2017 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: What to expect

When it opens next Wednesday (October 25), this year’s Tokyo motor show will give motoring enthusiasts a snapshot of the future.

Japan’s reputation for futuristic gadgetry will be underscored at this year’s Japanese show with a tagline of “Beyond the Motor”. What does that mean? Plenty of concept cars including a healthy selection of autonomous and electric technology. In some cases, both.

As for performance fans, don’t despair. Our mail is that there will be some juicy debuts of the sporting variety, too.

Honda
Honda wooed many observers at the Frankfurt motor show in September, unveiling its smart-looking Urban EV concept, which makes its Japanese debut next week alongside the Honda NeuV concept

But the Japanese marque has confirmed it will follow-up on the Urban EV with the Sports EV Concept, which makes its world debut in Tokyo.

A cryptic sketch of the vehicle reveals a classic sports car silhouette that is set to be paired with electric powertrain and Honda’s own artificial intelligence technology. A sports car for the 21st Century, if ever there was one.

"While sharing the platform with Honda Urban EV Concept, its unforgettable silhouette, friendly front fascia that naturally blends into any lifestyle, and supple surfaces make it a next-generation sports car that brings joy and emotional attachment in ownership," says Honda.

Lexus
Lexus is set to show off a seven-seat version of the RX SUV, along with a mystery concept car that could possibly make way for a high-performing LC F coupe.

The Japanese marque is keeping its cards close to its chest, revealing only that we can expect “a new concept car” alongside its new LS flagship sedan, new LC flagship coupe and updated CT and NX models.

Mazda

Mazda has confirmed it will stage the world debuts of two concept cars at the Tokyo motor show.

One of them will be a thinly veiled preview of the next-generation Mazda3 due on sale next year.

The other concept will provide a glimpse of the next instalment in Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design language, which will be presented as part of a “Celebrate Driving” theme.

Amid the global automotive industry’s current focus on autonomous vehicles, Mazda’s “determination to continue offering cars that celebrate the driving experience” suggest it could also point to the company’s born-again RX rotary sports car due by 2020.

Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been consigned to history, but hasn't stopped the Japanese marque from reincarnating the name.

The Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept is set to be revealed in Tokyo in the form of an all-electric coupe-like SUV, which we've so far seen only in teasers.

Meantime, Mitsubishi Electric will debut the futuristic  Emirai 4 roadster concept.

Nissan
Nissan will champion its EV efforts at Tokyo with a both passenger and commercial concept vehicles.

As already outlined, the LEAF EV will be joined by a higher performance NISMO-fettled stablemate.

The LEAF NISMO sports larger wheels, lower sport suspension and a bespoke body kit and tweaks to its EV powertrain. Nissan isn’t saying how much faster or farther it will go, but promises “a custom-tuned computer that delivers instant acceleration at all speeds”.

Also set to grab attention on the Nissan stand is its pair of light commercial concepts – one an EV.

The new Paramedic Concept is a pointer to Nissan’s fifth-generation ambulance. Only sold in Japan it’s based on the NV350 Caravan, the standard version of which will also debut at Tokyo.

Nissan’s Tokyo EV commercial is the e-NV200 Fridge Concept.

Says Nissan: “the Fridge Concept’s compact size will make it easier to park in urban environments, where large delivery trucks are often prevented from stopping. Equipped with an additional battery pack in the cargo space to power a refrigeration unit, the Nissan e-Fridge will be able to store chilled foods”.

The real star of the show for Nissan, however, remains under wraps. Internal sources are being extremely tight-lipped.

What it will not be is the much rumoured replacement for the 370Z. Even in concept form that vehicles is still some time away.

Subaru
Subaru will give us a snapshot of its sports car future with the Viziv Performance Concept in Tokyo, a vehicle many are tipping as a preview to the next-gen WRX.

A lone teaser image reveals the car’s sporty, muscular and futuristic pretensions, including cameras in the place of side mirrors.

"The new VIZIV (vision for innovation) Performance Concept is a sports sedan that embodies the brand’s vision for the future of making cars that deliver 'enjoyment and peace of mind' to its customers," said Subaru.

Also on display in Tokyo will be the Subaru BRZ STI Sport, elements of which will be included in a yet-to-be disclosed Australian variant, which will be on sale around end of year.

It will include a strictly limited “launch edition” in the new Cool Grey colour that recently debuted on new generation XV, plus cosmetic exterior and interior enhancements, improved body rigidity and enhanced ride quality and handling stability via exclusive suspension tuning.

Suzuki
Suzuki’s cult off-roader, the Jimny, is expected to be given a new lease of life in Tokyo, with the reveal of an all-new model.

Details are thin on the ground, but leaked images suggest a retro design theme along with the Jimny’s familiar hardy reputation.

What has been confirmed under the curious theme of 'EXCITEMENT for Everyone, in Everywhere' are a range of wacky concepts including -- in Suzuki's words -- the e-SURVIVOR (a futuristic compact SUV inspired by Jimny and Vitara), the SPACIA CONCEPT (a newly-styled tall mini-wagon offering a sense of fun and excitement) and the SPACIA CUSTOM CONCEPT (a tall mini-wagon with luxurious design that makes a powerful impression).

There will also be the XBEE (pronounced cross-bee, a new genre of compact crossover wagon with the rough-road drivability and functionality of an SUV), the XBEE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE (an elegant outdoor version of the XBEE that heightens your experiences whilst out in the great outdoors), XBEE STREET ADVENTURE (appealing to those focused on fashionable and active urban lifestyles, within a city setting) and CARRY OPEN-AIR MARKET CONCEPT (beyond just a commercial vehicle, the Carry Open-Air Marketing Concepts offers a wide variety of suitability and adaptability).

Toyota
Toyota’s stand at this year’s show will be bustling with new reveals.

Unveiled this week was the Fine-Comfort Ride concept, a van-like passenger car concept with seating for six (including four captain’s chairs that swivel to create a lounge layout) and a driving range in excess of 1000km, courtesy of its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain.

Elsewhere, the Japanese marque will unveil a trio of autonomous concepts designed to reset our minds on daily conveyance. Included in this set is artificial intelligence capability.

Toyota will also unveil its new Tj Cruiser in Tokyo. The T doesn’t stand for Tonka, but rather toolbox, referencing the car’s rich storage options and utilitarian bent. The lower case j? It refers to the ‘joy’ of visiting tricky terrain thanks to the car’s part-time all-wheel drive system. Obvious, isn’t it!

Sports car interests will be purportedly appeased with the unveiling of Toyota's GR HV Sports Concept, a hybrid petrol-electric prototype. Sharing the same fundamental layout as the 86, withstanding the botched nose job, the GR HV features a targa-top roof and an automatic transmission that's configured like a H-style manual. Strange.

The bigger interest in Tokyo surrounds the possible unveiling of a next-generation Supra. Riding on a platform shared with BMW’s next-gen Z4, the flagship promises front-engined, rear-drive performance.

There has been talk of twin-turbo sixes, BMW-developed engines and even a hybrid powertrain. Hopefully Toyota can put us out of our misery next week.