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TOKYO - Japanese automakers are counting on the Tokyo Motor Show to drum up dwindling interest in cars in their home market, the world's third biggest.
The biennial show, which opens to the public from October 27 to November 11, will showcase 37 world premiere models for passenger cars, five for commercial vehicles and 26 for motorcycles.
Following are some of the cars that will be on display on the stands:
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP
- 1/X
Toyota's idea of what a "sustainable" car of the future could look like. The flex-fuel, plug-in hybrid car has a 500cc engine and weighs 420kg - one-third of the Prius, with twice its fuel efficiency.
- i-REAL
The third iteration of Toyota's one-seater concept, which began with the i-unit in 2005. An evolved wheelchair that allows drivers to lean back and cruise at high speeds on roads or crawl at walking speed upright on the sidewalk. Toyota says the latest version is closer to a real-life prototype - hence its name - although it faces traffic-law barriers for use on roads.
- RiN
A car that promotes healthy driving and the Zen spirit. Seats are designed to make driver and passengers sit upright, and the steering wheel senses the driver's mindset and displays it on the dashboard visually to promote calm. The sliding doors will resist if too much force is applied; a soft, slight stroke of the handle opens the doors with ease.
- Hi-CT
A new design concept for city trucks, inspired by the silhouette of a gorilla.
- Lexus LF-Xh
A hybrid sport utility vehicle, at the Lexus stand
HONDA MOTOR CO
- Puyo
An eraser-like concept car coated with silicon that takes pedestrian safety to the next level. A small bump leaves both pedestrian and car without a scratch.
- CR-Z
Lightweight hybrid sports car evolved from the REMIX concept unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Basis for a future production model.
NISSAN MOTOR CO
- GT-R
The halo sports machine to go on sale in December in Japan. The last full remodelling of the iconic car was in 1999. Specs to be unveiled on October 24.
- PIVO 2
Evolution of the egg-on-wheels concept that now comes with a robotic interface that reads facial expressions, including drowsiness, and talks to the driver for a safer and more enjoyable ride. In-wheel motors and by-wire technology allow the tyres to turn 90 degrees, and the car to drive head-on into a parallel parking space.
- Round Box (Rd-Bx)
Sports-car-and-RV-in-one concept aimed at young drivers who like going out in groups. An interactive system using Bluetooth technology allows all four passengers to share digital information through the dashboard display.
- Intima
Precursor to the next Teana sedan. Targeted at "adult men" who want to pamper their partners. Front passenger seat is the best in the car, swivelling 80 degrees "as if to welcome and escort a passenger into the car."
- NV200
A light commercial vehicle with a sliding cartridge that can be customised to various business needs. Show model fitted for ocean photographers, complete with compartments for submarine gear and a working space with a remote control panel for a spider camera and photo-editing equipment.
MAZDA MOTOR CORP
- Taiki
Named after the Japanese word for air or atmosphere. Fourth instalment in a series of "flow"-themed designs that Mazda plans to introduce in the next decade. Taiki's head-turning design brings the concept closer to a real sports car than its three predecessors, designers say.
- Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid
Combines Mazda's hydrogen-fuelled rotary engine with an electric motor for a cruising range of 200 km (125 miles). Mazda plans to put the next-generation minivan on roads next year.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORP
- i MiEV Sport
A sporty version of the i MiEV electric car, which features in-wheel motors and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
- Mitsubishi Concept-ZT
Sedan concept powered by a 2.2-litre clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST, the automaker's unique dual-clutch system.
SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
- PIXY
A low-speed, one-seater "mobility device" with a striking resemblance to Toyota's i-unit.
- SSC (Suzuki Sharing Coach)
660cc van that can be used to shuttle around up to two PIXYs.
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
- Exiga Concept
Touring seven-seater with large see-through roof, powered by 2.0-litre turbo engine.
- G4e Concept
Electric vehicle packing next-generation lithium-ion battery designed to power the car for 200 km on one charge.
- Impreza WRX STI
New production car to be unveiled on October 24.
- REUTERS
