The 2017 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show begins tomorrow and will be home to the best automobiles from across the globe. However, the Tokyo Motor Show is also the mainstay for local Japanese automakers to showcase all-new production cars for the local and global markets, to superior concepts that preview what the future of motoring will look like. The press days for the Tokyo Motor Show starts tomorrow, which is when manufacturers will be break cover on all the major concepts and launches. While we've already seen a few concepts in images and the teaser to the others, we eagerly await to have a look at them in flesh. As the 45th Tokyo Motor Show starts tomorrow, here's what to expect from manufacturers at the annual event.
(Honda Sports EV Concept teaser)
Honda teased the Sports EV Concept and the model will be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. Honda's teaser sketch gave a glimpse of the model, including a sporty coupe-like roofline and squared taillights. The two-door concept is expected to get an all-electric powertrain that will be paired to the automaker's Artificial Intelligence technology. In addition, the Japanese auto giant will also showcase a host of new and upgraded models in the production ready version. The fifth generation Honda CR-V will now feature two motor hybrid technology, while the Urban EV Concept that won a lot of love at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year will also be in attendance. The Honda NeuV mini electric concept car from CES Expo this year, will also be in attendance. Also making an appearance will be Honda's self-balancing motorcycle concept at Tokyo.
(Toyota GR HV Sports Concept)
Toyota has quite an illustrious line-up planned for the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Headlining the Toyota pavilion though will be the GR HV Sports Concept that takes inspiration from the TS050 Hybrid racing car from Toyota Gazoo, which races in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in a way previews the successor the very popular Toyota GT-86. The concept, despite oddball retro looks has us curious with a hybrid motor and a Targa roof. Also previewed is the Toyota TJ Cruiser van/SUV crossover concept that gets squared proportions, albeit with knobby tyres and a bold front grille.
In addition, Toyota will be revealing the new Crown Concept Saloon that has been developed at the Nurburgring circuit. There will also be the new generation Toyota Century limousine that competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, but keeps the retro Japanese looks intact on the outside. The cabin, on the other hand, is full of all the creature comforts you would expect.
(Toyota i-ride Concept)
In contrast, Toyota will also showcase the very little Concept i-Ride in Tokyo that has been described as a vehicle designed for the urban environment, specifically for the shrinking cities. The two seater runs on electric power and has a range of 100-150 km on a single charge. Lastly, also watch out for hydrogen fuel powered Fine-Comfort concept that previews the company's fuel cell technology, while the JPN Taxi will make its public debut at the show even though sales for the model have already begun in Japan.
(Lexus LS 500h at this year's New York Auto Show)
The Lexus brand made its entry in India earlier this year and we certainly have our hopes up from Toyota's luxury arm. The automaker will exhibit the new LS luxury saloon in Tokyo, ahead of its production debut in 2018. The interesting model that is speculated to be showcased is the seven-seater version of the RX SUV. The SUV is currently available as the RX 350 and RX 450h, the latter is sold in India. If true, the new longer three-row versions will competing with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Range Rover models.
However, Lexus is rumoured to have an all-new concept that will break cover at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Details on this concept are under wraps, so it will be a major surprise that we look forward to.
(Suzuki e-Survivor Concept)
Much like Toyota, Suzuki too will have an elaborate setup of concepts on display at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show. However, the Suzuki e-Survivor concept will be headlining the event as an all-electric off-roader. The concept boasts of a rugged minimal bodywork coupled with an electric powertrain and permanent four-wheel drive. The e-Survivor will also come with a retractable roof similar to the X-90 mini SUV. In addition, there will also be the XBEE compact crossover wagon making its public debut while also expect to see the Suzuki Swift Sport making an appearance.
The new generation Suzuki Jimny will finally break cover in Tokyo this week showcasing its boxy new design and and rugged appeal. The Jimny is expected to get a host of improvements over its predecessor and will be catching a lot of attention at the show. In addition, Suzuki will also reveal the SV650X concept, which is based on the SV650 middleweight offering. The concept previews the production model that gets retro styling with modern mechanicals.
(Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept)
Nissan has some very interesting models set to make an appearance in Tokyo this week, with a lot of models inclined for the performance lover. The seventh generation Nissan Z car is expected to make its debut this year and will be succeeding the 370Z in the company's line-up. While the model is yet to make an appearance, it is suggested that the new Z shares its underpinnings with the Infiniti Q60, while powrer will come from a twin-turbo V6. A hybrid version with over 500 bhp is also rumoured to be in the works.
Nissan will also reveal the Nismo performance version of the new generation Leaf in Tokyo. The standard model debuted earlier in the year and will get improved performance output will retaining a range of 378 km from the base Leaf model. There are also rumours of Nissan revealing an all-new SUV at this year's Tokyo Motor Show that is said to be an all-electric offering. However, we will have to wait till the show for all the details
(Mazda Product Concept will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show)
Mazda has two concepts that we look forward to see in flesh in Tokyo. The company will showcase the next stage of the RX-Vision concept in the form of the Design Vision Concept car, which is a four-door coupe and continues the brand's Kodo design language. The other car will be the Mazda product concept with new Sky-Activ compression ignition technology, and is said to preview the new Mazda3 hatchback.
(Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept)
Mitsubishi is looking to make a holistic comeback in the auto world and will be revealing the new e-Evolution concept, which is said to be an electric SUV. The company will be bringing the iconic Evolution badge with the new offering, which was synonymous with its rally and road cars. Mitsubishi will also unveil the Emirai 4 concept which showcases the brand's autonomous technology and has an augmented reality display, HUD unit, interior camera and much more. We will be looking forward to learning about these concepts at the show.
(Yamaha Sports Ride Concept)
Japanese motorcycle maker will be showcasing 19 products at this year's Tokyo Motor Show with two stunning new concepts. The manufacturer will be revealing the Sports Ride concept, which is a small capacity sports car of sorts. The new concept comes as a spiritual successor to the Sports Ride concept that was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. Yamaha will also be revealing a radical Motoroid concept with Artificial Intelligence at the show. The electric motorcycle has the ability to interact with the rider and recognise him/her as well.
We will be bringing you all the updates from the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show Live. So, make sure to keep a tab on our social media handles for the updates and do not forget to catch all the action from Japan on www.carandbike.com.
