The 2017 Tokyo Motor Show lacked new tech buzz, but didn't hold back on futuristic looking cars, bikes and trucks
PSFK’s first expedition to the Tokyo Motor Show was as wonderful and quirky as we expected it to be. We were guests of Mazda who not only had two of the standout concepts at the show, but encouraged us to freely roam the rest of the show and take it all in. Here’s a brief look at what caught our attention during the media day reveals.
Mazda Kai Concept
The Kai is the first of two concepts Mazda unveiled in Tokyo. It shows how the brand’s evolving Kodo design philosophy could be applied to the next generation Mazda 3 compact. Mazda is aiming to push the brand in a more premium direction with a Japanese minimalist take on design.
Mazda Vision Coupe Concept
A contrast to the smaller Kai is the rakish performance coupe Mazda revealed. This is very much a sculpture as car exercise that aims to show what Mazda designers are aiming for in forthcoming models. The company’s approach is to distance the brand from the ‘more is more’ aesthetic of competing Japanese automakers. The reverse angle front end, scalloped body side, and stealthy taillights hint at a far more refined design future for Mazda.
Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept
For several years now, hardcore Subaru fans haven’t had a great rally-inspired Impreza to get excited about. The VIZIV Performance Concept appears to hint at a return to the big winged, blue and gold painted type design in futuristic form. The car features big air intakes, broad shouldered fenders and space ship looking exhaust vents which gives the car a tough look. Subaru has also fitted an advanced version of its EyeSight driver-assist technology, improved radar and navigation system to show an approach to balancing driving fun and safety.
Mitsubishi e-EVOLUTION Concept
As the name hints, the e-Evolution Concept is an all electric SUV study from Mitsubishi. There’s a lot going on with the exterior design and it looked better in person than in photos; the angles don’t translate the same in 2D. It is powered by three separate electric motors. A unique addition is an AI system that will coach new drivers through speech and visuals displayed on the dashboard. The system monitors terrain conditions and can advise on changes in driving technique to better navigate off-road or challenging weather conditions.
Suzuki e-SURVIVOR Concept
Suzuki says this is a preview of a forthcoming electrically powered compact SUV. It has the look of a futuristic dune buggy. The compact nature of the electric motors and battery meant the designers could pare the body back to a minimum and explore what an extreme off-roader EV might look like.
Honda Sports EV Concept
This is a companion concept to the Urban EV Concept that shows Honda’s take on a new retro-ish minimalist design. The Sports EV features a front grille and rear panel that can both display messages.
Daihatsu DN Pro Cargo
To say the DN Pro Cargo is an amazing example of design is an understatement. This mini vehicle is electrically powered and capable of transforming for a number of different uses. There’s a powered wheel chair ramp that eases entry for disabled passengers. The flat floor of the interior can also hold a modular shelving unit that can be wheeled out and restocked. The interior has an array of fold out tables and storage areas that can be used for mobile businesses ranging from a nail salon to tech repair.
Toyota LCV Athletic Tourer
Toyota Auto Body, the commercial truck division within Toyota exhibited several interesting concepts. The LCV Athletic Tourer is a stylish commercial delivery van concept that goes way beyond the normal panel van. Inside was a reconfigurable rack system and a specially designed asymmetrical seating cabin that kept one side open for deliveries.
Isuzu FD-SI
Delivery trucks of the future might behave more like insects as demonstrated in this concept from Isuzu. The FD-SI has honeycomb storage pods that are accessible from the outside to simplify loading and delivery. The driver sits centrally in a glass cabin and exits the vehicle from a hatch in the back. The FD-SI could drive a delivery route autonomously, leaving the driver to be tasked with vehicle to door delivering.
Fleshby II Concept
An autonomous pod vehicle, the Fleshby is a design study for making a self driving vehicle safer by covering the exterior in soft, impact absorbing fabric. The Fleshby II also has the ability to change its ride height through articulated arms that the wheels are attached to.
Yamaha Leaning Multi-wheeler
One of the concepts in Yamaha’s Future Garage exhibit, the LMW, is a personal electrified mobility device that leans into corners. The articulation makes for a more balanced ride and keeps the rider safe from an accidental fall while taking a corner at speed.
Yamaha Motoroid Concept
The Motoroid Concept looks like a vehicle extra from a movie or anime but it actually works. The self driving and balancing motorcycle can keep itself upright even when attempts are made to push it over. The center of the bike rotates to maintain balance and the Motoroid can ‘park’ itself by leaning over to rest on a kickstand.
Photos: Dave Pinter