10 highlights of Japan Mobility Show 2023: Crazy concept cars, but nothing for the road

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

The Tokyo Auto Show in Japan was once one of the most important auto shows in the world. But things have been steadily getting worse since the late 1990s, not just because of emerging superpower China. Four years after the last event, the trade fair is trying to reinvent itself as a Japan Mobility Expo with predominantly local exhibitors. Although we’ve only discovered a few new products that will hit our roads soon, the trade fair impressively demonstrates that Japanese manufacturers are no longer left behind when it comes to electromobility.

Here are ten highlights of the Japan Mobility Show 2023, open until Sunday, November 5, in alphabetical order.

While most European manufacturers are avoiding the Japan Mobility Show 2023, BMW is using the Tokyo motor show for the world premiere of its new X2 (pictured) and its all-electric sibling, the iX2. Small car, big looks! Additionally, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse (59) also presents the study of the new class that will debut in 2025 in the turbulent trend city for the first time in Asia. Also electric only in Japan.

Daihatsu is demonstrating a practical idea in Tokyo: Different bodies can be fitted to a single 3.39 meter long truck in just a few minutes. The wheeled chameleon transforms instantly and is therefore prepared for any situation. The new front-engine, rear-wheel drive version of the Daihatsu Copen is also a forward-thinking but significantly smaller model, as is the convertible Daihatsu Osanpo (pictured) – both are now electric.

Like many other world premieres in Tokyo, the Prologue Honda showed is still a work in progress. However, the series-ready electric crossover is planned to celebrate its public debut next year. The technology comes from a collaboration with General Motors. As a result, the Prologue is based on the American Ultium platform, which it shares with, for example, the Chevrolet Blazer. The top version will be a 288 hp four-wheel drive vehicle with a range of approximately 500 kilometers.

It’s no surprise that Toyota’s luxury subsidiary Lexus is also looking away at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. Ultimately, the sedan version of the electric Lexus LF-ZC (pictured) is expected to enter mass production from 2026. However, the 5.30 meter long Lexus LF-ZL makes a big appearance in the luxury segment and offers a visionary look at all future Lexus luxury models. Thus, Lexus shows that it wants to gradually become electrified in the coming years in order to compete against competition from Europe and the USA.

Wow, what a great work! The Iconic SP (pictured), which can be seen for the first time in Tokyo, is powered by an electric drive with 370 hp (272 kW) and a Wankel engine as a generator, just like the recently introduced Mazda MX-30 e. Skyactiv R-EV. The little electric athlete is 4.18 meters long and weighs only 1,450 kilograms. Will there be a successor to the RX-8 or MX-5 someday? A visually revised version of the latter, with fabric and a folding roof, is available in Tokyo.

Signs of life from Mitsubishi: The old electric pioneer – we’re thinking of the small I-MiEV – is finally showing something independent again after many Renault clones. The prospect of an electric MPV off-road vehicle brings back memories of the legendary Pajero. However, no one at Mitsubishi wants to comment on the chances of subsequent mass production of the XRT SUV electric vehicle.

Polarizing wide-body athlete Hyper Force packs a big punch. A fearsome electric car and the soon-to-be successor to the outdated GTR sports car? The work is number 5 in the forward-thinking Hyper family (pictured), whose Hyper Tourer and Hyper Punk van works are also on display in Tokyo. Is there any chance of series? Unfortunately none. “All five concepts represent our spirit of courage to do what others have not done,” said Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida.

Subaru also wants to bring itself to the fore again with models with sharp lines (electric models in the future). While the Subaru Air Mobility Concept velocopter remains more of a pipe dream, the Sport Mobility Concept (pictured) aims to offer a real look at a new, electric sports coupe; Subaru Impreza WRX sends its greetings.

Japan-specific kei cars, such as the Suzuki Spacia Custom, are small and make the most of space; It is now electric, of course. This also applies to other small kei cars at the show, such as the Honda CI-MEV or Daihatsu me:MO, a new version of the Asian Smart Fortwo. From our perspective, the Suzuki eVX (pictured), which is the brand’s first electric volume model with a 4×4 and a range of approximately 500 kilometers, is more interesting. Is the series starting? It’s still secret.

In a big surprise, Toyota is presenting an electric version of the legendary off-road giant Land Cruiser (pictured) at its home game in Tokyo. The 5.15-meter-long off-road vehicle offers space for seven people and also wants to be impressive off-road by using purely electric power. And with the EPU Concept pick-up in the works, another Toyota off-road giant may soon debut as an electric vehicle. The dual-pack FT-3e and FT-Se, which are based on the same platform but couldn’t be more different, are also electric, but unfortunately they’re still a long way off.

Source: Blick

Ella

I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.