2013 Tokyo Motor Show

SPORTSCARS, futuristic SUVs and wild concepts were the headline acts at this year’s Tokyo motor show, with Nissan grabbing the spotlight thanks to its aerospace-inspired BladeGlider concept and the Datsun 1600-referencing iDx sports coupe.

Honda previewed its next-generation Japanese market ‘kei’ sports coupe with the S660 that, like the Nissan iDx, references the brands past, in this case the Beat convertible from the early 1990s.

Lexus revealed its striking RC coupe in production form which will arrive in Australia in the final quarter of 2014 powered by a 234kW/380Nm 3.5-litre V6 engine, while a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain will also be available.

Mitsubishi confirmed its renewed focus on SUVs and electric vehicles by debuting three hybrid crossover concepts, including the Pajero-previewing GC-PHEV and the XR-PHEV that gives a glimpse at the next-generation ASX due in 2015-16. Toyota showed how close it is to a mass-produced hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle with its FCV that is set to launch in global markets in 2015, while Subaru showed the world its awkwardly named Levorg hi-performance wagon.

26/11/2013
NISSAN caused quite a stir when it ripped the covers off its Datsun 1600-resembling iDx compact sportscar concept, which was accompanied by an outrageous race-ready Nismo version.

The Japanese car-maker also used the venue to unveil a Nismo version of its already record shattering supercar – the GT-R – but despite five Australian expressions of interest just hours after the launch, there no plans to bring the hi-po Nissan here at this stage.

Good news for Australia was announced in Tokyo though, with the striking Lexus RC Coupe confirmed to come down-under and Subaru Australia will keep its fingers crossed that a performance focused wagon version of Subaru’s WRX – named the Levorg – will join them.

In addition to its FCV hydrogen fuel-cell car, Toyota rolled out a right-hand drive version of its eagerly awaited 86 convertible, driving hopes that it will eventually find its way here, while Mazda and Mitsubishi completed the Japanese entourage with a gas and hybrid powered Mazda3, and three SUV concepts wearing the three-diamond badge.

14/11/2013
TECH-LOVING Tokyo is gearing up for a big week next week with everything from airplane-inspired concepts to production-ready beauties.

While Subaru is using the LA show to reveal its WRX performance hero, it is showcasing a number of concepts at its home motor show, including the near-production-ready Levorg sports wagon.

A sub-compact SUV concept known as the Cross Sport is also set to be revealed, as is a seven-seat SUV/MPV called the Crossover 7.

Suzuki will unveil four quirky concepts, including a tall-boy ‘kei’ car called the Hustler as well as the curvy Crosshiker compact SUV concept.

Lexus is set for a big show, with the covers officially coming off its RC coupe. Based on the new-generation IS and ready to do battle with the recently launched BMW 4 Series, the RC will initially be available in V6 petrol and hybrid guise.

Its parent company Toyota will highlight a further development of its hydrogen fuel-cell concept with the FCV that is set to go on sale in 2015.

Nissan’s wild BladeGlider concept is sure to be one of the stars of Tokyo 2014, with the zero-emissions EV featuring a super narrow front track and wide rear track for an aeronautical look that will ensure it is one of the more radical concepts this year.

GoAuto will have more stories leading up to and during the show so keep checking GoAuto.com.au for updates.8/10/2013This year's Tokyo show looks set to be a mix of high-powered performance cars, quirky concepts and technical showcases with Japanese and international brands ready to show off their wares.

Nissan looks set for a big year with the Japanese powerhouse set to show off the Nismo version of its GT-R supercar. Nissan's performance division has reduced the GT-R's weight and re-tuned the 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine for extra scorching performance that is said to push it from 0-100km/h in an unbelievable 2.1 seconds.

Also on the cards for Nissan is the debut of a new small sports car that could preview the next-generation 370Z coupe.

While little is known about the coupe concept, Nissan development chief Andy Palmer told UK publication Autocar in September that it would be smaller and lighter than the current 370Z and that there would be a high-performance Nismo version.

Mitsubishi will up the ante this year by unveiling three concepts, including the plug-in hybrid GC-PHEV full-size SUV that points to the next Pajero and the XR-PHEV petrol-electric compact SUV that could preview the next-generation ASX.

The third unveiling from Mitsubishi will be the Concept AR, a compact people-mover similar in size to the Kia Rondo.

Japanese luxury brand Lexus looks like it will use Tokyo to reveal its IS-based RC coupe that will follow the design of the stunning LF-CC concept from last year's Paris show.

GoAuto will have more stories leading up to and during the show so keep checking GoAuto.com.au for updates.19/12/2012NOW held at Japan’s Tokyo Big Sight, the Tokyo Motor Show is held every two years and is Japan’s biggest auto event.

The Tokyo Show is renowned as a technical extravaganza, with local car-makers showing off upcoming models and concepts as well as techno gadgets that might one day find their way into future models.

Expect some concepts from the likes of Mazda, Honda and Toyota that will eventually become production models.

GoAuto will have more stories leading up to and during the show so keep checking GoAuto.com.au for updates