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Cars&Bikes

Text and photos By William Bonds

Tokyo Motor Show 2005

The automotive world’s big players zoom into Japan with some high concepts in tow

Jaguar XK
Courtesy of jaguar

There are basically three motor shows that count:
Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit. Frankfurt is for the Europeans (i.e., the Germans), Detroit is for the Americans (Infiniti, Lexus), and Tokyo is for the Japanese (Mazda, Nissan and Toyota). But all of them are for showoffs. Yes, you’ll get the new models and updated versions of your regular cars, but you’ll also get futuristic ideas and concept cars.

“Tokyo may not be as big as Frankfurt, but it could be argued that it’s the most important at the moment, as Japan is at the top of the auto world in terms of the quality of cars produced and profits,” says veteran Tokyo-based auto journalist Roger Schreffler. “Toyota, Nissan and Honda have all had record profits in recent years, and Mazda has made a strong comeback.”

So what can you expect to see at this year’s TMS, which runs through Nov 6? Here are some of the highlights.

Nissan GT-R Proto
Courtesy of NISSAN

Nissan
The biggie is the first sighting of the new GT-R, the GT-R Proto, which is scheduled for release in October 2007. The two-door muscle car will feature an all-new design and will be available globally (previous models had a very limited distribution). Another one for the future is the chunky, mid-sized Foria, a 2+2 that Nissan says is not a rival to the Mazda RX-8, despite a pillarless, rear-opening back door. The Pivo concept car is a small, lithium battery-powered city vehicle with three seats in a cabin that revolves through 360 degrees and masses of sci-fi advanced technology, while the Amenio “multi-people carrier” is a classy take on the MPV.

Jaguar
Jaguar’s year has been highlighted by the all-new XK, a fantastically sleek 2+2 sports car. Hopefully the quality is as good as the design, because it looks very, very desirable.

Mazda Senku
Courtesy of Mazda

Mazda
Mazda’s big number is the Senku concept car, a dazzling low-profile 2+2 with single “flying-wing” sliding doors on each side, a seven-speed transmission, and a hybrid engine based on the manufacturer’s famed rotary power unit. Also on display will be the new MX-5 Roadster, as well as the MX-Crossport, a crossover SUV that, despite its similarities, Mazda will no doubt say is not a rival to the Nissan Murano. The wonderful RX-8 and the Premacy MPV get hydrogen-powered hybrid engines, and could be on sale next year.

Toyota
The big boys of the Japanese auto world were trying not to reveal too much in advance, but apparently they’ll be putting on show a concept car packed to the gills with mind-blowing high-tech stuff. They are also keen to promote the Lexus brand both in Japan and Asia and will no doubt give their classy cars (SC430, GS430 and 350, and IS 350 and 250) a good airing at Makuhari—as well as the new RAV4 and plenty of techy stuff and safety-related advances.

Honda
Someone in the design department at Honda is having a lot of fun. The car maker will have three spectacular concept autos on show, including an awesome-looking 4-door, 4WD, 4-seat sports coupe, referred to, funnily enough, as the Sports 4. Almost as spectacular will be the spacious FCX concept car, a classy four-door sedan with a huge sloping windscreen, while the small W.O.W. concept aims at the lower end of the market for function rather than form. Also check out the new Civic, which is pretty cool itself.

Mitsubishi
Still trying to revive the brand after severe setbacks since the last Tokyo Motor Show for passenger vehicles in 2003, Mitsubishi will fight back with their own four-door muscle car, the Concept-X, as well as the curious Concept-D:5, which almost looks like a compact Japanese version of the Hummer.

Subaru
The curious B5-TPH concept car looks like a flashback to the old Volvo 1800, a two-door four-seater. But the trick is in the technology, namely its “2-liter, horizontally-opposed, 4-cylinder, DOHC, Miller-cycle turbo engine.” Subaru is big on new technology this year, and their “IVX-II” system boasts features (throttle-, steer-, brake-by-wire, GPS, radar, etc.) that could crop up in vehicles in coming years.

Chrysler PT Cruiser
Courtesy of Chrysler

Chrysler Jeep Commander
Courtesy of chrysler

Chrysler
The US manufacturer arrives in Tokyo with an all-new Jeep Commander, the 2006 300C, and an upgraded PT Cruiser with (at last) more power. Chrysler will also show the Akino concept car, named after its California-based Japanese designer Akino Tsuchiya.

Volvo
The Swedish chaps’ big boy at TMS will be the XC90 V8 AWD, a new version of the company’s most successful car, as well as the stylish new C70 convertible/coupe and the Volvo Ocean Race Limited Editions of the V70, XC70 and XC90. They will also be showing two concept cars and a Volvo safety simulator.

General Motors
GM (including Saab, Cadillac, Opel, etc.) say they’ll be making a big push this year, and among offerings at the show will be the Saab 9-3 Sport Estate, the Opel Zafira, the Cadillac STS-V, the Corvette Z06 and the Hummer H3.

Others
Keep an eye out for a new Bugatti, a bunch of Benzes, the Volkswagen Polo GTI, the BMW Z4 Coupe, the Mini Countryman concept car, the Range Rover Sport and the Alfa Romeo 159, which is the replacement for the fabulous 156.

The 39th Tokyo Motor Show (2005) runs until Nov 6 at Makuhari Messe. Open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat, Sun & hols 9:30am-7pm. Admission: adults ¥1,200 (¥1,000 advance or Mon-Fri after 3pm); high/junior-high school students ¥600 (¥500 advance or Mon-Fri after 3pm); students up to elementary school free. Nearest stn: Kaihin Makuhari (Keiyo, Musashino lines) or Makuhari Hongo (Sobu Line). www.tokyo-motorshow.com/eng/index.html.

Would you like to comment on this article? Send a letter to the editor at letters@metropolis.co.jp .

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