There are always some way-out-there concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, and plenty of other weird and wonderful vehicles that may show up on roads in other parts of the world. This Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept SUV is typical of the way engineers are thinking these days: it’s all-electric, and its computer learns about the driver to interpret intentions and offer suggestions along the way. Is this the future? Take a look for yourself at what else is on the show floor this year.
Words and pictures by Mark Richardson
We saw Toyota’s Concept-i at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but in Tokyo, the futuristic four-seater was just one of three Concept-i versions.
All of them include “Yui” – a deep-learning Artificial Intelligence computer that will learn everything about the driver to customize the vehicle’s settings drive and personalize the experience.
A smaller, two-seater Concept-i Ride is designed to give wheelchair users greater freedom and mobility.
The smallest of all is the Concept-i Walk, a three-wheeler that can be used like a Segway to take you safely where you want to go in the crowded streets and malls.
There are always motorcycles at the motor show from the four big Japanese makers, and Yamaha debuted its two-wheeled version of Artificial Intelligence, called the Motoroid. The electric bike is supposed to interact with its rider for a safer and more personalized ride, but it doesn’t look very comfortable.
Honda also brought out its Ride Assist-E motorcycle – or rather, it brought itself out. The electric-powered bike balances itself for greater rider safety.
A star of the show, which might actually make production, was Honda’s Sports EV Concept, a small and adorable performance version of the Urban EV Concept that debuted a month earlier at the Frankfurt auto show. Honda says the Urban EV might make production in 2020, so perhaps the Sports EV could hit the road soon after.
Across the hall, Suzuki debuted its e-Survivor SUV concept, which is supposed to be what an SUV might look like in 100 years’ time. There’s no rain that far in the future, apparently, but it’s encouraging to see the steering wheel survives.
The Flesby II is a much more user-friendly vehicle, developed by Japanese manufacturer Toyoda Gosei. It has electrically-controlled airbags on the outside of the car to protect pedestrians, as well as prevent dents. The whole car can change its shape to adapt to its use – running lower and more streamlined at speed, for example.
The Flesby II is only designed for one person, but the company says something like it could be on the road by 2030. Don’t hold your breath.
Nissan took a more conventional approach with its Leaf Nismo, turning its established all-electric car into a performance version. The Nismo has stickier tires, firmer suspension, remapped electronics and a more streamlined shape to make it quicker. It’s just a concept with no official plans for production, but there’s no reason why Nissan couldn’t make it if there’s enough demand.
For Nissan, the show was also about comfort. It demonstrated its cabin of the future, with individual seats, touch-screen controls, and everything designed around the passengers.
It’s not just about vehicles at the show, though. Tires are just as important and Bridgestone demonstrated its puncture-proof Air Free Concept tires. They use internal spokes for support and are made from recycled rubber and resin. These are intended for bicycles, but the company is working on car versions, too.
Mazda’s sleek and sexy Vision Coupe concept is still just an idea of what future sedans might look like from the auto maker, but let’s hope the essence of that svelte form makes it into real cars.
The Mazda Kai Concept, however, is a lot closer to production. The new Mazda3 hatch will look a lot like this in just a year or so.
Unfortunately, we won’t see the new Daihatsu DN Compagno in Canada, since the company no longer sells cars in North America. That’s too bad. The Compagno is a well-known name in Japan – the original Compagno, also seen here, was produced and sold throughout the 1960s.
Daihatsu is known for its small vehicles, including the ultra-compact Kei cars that are popular in Japan. The Cero is a typical kei car – room for two people and not particularly powerful, but lots of fun to drive in both the city and on a mountain road, especially with the top down.
Not every Daihatsu is so cute, but most are more practical, like the mighty Pro Cargo delivery van. It’s small enough to make its way through tight, congested streets, but big enough to carry a full consignment of goods, or to be fully-accessible for wheelchairs.
From small to big: Harley-Davidsons are also popular in Japan, and three-wheeled bikes like this TriGlide are easier to control for riders who are older or infirm.
Yamaha also showed off a new three-wheeled bike, but its Niken concept has a very different principle: it’s a powerful sportbike with advanced suspension that allows it to lean around curves.
For sheer impressive design, however, perhaps the Lexus LS concept takes the prize. It’s a partially-autonomous car that drove itself onto the stage, and is a showcase for the self-driving technology Lexus expects to be in production by 2020. And that huge grille? It has shutters that open and close to cool the engine.
Weird or wonderful? The decision is yours.
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