Tokyo 2009: Should Honda bring the Freed MPV to America?

Here in Tokyo, we were hanging around with some American Honda Motor Co. officials when they got their first up-close look at the Freed. The Freed is a compact minivan/MPV based on Honda's Fit architecture. For reference, the six-seat, three-row Freed is about 15 inches shorter than a Mazda5 and about 4 inches longer than a U.S.-spec Fit.

Freed's third row seats fold up against the sides of its body, leaving a completely flat load floor. At least two U.S. Honda PR people checking out the model loved the idea of offering it Stateside, although they'd be inclined to see two changes. Because of the micro-van's short length, they would drop the third row and move the second row back for more legroom. Additionally, the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (the same one used in the U.S. Fit) would also likely be replaced by something a bit larger for the our market – possibly a 1.8-liter or even a 2.0-liter.

[Source: Honda]

Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-EV II concept

Toyota has revealed its latest plug-in electric concept car here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The FT-EV II is a followup to the iQ-based FT-EV that we saw in Detroit earlier this year but appears to be a ground-up design that takes advantage of the electric drive architecture. The iQ is promoted as a 3+1 layout because the presence of the steering column and instrument cluster force the driver's seat to be further back – limiting the already small rear seat behind it.

The new concept uses a complete drive-by-wire system with joystick-like controls that feature a steam-punk design motif. The result is wide open space in the front, which conspire with the very thin-shell seats to offer decent room inside. The car also has sliding doors on both sides. It's not known if this concept represents a design direction for an urban BEV that Toyota will likely build to meet ZEV mandates in the next five years, but it would seem to make sense for Toyota to do a custom design such as this.

Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title

For the past 30 years, Japan has declared a car of the year, an award given to newly released or redesigned vehicles released from November 1st of the previous year to October 1st of the current year. More than 60 jurors composed of Japanese journalists receive an allocation of votes, and the car with the most votes comes away with the crown.

This year the Toyota Prius narrowly edged out the Honda Insight, continuing the recent trend of environmentally-friendly winners. Other notable winners included the new Volkswagen Golf, which was named the Import Car of the Year, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which was declared to have the Most Advanced Technology. The Nissan Fairlady Z won the category of Most Fun, and finally the Subaru Legacy took top honors for Best Value.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the award, the Tokyo Motor Show also organized a display of past winners, starting with the Mazda Familia 3-door Hatch Back in 1980-1981 and finishing with last year's winner, the Toyota IQ.

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this car in the Subaru booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concoction of carbon fiber spoilers, wings and widened fenders seen here is the Legacy B4 GT300 racecar that is set to compete in Japan's Super GT series next year. The car actually made its racing debut at Fuji Speedway last month, and even though previous driveline problems prevented this racer from making an even earlier debut, the B4 GT300 managed 300 trouble-free kilometers to finish a respectable 18th place.

As for specs, the Legacy B4 GT300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four that pumps out more than 300 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, we imagine it's an absolute blast to pilot around the track.

Tokyo 2009: Caterham CSR 175

It would be tempting to call this year's Tokyo Motor Show an entirely domestic affair, but that's not entirely accurate, as a few smaller specialty automakers like Lotus and Alpina took advantage of a surplus of available square footage by nailing down prime floor space for themselves. As a belated addition to the festivities, Caterham, England's merry band of Colin Chapman acolytes marked the occasion with the world debut of its CSR 175.

The new model slots in as a new bottom rung to the CSR franchise, which is paradoxically the marque's premium range. The 175 joins the range's existing trio of variants, the 200 bhp CSR200, the 260bhp CSR260 and the full-house 260 bhp CSR Superlight. If you're paying attention, you can therefore deduce that the new addition possesses 175 bhp. That may not sound like a lot of power, but in a car that weighs as much as an anorexic gnat, we reckon the Ford-sourced 2.3-liter Duratec four-pot will still be plenty entertaining.

Either way, traditional minimalist roadsters like the Se7en have never been about terminal velocity, they've always been predicated on leech-like cornering and giant-kiling acceleration. And given that the 175 shares the CSR family's stiffer spaceframe chassis, updated suspension and refined aerodynamics, Caterham's latest should continue corner like a cat on carpet

PRESS RELEASE:

CATERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – October 15, 2009: Caterham Cars will be one of just three European manufacturers exhibiting at this month's Tokyo Motor Show (Oct 24-Nov 4).

The iconic British sportscar marque will continue its surge into markets across the globe by exhibiting three of its newest models – the Japanese premiere of the Superlight R300 EU4, the world premiere of the CSR 175 EU4 and the Roadsport EU4 which have not only achieved pan-European homologation but have passed Japan's even more stringent regulations.

Japan has long been a key export market thanks to the country's fascination with all things connected with innovative British design. Caterham has sold cars successfully in Japan since the 1970s.

The exhibit at the Tokyo Motor Show is the latest move by Caterham importer, Premium Cars Import (PCI) to help promote the brand in the Far East. PCI was confirmed as Caterham's Japanese exclusive importer in January this year.

Caterham Cars managing director, Ansar Ali, will be attending the show and said: "Japan has always been one of our biggest export markets. During the early 1990s, Caterham was selling over 100 cars a year in Japan and now, with our new importer doing great work to highlight the company from their Tokyo base, we are looking forward to pushing sales up again.

"I have no doubt we will achieve this objective as we now have a retail network of over 15 dealers in Japan who are committed to making Caterham another British success in this exciting and dynamic market.

"The Tokyo Motor Show is a fantastic way to showcase our unique products alongside the numerous world premieres from other manufacturers. To be one of only a small handful of European manufacturers present shows our commitment to this market."

Tokyo 2009: Mazda RX-500

One of the coolest concept cars here at the Tokyo Motor Show isn't even new. In fact, it's almost forty years old. Originally displayed at the Tokyo show in 1970, this Mazda RX-500 Concept features styling similar to the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO Breadvan, gullwing doors that swing forward, and a 491cc rotary engine just behind the seats. Weighing in at just 1873 pounds, the 247-horsepower concept was said to have reached nearly 150 mph on Mazda's test track.

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga

We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.

Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin – especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.

Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.

New Nissan Fuga blends class-leading technology
interior comfort and performance

Redefining the traditional luxury car, Nissan's first generation Fuga luxury sedan, delivered outstanding performance, comfort and interior quality. Inheriting that flagship DNA package, the all-new Nissan Fuga arrives in Japanese showrooms this autumn.

Class-leading performance, handling and engineering
At the heart of the new Nissan Fuga are new technological advances that combine seemingly conflicting attributes such as nimble handling and comfortable ride, plus powerful acceleration and silent, eco-friendly performance. Customers may choose from either the VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 or the VQ25HR 2.5-liter V6.

Amongst the innovation, fitted to the Fuga are newly developed `Double Piston Shock Absorbers' (frequency responsive) that employ a double piston construction to improves handling and ride quality by increasing oil flow inside the shock absorber to reduce vibration from road undulations and absorb minor road imperfections.
Incorporating some significant advanced technologies such as LDP (Lane Departure Prevention system) and Intelligent Cruise Control, this sedan promotes safe, comfortable driving.

Based on sat-nav map information indicating a curve approaching, the system assists deceleration by deploying a movable accelerator pedal and activating the brakes in a system called `Intelligent Pedal (Navigation-Cooperative).' `Cornering Stability Assist' applies the VDC System to control vehicle movement for safe and smooth cornering. Both the `Intelligent Pedal' and the `Cornering Stability Assist' are world-first technologies to be featured on the new Fuga. Along with advanced active four-wheel steering, these technologies support the driver to ensure a comfortable driving.

Supporting Eco-drive and Safety-drive
The new Fuga is the world-first model to feature a driving safety support system, which utilizes the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) in its navigation system. The system supports safe driving by providing information to alert the driver at blind intersections for example, based on information on nearby vehicles and traffic environment, which is transmitted to the Fuga from optical beacons installed all across the country.

Fitted as equipment that supports eco-driving, the Fuga employs a world-first `ECO-pedal'. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects overly zealous throttle work, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior.

A first for Nissan, the newly engineered "Drive Mode Selector" is fitted as standard equipment and adjusts engine response, transmission shift schedule and 4-wheel active steering, giving the Fuga a sportier, more comfortable on-road feel. In addition to normal drive mode, the 4-door sedan features a newly fitted sports mode and eco-mode. By selecting a mode using a dial located under the gear shifter, drivers can choose modes ranging from sharper, more responsive handling to economical, easy cruising settings to suit any mood or road conditions.

Dynamic design appeals to senses
The new Fuga's powerful combination of long hood, short overhangs and deeply sculpted fenders with large diameter 20-inch wheels*, give a visual appeal as only authentic rear-wheel drive sports sedan proportions can. By moving the front pillar back, lowering the car's height and adding to its width, interior comfort has been enhanced while achieving a low, powerful stance.

The Nissan Fuga's large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design inspired by traditional Japanese Kabuki eye make-up combine to establish a strong presence, while its sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the light reflected on its surface.

Spacious, bright and comfortable interior
The premium quality interior in the new Fuga takes the first generation's highly rated cabin design to the next level. Designers have further improved interior quality by enhancing trim and details.

For example, seats in the luxurious interior employ `premium semi-aniline leather.' A special kneading process creates a softer, more supple surface that has been finished in a strong yet soft protective coating. This process results in a luxury sofa-like leather seat that is soft to the touch yet firm in its cushion support.

In addition, soft and smooth textured trim (Sofiless) has been used to cover the armrests and other spots where the skin touches, and the dashboard has been covered with a material that has the high-quality finish and comfortable softness of a leather furniture.

Employing a traditional hand-application method, craftsmen have painstakingly applied pure silver powder to the premium interior woodgrain panels giving them an immaculate mirror finish. The silver powder woodgrain paneling and semi-aniline leather are exclusive to premium interiors.

Utilizing materials suitable to each specific location in the car, occupants sense they are cocooned in a tailor-made cabin, surrounded by surfaces that are soft to the touch and switches that are all newly designed and boast a more luxurious, tactile and high-quality feel.

Significant luxurious appointments further elevate the Nissan Fuga's status as a leading luxury sedan. These include a world-first climate control system called ` Forest AC' that manages air temperature and fan strength, as well as humidity, odor detection and suppression to create the clean interior environment. Occupants can also enjoy the relaxing effect of special aromas and natural outdoor-like breezes through air vents, while a newly developed plasma-cluster ion unit purifies cabin air. In addition, the overwhelming sound from the BoseR Surround Sound System, which drives 16 speakers with a 14-channel digital amplifier, will ensure premium sound quality.


SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 4,945
Overall Width (mm) 1,845
Overall Height (mm) 1,500
Wheelbase (mm) 2,900
Seating Capacity 5


Fuga Hybrid
On the Nissan stand at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a hybrid version of the new Fuga will also be displayed. Employing a 3.5-liter V6, high-power Li-ion batteries and a highly efficient one-motor-two-clutch parallel hybrid system solely developed by Nissan, this model generates the fuel consumption of a compact C-segment car. This model will be launched in the Japanese market from 2010 autumn.

Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid

Toyota has rolled out its new Sai hybrid here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and if it looks familiar, that's because you've probably seen something very similar wearing "Lexus" and "HS250h" badges.

The overall aesthetic of the Sai is very similar to that of its premium sibling, but it features different light fixtures front and rear, along with bespoke fascias on both ends as well as a unique hood and trunk lid.

The Nippon-market dedicated gas-electric model utilizes the same 2.4-liter gasoline engine tied to Toyota's latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and the luxury compact features things like plant-derived plastics and a radar-based pre-crash safety system.

According to Toyota, "Sai" means "talent" and "coloration" depending on how it is written in Japanese, and the name is meant to combine "advanced talent and multi-color sophistication." Obviously.

The automaker expects 36,000 customers to be wooed by the front-driver's colorful talents each year. No word yet on whether the sedan will cross the Pacific as a more affordable Toyota-badged version of the HS250h

PRESS RELEASE:

TMC Unveils Luxury Hybrid 'SAI'

Tokyo - TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces the unveiling today in Japan of the compact luxury sedan "Sai", which is planned to go on sale in Japan on December 7.

The Sai is based on a concept derived from the Japanese word sai-which means "talent" when written as "sai" and "coloration" when written as "sai"-as a hybrid-only sedan "combining advanced talent and multi-color sophistication".

The Sai, designed with extensive consideration for the environment, features a gasoline-electric hybrid system with a 2.4-liter engine for outstanding fuel efficiency and use of Ecological Plastic (made from plant-derived materials) for approximately 60% of the interior surface area. Its highly efficient package achieves an outstanding balance between maneuverability, comfort, refined sedan styling and aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, in addition to offering advanced features for high-level safety performance, such as a millimeter-wave-radar Pre-crash Safety system, the Sai, among its other attributes, provides cruising performance and riding comfort befitting a luxury vehicle, altogether making it a compact luxury vehicle for a new era that brings together "talent" and "coloration" to enrich customers' lifestyles.

Monthly sales target for Japan: 3,000 units

Assembly Plant: Miyata Plant, Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.


"Advanced talent"

Outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental performance

The Sai features the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) II combining a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine with an electric motor and a reduction gear. By delaying intake valve closure, the engine achieves a high expansion ratio at low pressure, thus raising heat efficiency.

* Possessing dynamic performance with power to spare, vehicle realizes fuel efficiency of 23.0km/l-on par with 660cc minivehicles-under 10-15 test cycle of Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT); under MLIT's JC08 test cycle, vehicle has fuel efficiency of 19.8km/l
* Vehicle meets new 2015 Japanese fuel efficiency standards set out under Law Concerning Rational Use of Energy, and CO2 emissions are 75% lower than 2005 standards under MLIT approval system for low-emission vehicles, which is currently strictest standard in Japan for emissions; thus, vehicle qualifies for Japanese government tax reductions and subsidies for environmentally friendly vehicles


Key Hybrid System Specifications
Engine Model 2AZ-FXE
Displacement 2,362cc
Maximum output 110kW (150PS)/6,000rpm
Maximum torque 187N-m (19.1kgf-m)/4,400rpm
Motor Maximum output 105kW (143PS)
Maximum torque 270N-m (27.5kgf-m)
Complete system Maximum output* 140kW (190PS)
HV battery Type Nickel-metal hydride
*Using both engine power and electric motor power (based on TMC calculations)


The transaxle is exceptionally small and light, with a compact high-speed motor that achieves increased output and a reduction gear that increases torque.


An exhaust heat recovery system uses exhaust gas to heat the engine, thus shortening engine-warming time and contributing to greatly improved fuel efficiency, especially when outside temperatures are low.
LED headlights conserve electric power and consequently reduce power-generation requirements on the engine.

In addition to Standard Driving Mode, which balances fuel efficiency and power, drivers can also select Eco-Drive Mode, which prioritizes fuel efficiency by moderating driving force relative to accelerator operation and putting the air conditioner into a low energy-consumption mode, and Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive Mode, which uses the electric motor only, resulting in extremely quite cruising and zero emissions.


Support for environmentally considerate driving
A Hybrid System Indicator that shows real-time driving status and an Eco Driving Indicator that lights up to signify fuel-efficient vehicle operation provide visual support to the driver.

The ESPO1 system, which encourages and rewards environmentally considerate driving, enables drivers to gain extra enjoyment.

* G-BOOK mX, TMC's advanced telematics service, assesses environmentally considerate driving and awards points to driver; mastery of eco-driving can be determined according to rate of points gained each month
* Programs that allow drivers to make donations to charities using points received, that rank fuel efficiency of nationwide Sai ESPO users, and other fun incentives to encourage drivers to drive in environmentally considerate ways, are available


Environmental impact reduction
To limit CO2 emissions through achieving carbon neutrality2 and to minimize use of Earth's limited fossil fuels, plant-based Ecological Plastic has been used for approximately 60% of the interior surface area-by far the greatest use of such plastic by TMC in any vehicle to date.

* Ecological Plastic used for first time in ceiling and pillar garnishes and sun visor surfaces in mass-production vehicle; plastic also adopted in injection-molded parts such as scuff plates and luggage trays, as well as for luggage-space trim surfaces and foam in seat cushions
* Required heat resistance, shock resistance and mass production capabilities have been ensured by employing advanced compounding technologies to combine plastic's plant-derived and petroleum-derived raw materials
* Logo and surface patterns indicate parts made of Ecological Plastic
* Recycled materials are also used in parts such as undercover to further reduce environmental impact


TMC employed its Eco-Vehicle Assessment System (Eco-VAS)-its in-house-developed system to comprehensively assess environmental impact-in designing the Sai.

* Eco-VAS includes setting targets at start of vehicle development to help reduce environmentally harmful factors by such means as balanced reduction of CO2 emissions
* Life-cycle assessment carried out to reduce CO2 and air contaminants throughout vehicle's lifecycle


Review of materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction of volatile organic compounds and sometimes-unpleasant interior odors to levels compliant with voluntary industry standards.


High-efficiency package limits length while increasing interior space

The Sai adopts a high-efficiency package that balances superb maneuverability and comfort with attractive, refined sedan styling and aerodynamic performance.

* Body size offers excellent maneuverability and minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters (when fitted with 16-inch wheels)
* Slightly elevated hip point enhances forward visibility and positioning of door openings and seat height optimized to ease ingress and egress
* Telescopic, tilt-function steering wheel and eight-way adjustable power seat enable driver to easily set optimal driving position
* Slimmer front seatbacks allow more legroom at knee height for increased rear comfort and ease of ingress and egress
* Optimal positioning of hybrid-system battery secures enough luggage space to accommodate four golf bags3


Enhanced safety equipment

Advanced technologies including a Pre-crash Safety System (featuring millimeter-wave radar) to counter both front and rear collisions as well as seven Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags-standard on all models-and optional rear seat SRS side airbags pursue safety performance at the highest levels.


Preventive safety performance and driving support

* Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) system-standard on all models-optimally balances driving power, steering and braking to achieve stable driving regardless of road conditions
* Pre-crash Safety system (millimeter-wave radar type) detects risk of collision and warns driver with buzzer and display; depending on probability of collision, system also initiates Pre-Crash Brake Assist system, Pre-Crash Brakes, and Pre-crash Seatbelts to minimize collision damage
* If Pre-crash Safety system determines risk of collision from vehicle approaching from behind, hazard lights flash to warn driver; if collision is highly probable, system shifts front-seat headrests to optimum position to brace occupants for impact and to lessen risk of injuries
* Brake-signal system-standard on all models-flashes brake lights in event of sudden braking to warn driver of the vehicle behind
* On highways and freeways, Lane-keeping Assist alerts driver of lane divergence and assists with corrective steering
* Radar cruise control (with brake control) maintains appropriate distance from vehicle immediately in front within set speed
* Wide-view front monitor simultaneously displays ground in front of vehicle as well as left and right frontal areas


Collision safety

* Vehicle features advanced Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) collision-safety body that incorporates omni-directional compatibility to achieve exceptional collision safety performance in frontal, side or rear collisions
* Body designed to reduce pedestrian head and leg injuries in unfortunate event of collision with pedestrian
* Seven SRS airbags, including SRS knee airbags (driver seat) and SRS side and curtain shield airbags, are standard on all models; rear seats have SRS side airbags and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (optional) to enhance rear-seat safety
* Active Headrest-standard on all models for driver- and front-passenger seats-shifts headrest to appropriate position to lessen stress on neck and reduce risk of whiplash injury sustained during rear-end collision



"Multi-color sophistication"

Simple, modern interior and exterior designs integrate and refine functional beauty and style

Exterior
The unique exterior, based on the Toyota-brand "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, creates a triangular silhouette-a first for a Toyota-brand sedan-that features outstanding aerodynamic performance as well as prominent innovation and styling.

* Low grille reduces air resistance and enhances engine-cooling performance, while plated grille and area around headlights convey quality, creating refined sense of integration of whole front section and express union of innovation and style
* Aero-management features in adoption of triangular silhouette; character line along door shoulder section extends to rear and emphasizes trunk while achieving both excellent aerodynamic performance and stylish sedan form
* Laser welding technology (laser brazing) used for first time on Toyota-brand vehicle to join trunk lid panels; clean and subtle rear view features detailed plated garnishes
* Seven exterior colors, including newly developed Aqua Mica Metallic, available


Enhanced aerodynamic performance
Through use of aero-management, the vehicle's underbody has underfloor covers across large sections to create smoothness, achieving a coefficient drag value of 0.27-among the highest in its class4.

* Front pillars are positioned forward, while rearmost portion of roof is gently sloped, resulting in excellent aerodynamics; sides of front bumper feature "aero-corner" (plane surface to streamline airflow along areas around wheels)
* Light but highly rigid roof panel shaped to reduce wind resistance
* Front achieves negative lift (downward force) when equipped with 18-inch wheels, enhancing tire grip when cruising at high speeds and providing excellent handling and cruising stability


Interior
The cockpit layout is driver-focused and provides outstanding visibility and operability, while the interior conveys modernity and quality with an unassuming and consistent beauty, including a slim and flowing center cluster characterized by advanced functionality.

* Display Zone, which displays information, and Command Zone, for operations, create advanced cockpit that enables driver to focus on driving
* Navigation screen, which displays maps, air-conditioning and audio-system information and more, is positioned in upper center of instrument panel to minimize need to shift visual focus
* Vehicle features Remote Touch system-Toyota-brand debut-positioned optimally on center cluster that allows driver to operate on-screen cursor using fingertips; together with steering-wheel-mounted controls, combined system reduces need for driving-posture changes
* Electro Shift-matic (shift-by-wire) shift lever, conveniently located close to steering wheel, can be used with minimal effort
* Easy-to-use, steering-wheel-mounted controls and Remote Touch allow infrequently used center-cluster controls to be covered, thereby maintaining the cluster's easy-to-use, simple, modern form; combination with thin gauge hoods and shape of armrests provides depth and feeling of quality to advanced cockpit space
* Stylish front seats' thin seatbacks achieve comfort and also contribute to roominess of rear-seat area


Comfort-enhancing features
A Power Easy Access System that supports the driver's ingress and egress and other comfort-enhancing features befit such a luxury vehicle.

Newly developed fabric seat covers (in plum and gray) combine vibrant elegance with a silken textural quality. The driver and passenger seats also have functions that help prevent static electricity build-up and eliminate odors. For optimum comfort, automatically controlled leather heated seats, in plum, are also available.

Storage spaces, including an illuminated and lockable glove compartment, overhead console, and bottle holders, are positioned for optimal convenience.

An HDD navigation system with 8-inch pop-up display comes standard on all models. All 10 speakers of the Super Live Sound System (excluding the tweeters) contain bamboo fiber-a material with minimal environmental impact-for clear sound reproduction.

Fully automatic air conditioning (with a pollen removal mode) that allows the temperature to be set independently for the driver and passenger side is standard on all models. A temperature adjustment switch is also located on the passenger-side door trim.

Plasmacluster Ions®5 releases a balance of positive and negative ions into the cabin, helping reduce the propagation of airborne germs and impurities, thus aiding the creation of a stress-free cabin environment.

Hybrid-specific features
The color, Hybrid Synergy Blue, which identifies TMC's hybrid vehicles and their advanced nature, is used on the vehicle's emblems, headlights, combination taillights, gauge display, shift knob and power switches.


Superior driving performance befitting a luxury vehicle

The 2.4-liter hybrid system is powerful yet refined, providing smooth and seamless acceleration.

The new platform was developed for medium/compact vehicles. Tuning tailored specifically for the Sai provides superior and light handling, excellent cruising stability and comfortable ride.

* Hood and body frame materials use aluminum and high-tensile steel plates to achieve both lightness and high rigidity
* Newly designed suspension features MacPherson struts in front and new double wishbone format in back


The electric power steering (EPS) adopts a brushless motor. The steering gear ratio and EPS control are optimized for comfortable maneuverability and a feeling of direct control from low to high speeds.

Meticulous attention was paid to reducing noise by combining a high-rigidity body with vibration-damping suspension members and optimal placement of vibration-controlling and soundproofing materials, thus raising the high level of quietness that typifies a hybrid vehicle.


Welcabs: Specially equipped vehicles with factory-installed features for disabled people

Lift-up Front Passenger Seat models (Type A and Type B) feature a front-passenger seat that slides down and to the outside of the vehicle to facilitate ingress and egress. Switches to slide and recline the seat are on both the left and right sides of the vehicle, also enabling operation from the driver's seat. In addition, rear-seat legroom was maintained by making the lift-up mechanism more compact. "Type B" has a motorized device for loading and unloading a wheelchair.

As with the base vehicle, the Welcab models qualify for Japanese government tax reductions and subsidies for environmentally friendly vehicles.

1Abbreviation derived from "eco" and "passport"
2Refers to zero net CO2 emissions over entire product life cycle
3Depending on the size and shape of golf bag, stowage may differ
4Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
5Registered trademark of Sharp Corporation

Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo long wheelbase revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show today doesn't add anything to the less well-endowed Alpina B7 we saw at Geneva except length, but isn't that enough? The double-turbo'd 4.4-liter V8 brings 507 romping horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque – all of which is enough to get the white whale to sixty in 4.8 seconds.

Alpina's custom 21-inchers support an interior package touched up with the tuner's logo throughout. Our only cause for pause: the much larger steering wheel; the smaller diameter unit in the regular BMW helps to make the execu-barge a hoot to throw around a track.

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo

You can make anything bigger and better if you just add a hump, and that's what Mitsubishi has done to its i-MiEV to create the i-MiEV Cargo.

For those who find Ford's Transit Connect simply too monstrous and don't want to pay for gas – like, oh, a commercial concern in Tokyo – Mitsu's battery-powered i-MiEV could be the perfect solution. Growing only in height compared to its hatchback sibling, the thing is tiny but still packs 62 cubic feet of cargo space in its Quasimodo back end – that's a little less than half the Transit Connect's space. That said, we have to wonder how much a full cargo load will negatively effect the i-MiEV's range and overall performance.

PRESS RELEASE:

Generous expansion of i-MiEV 's interior space
Concept: Greater utility for an extended range of uses

The i-MiEV CARGO is a concept car that maximizes the outstanding environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define the i-MiEV production model and at the same time adds a generous amount of customizable free space at the rear to extend the range of uses to which it can be put by corporate users and self-employed operators in particular. The result is a concept for an EV that meets user space needs and demands for a variety of situations: from business use, where maximum payload space is required, to leisure and other individual owner uses. Being a zero-emission vehicle that produces no drive-time CO2* the i-MiEV CARGO offers the ideal solution to users in the welfare and medical fields where clean low emission vehicles are becoming a requirement.

*: Excluding CO2 emitted during the generation-to-charging process.

Design
Innovative and unique styling gives appealing road presence

The i-MiEV CARGO ' s distinctive styling was developed around a "joint" design concept as it links the i-MiEV ' s curvaceous front section with a square rear end that offers extra space. The S-shape body line running from the front to the rear gives the vehicle a light and nimble appearance when viewed from the side. The unique styling which effectively joins the radically different front and rear sections creates a road presence that will attract attention not just around town but on any number of situations. Inside, the simple and user-friendly styling eliminates extraneous elements and details to improve usability and create an interior space characterized by its free-thinking design and originality.

Free Space
Generous and versatile free space invites creative use of imagination

The square-design compartment at the rear of the vehicle allows every inch of available space to be utilized. Also, with its flat floor design and high capacity, the space not only accommodates more luggage or cargo but also lends itself to being customized in practically any manner the owner's imagination may run to and thus extend the range of uses to which it can be put. The height of the floor has been designed to facilitate loading and unloading of luggage or cargo.

Tokyo 2009: Suzusho Supasse-V

The concept behind the Suzusho Supasse-V is a good one. Take a lightweight chassis, a Le Mans-inspired body, then stuff it with the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 from the Mazdaspeed3 and a 6-speed transmission. How can that go wrong? Well, we wouldn't say the Supasse-V is a failed attempt at the formula, but it fell short of our expectations from when we first learned about the car a few weeks ago.

In person the Supasse-V looks like...well...a kit car. We don't know why this is a surprise, since Suzusho specializes in Lotus 7 replicas, but the car actually looked pretty good in pictures. Up close we couldn't help but notice the awkwardly shaped and oversized wheel wells or the dated headlight design that always seems to come with kit cars. The interior is spartan but purposeful and reminds us of a Lotus Elise, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Still, the Supasse-V is far short of cars like the relatively polished Rossion Q1.

Press Release:

Supasse V - Tokyo Motor Show 2009

This is the second car show of extremely high performance closed sports car Supasse V. Director Toshio Suzuki was a Racing driver. He and his two sons and his professional staff has been to designing and manufacturing sports car using 3D CAD systems for many years. The monocoque chassis and the suspension is designed by Suzusho. The rear sub frame is bolt on and is easily replaceable. The Suppasse-V is the closest thing on the road that is equal to a competitive racing car which, can be seen at Le-mans and many other circuits. The Body is shaped and designed by the famous Kenji Mimura, who is well known for Dome Zero and Le-mans cars in Japan. We are very pleased to present to you with satisfaction the Supasse V.

Specifications

Length 3,873mm
Width 1,953mm
Height 1,160mm
Wheel Base 2,447mm
Track Fr/Rr 1,540mm ／ 1,550mm
Road Clearance 95mm
Weight 850Kg
Chassis Alminium twin tube monocoque , Steel tube sub frame
Body ＦＲＰ
Engine L3-VDT
Poweｒ 2,260cc 264PS/5500 rpm
Transmission 6 speed manual
Suspension Fｒ/Rr Double wishbone push-rod dumpers
Brake Fｒ/Rr 4pod ventilated disc ／ Single pot solid disc
Tyre size Fｒ/Rr 245/35-18 ／ 265/35-18
Wheel size Fr/Rr 8.5J/18 ／ 9.5J/18

Tokyo 2009: WRX STi Carbon

Most people we talked with don't seem to understand the point of the Subaru WRX STi Carbon unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show – but it's a JDM-only car, and frankly, there are a lot of things that outsiders don't understand about the Japanese market.

The carbon-roofed A-Line will come with two choices of engine, but since the model isn't earmarked for America, we probably don't need to worry about it. That said, the powerplants are as intriguing as the car: a 2.5-liter turbo with 296 horsepower, and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo with 305 hp. Both will operate through the only tranny on offer: a five-speed automatic. If you got past that last sentence, there's also suede inside. So you'll be more comfortable shifting... your automatic.

Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck

Unlike the CR-Z which is nothing more than a thinly veiled preview of an upcoming production model, the Honda Skydeck remains a pure design study at this point. While most automakers would provide a full list of specifications for a concept that is nothing more than a fiberglass buck, Honda isn't bothering with even that. The only thing the automaker says about this Tokyo Motor Show star is that it's a theoretical hybrid.

The SkyDeck is a six-seat MPV with some oddball portals and interesting interior fitments. The front doors swing up Lambo style, while the rear sliders actually pop out like normal doors and drop down as they slide back, ideal for jamming against the curb.

Once inside, the first two rows of seats are cantilever mounted off of the center tunnel and the second row can slide forward and down to stow underneath the fronts. All the seats consist of a mesh material stretched between a wooden frame.

[Source: Honda]

Tokyo 2009: Daihatsu Basket concept

We're sure it wasn't meant this way, but standing beside the Daihatsu Basket concept, you do feel like you could throw things in it, pick the thing up by its t-top crossbar, and take it to a picnic. And carrying it that way would probably be better than driving it. A thoroughly JDM offering, it is described thusly: "the slow pace of life open four-seater model with a wide rear deck is designed for full enjoyment of life, such as for trips to the family vegetable plot out of the city." Amen.

The rinky-dinky pickup packs a removable hardtop up front and a removable canvas top in back, and linen throughout the cabin for that light, airy interior feel.

okyo 2009: Honda EV-N concept

Honda's new CEO Takanobu Ito started off his tenure at the head of the company today by unveiling a new plug-in battery electric concept. The EV-N showcar hides its futuristic electron pumping powertrain in a decidedly retro bodystyle thanks to a design reminiscent of the subcompact 600N of the Sixties.

Honda has yet to reveal much in the way of technical details about the diminutive hatch, but we do know it uses lithium-ion batteries and the electric motor drives the front wheels. The car can be started with a fob called the Loop that incorporates a display showing the driver know the battery pack's state of charge.

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer is sharp-nosed and an all-out sharp piece of car. The car's flat floor hides two electric motors, one aft that powers the car in low-speed acceleration and assists with acceleration, and one up front connected to a direct-injection turbocharged gas engine. The Tourer is also fitted with Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineatronic CVT transmission.

As for its design, Subie officials tell us that the nose points the way for Subaru's new corporate face and the rest of the car indicates the general design language we'll see from the brand represented by the Pleiades. "It will be anti-Bangle, editing, not adding – cars have too many character lines now." But forget about the gullwing doors -- those were fitted to provide the best view of the interior.

Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept 2009

Honda fans of all sorts have cause to celebrate today with the reveal of the 2009 iteration of the CR-Z coupe. In typical Honda fashion, this CR-Z remains a concept in name and detail only. What you see here is essentially the production coupe that will go on sale in Japan next February and then arrive in North America in the Fall.

The cool scoop-like grille from the original 2007 concept has been largely carried over, with the biggest changes being a somewhat taller roof and a more upright windshield with blacked out A-pillars – concessions to the fact that real people will have to fit into the production car. On the exterior, the only elements likely to change once it hits the assembly line are the side mirrors, which will probably be a bit larger, along with the internals of the light clusters.

The good news for fans of the much-loved 1983-1991 Civic CR-X is that the CR-Z should have significantly better performance than the disappointing new Insight, a car that is geared more toward fuel economy than performance. In any case, the CR-Z coupe gets a bump in displacement up to 1.5-liter and – wait for it – a six-speed manual gearbox! This will be the first hybrid with a row-it-yourself six-speed.

Tokyo 2009: Toyota unveils FT-86 Concept

We got a sneak peak of the FT-86 earlier this month, and now Toyota has just officially revealed its new 2+2 concept here at the Tokyo Motor Show. It's been a while since the Japanese automaker has offered anything resembling a sports car – especially one with rear-wheel drive – so there was plenty of excitement when the covers were pulled off the FT-86. The coupe looks stunning in person, and we particularly like the details like the carbon-fiber rear diffuser and the stunning white leather seats.

We were hoping for more information about the FT-86 at its debut, but Toyota is still keeping quiet about the specific details of the car that is tipped for production in late 2011. Rumor has it that a Subaru 2.0-liter flat-four will be sending power to the rear wheels, and that keeping weight down to a minimum will be a top priority.

Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan GT-R

Without much fanfare (okay – zero fanfare), Nissan has rolled a tweaked version of its home-market GT-R onto the show floor here at the Tokyo Motor Show.

While you're not likely to notice any exterior differences, JDM buyers should appreciate that Nissan has fettled the suspension, fitted higher-flow cats to the exhaust system for improved low- and mid-range response (as if this were a problem before), and they've also added a next-generation hard-drive based navi system that includes iPod connectivity.

On the suspension end of things, the rear suspension radius rod bushings have come in for a stiffening, and the front shocks and springs have been tweaked for increased "accuracy" (no, we're not entirely sure what that means either).

Perhaps the only modification that will be visible to passers-by is the inclusion of rear diffuser cooling ducts across the range – previously these were only fitted to the SpecV model.

Speaking of SpecV, the higher-performance model also gets new rear shock settings and standard Dunlop tires – Bridgestone loyalists, fear not - those shoes are also still available by request.

PRESS RELEASE:

October 21, 2009
Nissan Releases New-Spec Nissan GT-R

YOKOHAMA (Oct. 21, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system. It is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.

Since its introduction in the Japanese market in December 2007, the Nissan GT-R has gone through continuous evolution, remaining on the cutting-edge of multi-dimensional performance. The GT-R has also been acclaimed globally, winning more than 50 top awards in various categories since launch. Nissan also supports GT-R owners with exceptional after-sales service.

The latest revisions to GT-R include a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions. A USB port with iPod®*1 connectivity allows the driver and passengers to enjoy their favorite music in the car, creating an even more pleasant interior environment. *2

In addition, the GT-R's suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV models receive revised rear shock absorber settings, enhancing the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling. In conjunction with this change, SpecV now comes standard with Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.

Finally, both the Nissan GT-R and GT-R SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce ventilation/airflow resistance.
Nationwide MSRP Pricing in Japan (including consumption tax)


Drivetrain Engine Grade Transmission Price (yen)
4WD VR38DETT GT-R GR6 dual clutch
transmission 8,610,000 ☆Model in photo
GT-R Black edition 8,820,000
GT-R Premium edition 9,240,000
GT-R SpecV 15,750,000

* SpecV goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan.
*1 iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
*2 May not be applicable in selected countries.

Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth

Lotus has unveiled the latest special edition of its maximum performance, minimum everything else Exige today at the Tokyo Motor Show. We took a moment to check out the Exige Stealth (known as the Scura in Europe) on the show floor and managed to curry some time with Lotus vehicle development director Roger Becker.

The new model gains a set of comely forged alloy wheels, but the big news with the car is the unique paint. We asked Becker about the Stealth and its special finish, and as it turns out, this is more than just a basic matte paint. Lotus has been experimenting for several years with matte finishes but was never satisfied with the results. The problem – as anyone who has ever done body repairs and worked on primer-finished cars can tell you – is that matte surfaces really show marks and stone chips. Lotus wanted something more durable before putting the car into production.

To create the Exige seen here, the entire car has to be sprayed in the base gloss coat seen on the central stripes. The stripe area was then masked off and the rest of the body abraded in order to get a surface that the matte paint will grip to. Finally, a newly formulated rubberized matte paint is applied. When you touch the car, the surface actually feels soft, and according to Becker, it is four- to five-times more resistant to marking and peeling than other finishes.