2003 Tokyo Motor Show Preview

TCC's Auto Show Index (2/23/2003)

2003 Tokyo Motor Show Index (10/21/2003)

A Shinkansen bullet train whisks itself away from Tokyo's sleek Ueno train station, bound for the farthest reaches of Japan's major islands. It uses countless supercomputers and microcircuits to deliver its passengers comfortably and safely, in an environmentally conscious way, all while hurtling them forward at speeds up to 200 mph.

Most of the press horde touring this week's Tokyo Motor Show won't step foot on the Shinkansen, but they'll be surrounded by scaled-down versions of the same aesthetic as they walk the aisles of the Makuhari Messe, the convention center that hosts the biannual Tokyo show. More than its companion international auto shows in Detroit and Frankfurt, Tokyo has a reputation for cornering the market on high-tech advancements in the world of cars. And this year's show, the 37th, promises to be no different.

Here's a brief preview of what you'll see this week as TCC covers the Tokyo show. Stay tuned as we bring you all the concepts and production vehicles — and breaking news, too — from the Makuhari hall:

 

 

Honda Previews Three Tokyo Concepts

Honda says of the nineteen vehicles it will show at next week's Tokyo Motor Show, three will be advanced concepts that push Honda's hybrid and green technologies. They are:

the HSC, a hybrid sports car in a compact package;

 

the IMAS, another hybrid sports car with an emphasis on light weight and aerodynamics;

 

and the KIWAMI, a showcase for fuel-cell technology.

 

Toyota Plans Lexus Concepts

Toyota's upscale Lexus brand — not yet introduced in Japan — will show two concept vehicles at next week's Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicles include the LF-X, described as a, SUV-crossover sport sedan, and the LF-S, a new-generation premium sedan that uses a V-8 powertrain coupled with hybrid technology that is engineered to deliver all-wheel traction. Lexus will go on sale in Japan for the first time in August of 2005, according to a Toyota release. No photos of the concept vehicles were released.

DAILY EDITION: Oct. 15, 2003 by TCC Team (10/14/2003)
Latest, greatest 'Vette pics, Honda shows Tokyo concepts.

 

Benz F500 Concept Headed to Makuhari, Too

The 37th Tokyo Motor Show will also host the debut of a new Benz concept vehicle that's heavy on advanced technology and on room. Mercedes-Benz says in a release that the F500 research vehicle gives insight into the vehicles of the future — how long in the future they're not saying, but the F500 does sport night vision, infrared laser headlamps, and programmable cockpit displays. The four-door fastback shape also features an interior pillar for reinforcing the body, and electronic brake and accelerator pedals.

 

 

Jeep Treo Speeding to Tokyo

Jeep is joining the Tokyo concept fray with the Treo — not a Handspring PDA/phone, but a three-seat ("two plus gear," according to Jeep) off-roader based on a compact-car chassis. A fuel-cell powerplant with zero emissions is anticipated by the design, as is an electric powertrain that would give the Treo all-wheel drive. The classic Jeep seven-slot grille is in evidence on the stubby nose; the rear seats fold flat to allow a third passenger or a mountain bike to ride in back. Stay tuned for more on Treo and more from the Tokyo show next week.

 

Hyundai Plans NEOS-II for Tokyo

Hyundai's next concept car will bow at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. The NEOS-II, says the Korean car company, is a new crossover utility vehicle developed by its Japanese design center. The four-seat concept has what Hyundai calls a "futuristic" interior and the interior room of a luxury car. An Adaptive Forward Lighting System and an multi-link rear sliding door are other highlights of the concept. Stay tuned next week as TCC brings you all the news from the Tokyo Show.

Spy Shots: 2005 Hyundai Crossover by Brenda Priddy (9/8/2003)
A Kia-alike sibling for the Santa Fe.