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15 Futuristic Rides from the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show

Everything from funky to functional, but mostly funky.

AS
by Autobytel Staff
October 22, 2009
4 min. Reading Time
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To the eye, vehicles displayed at the Tokyo Auto Show lean more towards "transportation of the future" than "in dealerships next fall," but many of the exotic concepts shown are grounded in new hybrid and electric propulsion technology that is very close to being a reality today. And while many of the production vehicles shown at the Tokyo Auto Show are likely never to see U.S. roads, some will, like this $375,000 Lexus LFA supercar. So with that, open your imagination to these 15 futuristic rides from the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show.

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A plug-in hybrid crossover with the ability to run on electric power for a range of 30 miles, after which a backup engine powers the electric motors for extended range.

Its cocochi-interior, which is not only fun to say, but also provides a "clean, stress-free and safe & reassuring" environment for passengers. Their words, not ours.

Body paint incorporates heat-reflective and insulation technology to reduce the need to blast power-sapping air conditioning on hot summer days.

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A battery-powered, zero-emissions tandem two-seater with the heart and dynamics of a motorcycle and the enclosed protection of a car. Also described by Nissan as a "personal city commuter."

Nissan's determination to actually produce something fairly similar in the not-too-distant future.

Crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles and direct the Land Glider away from obstacles.

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A one-of-35 special edition Exige coated in rubberized black matte paint and wearing a set of unique rims.

It looks like the type of car Batman might give his son on his 16th birthday — that is, if Batman wasn't destined to live alone.

Lotus claims the paint actually has a "soft touch" to it that is actually four- to five-times more resistant to scratches than a normal paint job.

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A stunning rear-wheel drive sports coupe concept from a company that isn't particularly known for building stunning rear-wheel drive sports coupes.

It's a nice reminder that Toyota isn't all Camrys and Corollas. (After all, they did bring us the Supra.)

Contrast between sweeping smooth lines below the doors and the dagger-like headlamps.

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A hybrid sport coupe that offers the frugality and economy of an Insight with the spirit and styling of an updated Honda CR-X. While it's a concept, expect a production version soon that follows this design closely.

The entry-level hybrid market is lacking any kind of excitement, and the CR-Z changes that.

Hybrid technology without lame hybrid design.

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A V10-powered, 552-horsepower, 9,000-rpm-redline, 0-62-mph-in-3.7-seconds, one-of-500, $375,000 supercar…brought to you by Lexus. No, this isn't a concept. Yes, they will build it.

A devastating rebuttal to anyone who thinks all Lexus vehicles are boring. (And if you've driven the Lexus IS-F, you know this isn't the case.)

Triangle-stacked galactic spaceship exhaust.

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A good look into the future of Subaru's design language.

If this is how future Subarus are going to look, call us Crocodile Dundee.

Giant gullwing doors that look like they were lifted off some futuristic Epcot theme park ride.

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A petite plug-in electric vehicle whose lithium-ion-powered motor propels the front wheels.

Retro design that harkens back to the Honda 600. It's actually nice to see Japan on the retro bandwagon.

The remote-start keyfob displays the car's level of battery charge.

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An ultra-boxy living space on wheels. The rear suicide door and lack of a B-pillar makes for an immense loading and cargo area.

Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine has nothing on this.

A table, movable folding seats and a slick built-in LCD TV mean you really could live in it pretty comfortably.

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A Japanese market-only WRX STI with a carbon fiber roof, form-fitting Recaro seats and a choice of 296-hp or 305-hp turbocharged boxer engines.

Carbon fiber makes everything better. (No, the fake stick-on stuff doesn't count.)

The red-stitched black suede dash adds class and rally-bred, glare-reducing practicality.

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