2015 Nov 3
From the extreme and outrageous to the high-tech or just plain fun, concept cars are a big part of major auto shows. Although most concept vehicles will never make it to production, they often showcase forward-thinking design elements, new technology and other features that will eventually become available in showrooms. Take a look at some of our favorite concepts from this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
MAZDA RX-VISION

One of the stars at this year’s show in Japan, Mazda’s beautiful RX-VISION coupe concept has a low, wide stance, short overhangs and a sleek roofline. Mazda never stopped research and development on the rotary engine, and under the sleek hood of the RX-VISION is a next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary powerplant.
NISSAN IDS

Nissan debuted the IDS Concept in Tokyo to showcase the automaker’s attitudes on the future of autonomous driving. The IDS allows the driver to choose between manual or automated driving, providing more choices of assistance in every situation or taking over driving the vehicle completely and allowing the driver to relax. The interior configuration changes depending on the driver’s choice.
NISSAN TEATRO FOR DAYZ

While Teatro for Dayz will serve daily transportation needs, it is also a digital device that allows users to connect with friends, share experiences and modify the car to meet their mode, much like they do with a smartphone today. When the car is in drive mode, the white instrument panel will display the gauges, controls and maps that the driver needs to operate the car. When parked, the vehicle’s instrument panel — as well as the rest of the interior — can be used as a customizable display to fit users’ needs and interests.
NISSAN CONCEPT 2020 VISION GRAN TURISMO

The Nissan CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo began as an ultimate Nissan performance model for the virtual world of the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo videogame series. Penned by Nissan designers for the Gran Turismo fantasy garage, the car then became a physical model, premiering in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.
TOYOTA KIKAI

Toyota’s Kikai concept looks like a cross between a high-performance dune buggy and a ’32 Ford Coupe hot rod, but the focus of the Kikai is really on the beauty, precision and mechanical elements of a car. The name Kikai means machine in Japanese, and the focus is on the machine that is normally hidden out of view under beautifully sculpted bodywork. The engine, suspension, exhaust tubing and fuel tank are all exposed to view.
TOYOTA FCV PLUS

The FCV Plus concept is Toyota’s look at a future fuel-cell vehicle that can also be used as a power source for other needs. In addition to the vehicle’s own hydrogen tank, the car can also generate electricity from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle to provide electricity for other uses when it’s not being used for transportation.
DAIHATSU NORI ORI

A multi-use commuter for the future, the Nori Ori (getting in and out) focuses on the first challenge that faces anyone using a car: getting in and out of the vehicle. To create an easy-access compact car, the Nori Ori has an ultra-low floor utilizing a fold-and-kneel system and dual sliding doors on the side that open wide to allow access.
DAIHATSU TEMPO

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu had a Tempo outfitted as a mobile coffee shop to showcase the possibilities. The gullwing door creates a perfect sales window for a mobile business, with access behind the counter through the rear door.
LEXUS LF-FC

The LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system that operates the rear wheels and two electric motors housed in the front wheels, making the LF-FC all-wheel drive with sophisticated torque-distribution control between the front and rear wheels. New technology inside includes an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures.
SUBARU VIZIV FUTURE CONCEPT

A new turbocharged engine is smaller and lighter than the current unit, and offers a smoother feel under acceleration as well as increased fuel efficiency. While the Viziv Future Concept is all-wheel drive, it differs from the systems found in current Subarus; it has no driveshaft to the rear axle but an electric motor mounted directly on the rear axle, which provides a flat floor throughout the vehicle for greater flexibility and roominess.
MITSUBISHI EX CONCEPT

The Tokyo world premiere of the eX Concept demonstrated Mitsubishi’s vision for a new compact crossover powered by a next-generation electric vehicle system. The exterior and interior designs, including the new front end, purportedly indicate the future direction of Mitsubishi styling.
HONDA WANDER STAND

For those folks old enough to remember phone booths, the Honda Wander Stand looks a bit like a modern phone booth with four wheels. Honda describes this concept as a vehicle to pursue the joy and freedom of mobility as you wander around freely, and it’s said to provide new experiences through new autonomous driving technologies.
MERCEDES-BENZ VISION TOKYO

The Vision Tokyo is a large vanlike vehicle designed to drive autonomously, providing space for five occupants to lounge on a large oval-shaped couch. Aimed at Generation Z — those born since 1995 — the Vision Tokyo gives travelers a place to “chill and chat” with access to the lounge through a large upward-swinging door on the left. Large wraparound LED screens envelop the passengers. Apps, maps and displays from the entertainment system can be shown on the screens, or presented as three-dimensional holograms within the interior space.
TOYOTA AUTO BODY ALPHARD HERCULE CONCEPT

A luxury vehicle evoking the feel of a yacht, the Toyota Auto Body ALPHARD Hercule Concept looks like a custom minivan with a massive grille and a large retractable soft-top. The grille and rooftop aerodynamic parts are designed to give the ALPHARD Hercule a boating look, and azure body graphics are intended to reflect wind and waves.
With the top open on the ALPHARD Hercule, the rushing wind, hardwood floor and rear sofa combine to create the feeling of being aboard a yacht.
FUSO SUPER GREAT V SPIDER

A one-of-a-kind truck that looks like it should be a superhero’s ride in an action move, the Fuso Super Great V Spider is based on the heavy-duty FUSO tractor and equipped with four knuckle boom cranes.