Every year, auto manufacturers try and top one another with technologically advanced and designed concepts, and this year is no different. These concepts are typical windows to the future of upcoming production models, giving us insight as to the new trends in design and technology. Of course, the 2005 Tokyo Auto Show is no exception: from Audi to Toyota, manufacturers revealed new external designs as well as hybrid power train concepts at the show, which should be no surprise to anyone paying attention to
over the past few months. Thanks to rising fuel costs, it is no wonder that the Tokyo Auto Show was full of eco-green concepts. Below are a few of the vehicles that have brought something new to the table either in design, drive train ideas or both.
Audi’s Shooting Brake Concept vehicle touts the latest technology offerings from the overall design to the LED lighting and Magnetic Ride Adaptive Damping system. The Shooting Brake is powered by a 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower V-6 and is equipped with a permanent Quattro Drive system. All this is linked to a six-speed transmission, which enables the Shooting Brake to accelerate from 0-62 in just 6.0 seconds. The shape of the design enables passenger more headroom and allows for more cargo storage according to Audi. The Shooting Brake rolls on 19-inch wheels.
Audi S8Audi has added a V-10 powered S8 to its lineup. The V-10 borrowed from the Gallardo pushes 450 horsepower and 398 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed transmission with paddle shift capability. The V-10 incorporates FSI direct injection technology borrowed from the R8 racecar. The new S8 rides lower than the other models and subtle badges distinguish it along with 20-inch tires and seven spoke wheels.
Bugatti Veyron EBThe
Bugatti Veyron has been around for quite some time, but it appears this monster supercar is set to become a reality. The goal for the 8.0 liter 16 cylinder, quad turbo engine was 1001 horsepower but rumors have the number just under the 1000 mark and torque in the low 900’s. Bugatti claims a 0-60 time of under 3.0 seconds which is reasonable if all the power can be transferred to the ground without smoking all four tires thanks to it’s continuous four wheel drive system. Shifting of the seven-speed transmission is done with toggles located just behind the steering wheel and with a price tag in the 1.2 million dollar range, few lucky people will get to experience this amazing car.
Chrysler AkinoWith an overall length of 146.6 inches and a wheelbase of just 95-inches, the Chrysler Akino is designed to transport five passengers in comfort. The Akino sports a single door on the drivers side and two opposing doors that open on the passenger side to aid ingress and egress. Named after the designer that envisioned it, the Akino uses both natural and recycled fabrics in addition to the use of bamboo flooring.
Ford EquatorThe Ford Equator is said to be a glimpse of the next generational design of future Ford SUVs. The Equator is equipped with a 3.0 liter V-6, 11.9 inch disc brakes front and back along with anti-lock brakes and 19-inch, ten spoke wheels. The Equator is also fitted with an Intelligent 4WD system that has a computer controlled system that engages the rear wheels when needed.
Honda FCX Actually one of the best-looking fuel cell cars we have seen, the FCX, is the latest in Honda’s alternative fuel arsenal. The hydrogen powered cab forward design based on an overall length of 186 inches is a car of somewhat normal proportions. The four wheel drive system utilizes one 80-kw motor at the front and two in-wheel 25-kw motors at each rear.
Honda Sports 4The Honda Sports 4 is likely a sneak peek at the future of design for Honda. The Sport 4 uses a design theory Honda pens as “Keen Edge Dynamics”. Whatever that means, we like what we see. The Sport 4 encompasses four-wheel drive, has seating for four and incorporates information screens in the back of the front headrests for rear passengers. The Sports 4 also utilizes individual screens that can be lowered by individual passengers as needed.
Honda W.O.W.Designed around man’s best friend, the W.O.W. vehicle debuted by Honda is definitely a must-have for the serious dog owner. The W.O.W. is capable of seating six individuals with all of the three rows in the up position with the ability of the second row to convert to a soft kennel for midsize pooches. There is also a small dog bin up front so your best friend can be near while you drive. The W.O.W. features opposing side sliding doors with two large hinged doors at the rear for greater access to the back.
Hyundai NEOS-III The NEOS-III is one of three contenders for a luxury crossover being studied by Hyundai to add to the 2009 lineup. Designed in Japan, the NEOS-III is powered by a 4.6liter dual overhead cam V-8 and touts an AWD system. Another contender is the Portico designed at the California Design Center and shown in Detroit last year.
Lexus LF-SH Lexus unveiled what is likely to be their new flagship model at the Tokyo show. The concept was a shell only, void of an interior. The LF-SH was shown with all wheel drive and a hybrid power train. The LF-SH is expected to have a 4.6liter V-8 linked to an eight-speed transmission when it goes into production. Expectations are that Lexus will debut a more production ready version at the Detroit show in January.
Mazda MPV The
new Mazda MPV design is smaller and more refined than the existing version. The MPV features rear sliding doors, LED cabin lighting and is powered by a 2.3 liter turbo engine. Seems everyone including Mazda is trying to combine the design of an SUV and minivan. It is a clear attempt to create a vehicle with the comfort and convenience of a minivan and the utility of an SUV without the stigma of driving a minivan.
Mazda SenkuThe Mazda Senku is an example of the ability of designers to build a hybrid car that doesn’t look like something from a bad B-movie. The Senku is dramatically larger than an RX-8 in all dimensions, especially its 122-inch wheelbase. The rotary hybrid has the ability to seat four or to use the rear area for storage. Incorporated in the rear glass are solar panels that help charge the hybrid batteries that power the car. The Senku uses a seven-speed transmission with an idle-stop system to further increase efficiency. Adding the icing to the cake is a double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link at the rear hidden by massive 22-inch wheels and tires.
Mini Concept Tokyo Simply a revision of the Mini Station Wagon Concept that debuted at Frankfurt, the Mini Concept Tokyo features a roof-mounted table and two chairs as well as a removable cargo box that can hang from the rear side glass. New interior colors have also been incorporated into the design.
Mitsubishi Concept X This sedan concept from Mitsubishi may hold clues to the future of the EVO model. The platform was co-developed with Daimler Chrysler and is covered with all-aluminum body panels. The Concept X is said to have a 2.0 liter four with over 300 horsepower, a twin clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive.
Mitsubishi D:5Is the D:5 the next Mitsubishi Mini-Van? The motor press is convinced it is. The D:5 features two sliding back doors and three rows of seating. Powering the D:5 is a 2.4 liter Mivec engine. The D:5 is fitted with an AWC (All Wheel Control) drivetrain and incorporates a lane departure system along with other safety technologies.
Mitsubishi iPenned by Mitsubishi, the “i” is set to go on sale in Japan in 2006. The sixty-three horsepower, three-cylinder turbo rear engine vehicle is small by any standard at just 134 inches in length, but can seat four occupants comfortably.
Mitsubishi Outlander Set to go on sale here in the U.S. in 2006, the concept
Mitsubishi Outlander is the first vehicle to use the new GS platform from Mitsubishi. The Outlander is equipped with a 168 horsepower 2.4 MIVEC 16-valve engine and features a 6-speed CVT transmission. The Outlander also incorporates a three-mode AWC (all Wheel Control) stability system and can seat up to seven occupants.
Nissan AmenioThe Nissan Amenio concept is Nissans’ latest attempt at a modern day mini-van. The ultra-modern Amenio is striking both inside and out. Sharp lines and an abundance of glass cover the exterior and inside, red plush leather abounds. A mix of standard gauges and digital screens greet the driver, and passengers are treated to almost full length glass roof panels that give the interior an open, spacious feeling. The three rows of seating can accommodate six occupants.
Nissan ForiaBeing considered by Nissan for possible U.S. sales, the Nissan Foria is a rear-wheel drive 2+2 with rear suicide doors like those found on the RX-8 and
Saturn vehicles. The Foria is equipped with paddle shifters and four-wheel steering. Metallic trim and leather abound in the interior. No confirmed power train has been announced.
Nissan Skyline GTR Details are sketchy but the new Nissan skyline is rumored to have a Lotus-tuned suspension and 480-horsepower from its 3.8-liter V6 engine. The GT-R is also rumored to have an all-wheel drive system. Nissan is not being forthcoming with details about the GT-R which is set to debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show. With the new V-10-powered NSX from Acura soon to hit the streets, Nissan could use a halo car to stay in contention.
Scion bB Has Scion gone soft? It appears they have with the styling of the bB concept car. This softer, sculpted design could likely be the future of Scion models. The Scion Concept bB is equipped with lots of neon, and a stereo system that emulates the night club atmosphere.
Subaru B5-TPHThe B5-TPH is a crossover concept car used to show Subaru’s TPH power train. The Turbo Parallel Hybrid power train uses an electric motor between the 2.0-liter flat four turbo Miller designed engine to improve fuel economy. The B5-TPH boasts 256-horsepower and 253lb.-ft. of torque and according to Subaru has better off the line torque than the turbo-charged WRX.
Suzuki LC The Suzuki LC is a modern day re-creation of Suzuki’s first car. This small little two-seater is perfect as a commuter car with its efficient three-cylinder, 660cc engine. The Suzuki LC is only 10.5 feet long so parallel-parking troubles will be few.
Suzuki Mom’s Personal Wagon The Personal Wagon is something along the lines of the Honda W.O.W. which was designed for canines except the Personal Wagon is designed to be children friendly. The wagon is full of innovative ideas such as incorporating a tray and box into the passenger seat and a pullout try in the dash, likely to hold crayons and to use as a platform to color on. Anything to keep the kids occupied on those lengthy errand runs. The passenger seat also folds to give better access to the kids seated in the rear seats.
Suzuki PX The Suzuki PX design definitely follows a military line of thinking. Actually the PX designation is in reference to the military canteens issued to soldiers. This six-seat SUV has a wheelbase of 118-inches and sits on 20-inch rims and tires. The PX is driven by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. Inside, the dash is designed in a fashion that separates the driver and front passenger into their own compartments. The Suzuki PX is one of the nicer designs to come from Suzuki.
Toyota Fine-XThe Fine-X is the latest hybrid concept from Toyota. This four-passenger minivan concept uses a fuel cell hybrid power train that powers electric motors in each wheel for efficiency. In addition, each wheel is capable of independent steering and can turn up to 90 degrees which allows the Fine-X to rotate on its own axis 360 degrees. Large gull-wing inspired doors offer entry as do electric seats that greet you as the doors raise.
Toyota FSCSeems the hot new trend is the cross breeding of
sedans and mini vans. The Toyota FSC is just that. Mercedes has done the same with their production version of the R-Class. This sharp looking four seat concept incorporates an electric fold-away third row seat and when in the up position can seat two additional passengers when needed.
Volkswagen EcoRacer This little (97-inch wheelbase) mid-engine concept from Volkswagen drew a lot of enthusiasm due to its versatility and eco friendly power train. The mid-engine 1.5-liter turbo charged 16-valve diesel is rated to have 134-horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed transmission with both paddle and floor shift capability. Removable carbon fiber panels easily convert this coupe to a roadster with minimal effort. Another great concept from VW that unfortunately is all for show.
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