45th Tokyo Motor Show shows the future of motoring
27 Oct 2017|10,493 views
This year's 45th Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) brings about a concept of innovative technologies and the diversification of relationships between people and motor vehicles.
While a total of 150 companies from 10 different countries will be gathering at this year's TMS, the boys at sgCarMart size up the show with concept cars that are worthy of a mention. Themed 'Beyond the Motor', this year's TMS will be experiencing significant changes that are taking place in the current situation and future trends surrounding the automotive industry.
Here are some of the highlights of this year's TMS:

Making its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Q8 sport concept has a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder engine under its bonnet that features a mild hybrid system and an electric powered compressor, which is currently a world first.
This allows the concept car to have numerous advantages. For starters, the energy recovered as part of recuperation can be used to increase performance. When the combustion engine and electric motor are used simultaneously - the electric motor's additional 20kW of output and its torque of 170Nm open up a total of 350kW of power to the engine and bring its total torque up to 700Nm. As such, the SUV will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
More impressively, the total range of the Q8 sport concept equipped with an 85-litre fuel tank is more than 1,200km.

When it first made its preview at the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, it grabbed not only the attention but also the hearts of fans globally. Now, taking centre stage at the BMW booth at the 45th TMS, it's ready to do the same.
Designed to encapsulate the brand’s vision of a modern roadster, the BMW Concept Z4 sports a dynamic-looking front and a clean-cut tail end. It's design is triggered by the BMW Z8, which lends the concept car a certain sporty flair and attention-grabbing flamboyance.
At the same time, the cabin serves to reinforce the total focus on the driving experience. The driver's seat as well as the door trim panels, instrument panel and centre stack that encircle the driver are finished entirely in black, which allows them to stand out from the rest of the interior that sports orange shades. Together, they form a clearly defined area that wraps around the driver like a capsule, producing a very sporty sensation.

At a prominent booth near the entrace of the show, Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Sports EV Concept, a concept model that combines Electric Vehicle (EV) performance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) inside a compact body.
The concept's aim is to realise the joy of driving the user can feel with a sense of unity with the car.
While sharing the platform with Honda Urban EV Concept, which was also at the stand, its unforgettable silhouette, friendly front fascia that will naturally put a smile on your face.
Other concepts at its stand also include the Honda NeuV, the Honda Urban EV Concept and the Honda Robot Cast Concept.

Aiming to contribute to achievement of a world free of traffic casualties, Lexus premiered to the world the LS+ Concept - a concept car that has the ability to perform autonomous driving.
During the press conference, Yoshihiro Sawa, President of Lexus International, mentioned that the LS+ Concept is a concept car that combines the new potentials of Lexus design, and the latest automated-driving technology that the brand is aiming to deliver in the near future. In fact, Lexus aims for application in the first half of 2020 of its 'Urban Teammate' technologies for automated driving on regular roads.
As of now, the LS+ Concept is currently equipped with 'Highway Teammate', which will bring automated driving onto expressways in 2020. Using automated-driving technology, the car is able to make proposals about junctions, overtake preceding vehicles, and change lanes.

In case you're wondering what the next generation Mazda3 Hatchback will look like, this KAI Concept is a good place to start.
Making its global debut at the TMS, the concept vehicle - one that will sit on the new Skyactive-Vehicle Architecture - will come with the next generation Skyactiv-X gasoline engine.
This said engine will be a revolutionary unit that combines the free-revving characteristics of a gasoline engine with the fuel efficiency, torque and quick response of a diesel unit.
Sitting alongside the KAI Concept is the eye-catching Mazda Vision Coupe - a strikingly beautiful four-door coupe configuration concept that will be the target of next generation vehicles from Mazda.

Stealing the glaces from other stands in its hall is the world premiere of the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept, an all new flagship concept car in the carmaker's lineup of concepts.
The concept Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) will blend Mitsubishi Motors' signature four-wheel drive and electric powertrain know-how with advanced AI technology.
Sitting poisely beside the concept is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, a 1.5-litre turbocharged SUV that will make its way to Singapore early next year at the motor show.
The Singapore Motor Show will be held from 11th to 14th January 2018 and will be featuring more than 20 automotive brands, in addition to automotive accessories, as well as lifestyle products and services.

The IMx concept vehicle provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, promoting a stronger connection between car and driver. This is further reinforced by giving a theme to the IMx - 'Together We Ride'.
According to Nissan, it remains committed to aggressively tackling issues that confront the automotive industry, such as climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion and traffic-related accidents. The company has accelerated the development of Nissan Intelligent Mobility to address these issues head on, as it continues to promote the joys of driving and travelling in a safe, comfortable environment.
The IMx's battery can be charged wirelessly, without the need of a cable. The concept car can automatically share its power using vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-building systems when it's parked inside or near a building. It can also link to the local power grid.

Originating from the phrase 'Vision for Innovation', the Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept is the first sedan body of the series. Measuring 4,630mm x 1,950mm x 1,430mm (L x W x H), the concept has a wheelbase of 2,730mm that will easily fit five occupants.
The Subaru concept draws on iconic models symbolising superior Subaru driving performance and the Symmetrical AWD layout powered by a boxer engine. It takes after the Legacy, which defined Subaru as a drivers' car, the Impreza, which took the World Rally Championship by storm, and the WRX, which still dominates motor racing around the world.
Alongside the concept car is the S208, a special limited edition model based on the WRX STI, with just 450 units to be available in Japan. It is currently unknown if any will be coming into Singapore at this moment.

Making its world premiere, the Suzuki e-Survivor concept is a compact SUV of the next age, which inherits the magnetic identity of Suzuki from the Jimny and the Vitara.
It offers new possibilities of an electric four-wheel drive system with independent wheel motors while keeping Suzuki's renowned driveability that's made possible by the ladder frame and lightweight compact body.
Other concepts and exhibits at the Suzuki stand include the Spacia Concept, Spacia Custom Concept and the XBee.
As the brand will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, it will introduce its initiatives in development of products and technologies for ongoing success in the next 100 years. We can't wait to find out more then.

Toyota Executive Vice President Didier Leroy introduced Toyota's concepts at the press conference with a tagline 'Start Your Impossible' and emphasised a commitment to 'Mobility for All'.
Leroy also highlighted the importance of AI and connected vehicles, which brings us to this Toyota Concept-i that you see here. As a partner that understands people, this vehicle aims to become a 'beloved car' for all drivers and owners alike.
Measuring 4,510mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,475mm tall, the Toyota Concept-i combines technology that understands people with automated driving and agent technology, and provides drivers with safety and peace of mind, and fun-to-drive experiences to enrich the enjoyment of moving. Also part of the Concept-i series are the Concept-i Ride as well as Concept-i Walk.

While we have seen this concept many a time, it's worth mentioning here again. Making its Japan premiere, the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept is a showcase demonstrated by Volkswagen to market a new generation of Microbus, proving that the German carmaker isn't just good with cars but with mini buses as well.
First released at the Detroit Motor Show this year, the concept is based on the MEB, a newly developed modular chassis for electric powertrain vehicles.
Combined output of the Microbus is rated at 374bhp, which allows it to smash the century sprint in a respectable five seconds flat before hitting a top speed of 160km/h.
Within the framework of further development, Volkswagen has also set a launch date for the I.D. Buzz. The vehicle will arrive at dealerships in 2022, after the compact four-door I.D. makes its debut.
This year's 45th Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) brings about a concept of innovative technologies and the diversification of relationships between people and motor vehicles.
While a total of 150 companies from 10 different countries will be gathering at this year's TMS, the boys at sgCarMart size up the show with concept cars that are worthy of a mention. Themed 'Beyond the Motor', this year's TMS will be experiencing significant changes that are taking place in the current situation and future trends surrounding the automotive industry.
Here are some of the highlights of this year's TMS:

Audi Q8 sport concept
Making its world premiere at this year's Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Q8 sport concept has a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder engine under its bonnet that features a mild hybrid system and an electric powered compressor, which is currently a world first.
This allows the concept car to have numerous advantages. For starters, the energy recovered as part of recuperation can be used to increase performance. When the combustion engine and electric motor are used simultaneously - the electric motor's additional 20kW of output and its torque of 170Nm open up a total of 350kW of power to the engine and bring its total torque up to 700Nm. As such, the SUV will sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
More impressively, the total range of the Q8 sport concept equipped with an 85-litre fuel tank is more than 1,200km.

BMW Concept Z4
When it first made its preview at the Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach, it grabbed not only the attention but also the hearts of fans globally. Now, taking centre stage at the BMW booth at the 45th TMS, it's ready to do the same.
Designed to encapsulate the brand’s vision of a modern roadster, the BMW Concept Z4 sports a dynamic-looking front and a clean-cut tail end. It's design is triggered by the BMW Z8, which lends the concept car a certain sporty flair and attention-grabbing flamboyance.
At the same time, the cabin serves to reinforce the total focus on the driving experience. The driver's seat as well as the door trim panels, instrument panel and centre stack that encircle the driver are finished entirely in black, which allows them to stand out from the rest of the interior that sports orange shades. Together, they form a clearly defined area that wraps around the driver like a capsule, producing a very sporty sensation.

Honda Sports EV Concept
At a prominent booth near the entrace of the show, Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Sports EV Concept, a concept model that combines Electric Vehicle (EV) performance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) inside a compact body.
The concept's aim is to realise the joy of driving the user can feel with a sense of unity with the car.
While sharing the platform with Honda Urban EV Concept, which was also at the stand, its unforgettable silhouette, friendly front fascia that will naturally put a smile on your face.
Other concepts at its stand also include the Honda NeuV, the Honda Urban EV Concept and the Honda Robot Cast Concept.

Lexus LS+ Concept
Aiming to contribute to achievement of a world free of traffic casualties, Lexus premiered to the world the LS+ Concept - a concept car that has the ability to perform autonomous driving.
During the press conference, Yoshihiro Sawa, President of Lexus International, mentioned that the LS+ Concept is a concept car that combines the new potentials of Lexus design, and the latest automated-driving technology that the brand is aiming to deliver in the near future. In fact, Lexus aims for application in the first half of 2020 of its 'Urban Teammate' technologies for automated driving on regular roads.
As of now, the LS+ Concept is currently equipped with 'Highway Teammate', which will bring automated driving onto expressways in 2020. Using automated-driving technology, the car is able to make proposals about junctions, overtake preceding vehicles, and change lanes.

Mazda KAI Concept
In case you're wondering what the next generation Mazda3 Hatchback will look like, this KAI Concept is a good place to start.
Making its global debut at the TMS, the concept vehicle - one that will sit on the new Skyactive-Vehicle Architecture - will come with the next generation Skyactiv-X gasoline engine.
This said engine will be a revolutionary unit that combines the free-revving characteristics of a gasoline engine with the fuel efficiency, torque and quick response of a diesel unit.
Sitting alongside the KAI Concept is the eye-catching Mazda Vision Coupe - a strikingly beautiful four-door coupe configuration concept that will be the target of next generation vehicles from Mazda.

Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept
Stealing the glaces from other stands in its hall is the world premiere of the Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept, an all new flagship concept car in the carmaker's lineup of concepts.
The concept Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) will blend Mitsubishi Motors' signature four-wheel drive and electric powertrain know-how with advanced AI technology.
Sitting poisely beside the concept is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, a 1.5-litre turbocharged SUV that will make its way to Singapore early next year at the motor show.
The Singapore Motor Show will be held from 11th to 14th January 2018 and will be featuring more than 20 automotive brands, in addition to automotive accessories, as well as lifestyle products and services.

Nissan IMx concept
The IMx concept vehicle provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, promoting a stronger connection between car and driver. This is further reinforced by giving a theme to the IMx - 'Together We Ride'.
According to Nissan, it remains committed to aggressively tackling issues that confront the automotive industry, such as climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion and traffic-related accidents. The company has accelerated the development of Nissan Intelligent Mobility to address these issues head on, as it continues to promote the joys of driving and travelling in a safe, comfortable environment.
The IMx's battery can be charged wirelessly, without the need of a cable. The concept car can automatically share its power using vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-building systems when it's parked inside or near a building. It can also link to the local power grid.

Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept
Originating from the phrase 'Vision for Innovation', the Subaru VIZIV Performance Concept is the first sedan body of the series. Measuring 4,630mm x 1,950mm x 1,430mm (L x W x H), the concept has a wheelbase of 2,730mm that will easily fit five occupants.
The Subaru concept draws on iconic models symbolising superior Subaru driving performance and the Symmetrical AWD layout powered by a boxer engine. It takes after the Legacy, which defined Subaru as a drivers' car, the Impreza, which took the World Rally Championship by storm, and the WRX, which still dominates motor racing around the world.
Alongside the concept car is the S208, a special limited edition model based on the WRX STI, with just 450 units to be available in Japan. It is currently unknown if any will be coming into Singapore at this moment.

Suzuki e-Survivor concept
Making its world premiere, the Suzuki e-Survivor concept is a compact SUV of the next age, which inherits the magnetic identity of Suzuki from the Jimny and the Vitara.
It offers new possibilities of an electric four-wheel drive system with independent wheel motors while keeping Suzuki's renowned driveability that's made possible by the ladder frame and lightweight compact body.
Other concepts and exhibits at the Suzuki stand include the Spacia Concept, Spacia Custom Concept and the XBee.
As the brand will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, it will introduce its initiatives in development of products and technologies for ongoing success in the next 100 years. We can't wait to find out more then.

Toyota Concept-i
Toyota Executive Vice President Didier Leroy introduced Toyota's concepts at the press conference with a tagline 'Start Your Impossible' and emphasised a commitment to 'Mobility for All'.
Leroy also highlighted the importance of AI and connected vehicles, which brings us to this Toyota Concept-i that you see here. As a partner that understands people, this vehicle aims to become a 'beloved car' for all drivers and owners alike.
Measuring 4,510mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,475mm tall, the Toyota Concept-i combines technology that understands people with automated driving and agent technology, and provides drivers with safety and peace of mind, and fun-to-drive experiences to enrich the enjoyment of moving. Also part of the Concept-i series are the Concept-i Ride as well as Concept-i Walk.

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept
While we have seen this concept many a time, it's worth mentioning here again. Making its Japan premiere, the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept is a showcase demonstrated by Volkswagen to market a new generation of Microbus, proving that the German carmaker isn't just good with cars but with mini buses as well.
First released at the Detroit Motor Show this year, the concept is based on the MEB, a newly developed modular chassis for electric powertrain vehicles.
Combined output of the Microbus is rated at 374bhp, which allows it to smash the century sprint in a respectable five seconds flat before hitting a top speed of 160km/h.
Within the framework of further development, Volkswagen has also set a launch date for the I.D. Buzz. The vehicle will arrive at dealerships in 2022, after the compact four-door I.D. makes its debut.
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