New Cars 5

Toyota FT-86 concept (w/ Gallery)

Toyota is set to reveal the FT-86 sports car concept at the forthcoming Tokyo motor show. Designed at ED2, the company's European design center, the 4160mm long, 1760mm wide and 1260mm tall concept features a low center of gravity and sculpted panels developed to enhance its aerodynamic attributes.

Inside the driver-oriented cockpit is an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays with embedded neon lights to provide emotional appeal. The interior also employs zippers as a key design element to allow for a changeable appearance.

Unlike the FT-HS concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, the Japanese automaker is keen to emphasize that the FT-86 is neither a hybrid nor an electric vehicle. Instead the concept is propelled by a conventional 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (developed by Subaru) sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox.

Photo Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept

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Toyota FT-HS concept - Detroit 2007

05 Oct 09
Suzuki Alto Concept

Suzuki is poised to unveil the all-new Alto Concept at the Tokyo motor show later this month, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Alto nameplate. The concept - which is being presented just over a year after the most recent iteration of the European model made its debut at the Paris motor show - indicates the future of the mini vehicle according to the Japanese automaker, with heightened levels of economy and user-friendliness.

The overall design of the Japanese market Concept doesn't differ greatly from the current European production car, though the company tells us that the vehicle is completely different. It features a unique platform, body, doors and interior. Like its European sibling, the Alto Concept is said to provide a high level of comfort and convenience features inside, including a simple IP housing a large, highly-legible speedometer, user-friendly switches and storage spaces scattered about the cabin.

An important model for Suzuki, the Alto Concept will be headlining the automaker's exhibits in Tokyo, which is also expected to include the Swift Plug-in Hybrid, the X4-FCV (Fuel-Cell Vehicle) and the MIO fuel-cell-powered electric wheelchair.

Related Article:
New Car: Suzuki Alto

02 Oct 09
Honda EV-N concept (w/ Gallery)

Another vehicle Honda plans to unveil at the forthcoming Tokyo motor show is this all-electric EV-N concept, which pays homage to the company's microcar past.

The one-box design of the diminutive four-seat, battery-powered EV-N was inspired by the N360, Honda's 360cc microcar launched in the late 1960s. But the innovative details such as the interchangeable seat inserts, photovoltaic solar panels that charge the on-board battery and the U3-X personal mobility device that stows into the passenger door are all very futuristic.

Honda asserts there are no actual production plans for the retro-inspired EV-N, but the company is obviously testing the waters for a future all-electric urban runabout. We'll bring you more details on the EV-N concept when we see it at the Tokyo show.

Photo Gallery: Honda EV-N concept

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New Car: Honda Skydeck concept

01 Oct 09
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV (w/ Gallery)

Mitsubishi Motors has revealed that it will be showing a total of 16 cars at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, one of which being this PX-MiEV plug-in crossover concept.

According to the Japanese automaker, solid, safety and simple were the keywords which drove the development of its exterior design, and Mitsubishi is keen to imbue this next-generation crossover with a simple appearance. All extraneous elements have been pared, so the design is free of 'rugged' elements typical in conventional SUVs. Measuring in at 4510mm long, 1830mm wide and 1655mm tall, the PX-MiEV has a 2630mm-long wheelbase and a metal colored body that gives the car a shell-like appearance. The wheel design combines elements of both spoke and dish styling.

Inside, the 'cocochi' interior - a pun on the Japanese word for 'cozy' - was designed to convey the image of an airplane cockpit to improve concentration, with an instrument panel that envelops the driver. The IP and door trim feature soft LED lighting to express the vehicle's innovation and refinement.

Watch for more detailed review of the PX-MiEV in our forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show Highlights.

Photo Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

01 Oct 09
Honda Skydeck concept (w/ Gallery)

Honda has revealed a six-seater hybrid MPV concept called the Skydeck. The company is set to unveil the innovative design study at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The Skydeck concept is devoid of B-pillars and features scissor front doors and sliding rear doors to provide access to its interior. To give the Skydeck the practicality of a conventional MPV, many of the hybrid system components - including the high power battery - are housed in the car's center tunnel rather than behind the rear seats or under the floor. This has enabled Honda designers and engineers to lower the concept's center of gravity, while simultaneously increasing cabin space, thereby providing room for three rows of two seats.

Honda maintains the Skydeck is purely a design study, created to demonstrate how Honda's IMA technology can be placed in a range of different cars for different needs.

We'll bring you more information once we see the car in the metal in a few weeks' time.

Photo Gallery: Honda Skydeck concept

30 Sep 09
Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

Subaru has released the first renderings of its 'Hybrid Tourer Concept', which will be shown at the 41st Tokyo motor show next month. A proposal for a future grand touring car, the concept aims to integrate environmental friendliness, driving performance and safety.

The exterior design is said to have been inspired by wings to create a 'feeling of freedom and confidence'. Measuring 4630mm long, 1890mm wide and 1420mm high, the aerodynamic design features gullwing doors and open glass areas to enhance the feeling of space.

Inside, the four-seat concept is claimed to offer new levels openness whilst simultaneously relieving stress on the occupants. Notable features include the top of the dashboard that can move up and down to optimize the driving environment and a flat floor in the rear seat area for improved comfort and movement inside the cabin. The latter is quite an accomplishment for an all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle.

The company will also showcase the plug-in Stella, designed in collaboration with Beams, and its new 'EyeSight' safety technology - an advanced driver assist system that uses stereo camera technology.

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