as a "last mile" solution for commuting. The Sustania-C repeats this idea and some visual themes of the City (and the 1990s European Ford Ka), but is fully electrified and made from sustainable materials, with body panels made from recycled acrylic resin. The car's cheerful appearance is described by Honda as expressive, playful and sustainable. The Sustania-C's size and BEV platform could hint at the next generation of Honda's e model, a small and modern electric car offered in Europe and Japan starting in 2020. However, you can buy something similar to the Pocket model right now, because Honda recently revitalized the Motocompo concept with its new Motocompacto electric bike, available at Honda and Acura dealerships starting next month.

 

Toyota EPU

Toyota has unveiled the EPU concept, a small electric-powered pickup truck that could compete with similarly sized models such as the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz. With an attractive design and a spacious interior, PHP Rent a Car Cluj Napoca Airport Avram Iancu company believes that the EPU model is aimed at both the European and American markets and could offer an affordable option in the electric van segment. This concept could be a valuable addition to the Toyota lineup and would reflect the brand's commitment to sustainable mobility.

 

Toyota FT-Se

At the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota introduced the second MR2, often called a "miniature Ferrari". In 2023, Toyota introduced the FT-Se, a distinctive electric sports car that continues the MR2 line but has its own design language. Most interestingly, there is a good chance that this car will be produced in series and use the battery from the Lexus LF-ZC. Although it will be electric, Toyota wants to keep the classic low-chassis sports car feel, so a possible production version of the FT-Se will use the company's "electric manual box," which mimics the traditional clutch and pedal experience. The exact power of the car is not yet known, but the battery will probably be located behind the rear seats. If built, it won't launch until late 2026. Toyota isn't the only manufacturer exploring a small, lightweight electric sports car, however; Porsche will launch an electric 718 next year.

The 2023 Tokyo Motor Show was an excellent opportunity for Japanese automakers to present their visions of the future of mobility, and the PHP Rent a Car Cluj Napoca agency notes that the prototypes presented demonstrated that the automotive industry is in full transformation, with an emphasis strong on electric, sustainable and innovative vehicles. From electric sports cars to compact urban vehicles, the exhibition brought to the fore a variety of ideas and technologies that could influence the future of transportation. Concepts such as Mazda ICONIC SP, Lexus LF-ZC, or Toyota FT-Se have attracted attention with their futuristic designs, advanced technologies and the promise of more sustainable mobility. Honda paid homage to the past with the Sustania-C and Pocket models, reinventing the concept of the "last mile" for urban mobility. Mitsubishi has unveiled the D:X, a bold vision of the next-generation Delica, an off-road vehicle with plug-in hybrid capability.

This auto show highlighted the commitment of Japanese manufacturers to innovate and align with global trends towards electric vehicles and sustainable mobility. With the concepts presented, these brands demonstrate that they are ready to face the future and offer attractive options for customers around the world. In conclusion, the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show was a destination for innovation, creativity and bold visions of the future of the automotive industry. With these concepts, Japanese manufacturers show that they are determined to continue redefining the way we move and contribute to a more sustainable future for global mobility.

 

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