The English sports car manufacturer Lotus has just unveiled the Exige S ABA-1117 at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. This Exige is also known as the Scura, Lotus is evoking owners to ’indulge their dark side’ with this sinister hard top sports car. Priced at around $75,000 the Exige Scura features a trio of Phantom Black stripes to break up the large panels of matte black paint, however the carbon fiber bits and suede wrapped racing buckets go a bit further towards showing off the Scura’s true purpose of being an all out competition vehicle. Only now instead of laughing at bright orange bodywork, other drivers will stay out of this Lotus’ way. Like all Exige models the Scura is powered by a supercharged four cylinder engine that delivers a maximum output of 257 HP 174 lb-ft of torque, while it can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 152 MPH. The Lotus Exige S ABA-1117 is a serious looking car and enhancements to performance and a reduction in weight from the production level Exige S means that it demands to be driven by a serious driver. Open air motorists will enjoy the Lotus Elise ABA-1119, a lightweight sports car that uses the English automaker’s world-renowned bonded aluminium chassis to provide a driving experience akin to no other sports car.
The Japanese automaker Mazda presented the Kiyora concept at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The Mazda Kiyora gives an indication as to where Mazda is going with their small, eco-friendly city car for the future. The Kiyora is highly fuel efficient, with a very small CO2 footprint, delivering Zoom- Zoom driving fun and high levels of safety. This compact concept car is powered by the Mazda SKY-G engine and SKY-Drive transmission, achieving 75.25 MPG. The Mazda SKY-G is a next-generation direct injection gasoline engine with greatly improved fuel economy and output due to enhanced thermal efficiency. The Kiyora chieves this by taking Mazda’s acclaimed lightweight strategy to a new level by employing an extremely rigid and lightweight carbon-fibre body structure beneath a small, aerodynamic outer skin and a spirited, small-displacement 1.3-liter direct injection engine.
The diamon star automaker Mitsubishi presented their new Concept PX-MiEV and i-MiEV CARGO at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The i-MiEV CARGO maximizes the outstanding environmental performance and economic efficiency characteristics that define the electric vehicle and, at the same time, adds a generous amount of rear free space.
On the other hand, the PX-MiEV, powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, significantly improves the fuel economy in excess of 50 km/liter. This is mostly thanks to the concept’s 1.6 Liter inline four powerpack for the front wheels and a revolutionary auto volt plug in system. Similar to previous Pajero models, the PX-MiEV is capable of running on either front or all-wheel drive, only this time the CUV also has a hybrid mode plus a parallel hybrid system when the PX-MiEV is running on heavy. Mitsubishi also gave some of its Evolution X configurations to the PX-MiEV, including the S-AWC and E-AYC systems, which is capable of triggering power shuffling in any part of the car whenever the need arises.
Subaru debuted their Hybrid Tourer concept at the 41st annual Tokyo Motor Show. The gas/electric car of the future features a pair of oversized gullwing doors and is powered by a hybrid drivetrain that centers around a 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed direct gasoline injection turbocharged engine combined with two auxiliary electric motors, one placed at each axle to continue Subaru’s all wheel drive philosophy powered by a high performance lithium ion battery pack. The Hybrid Tourer concept model is Subaru’s new proposal for the future of grand touring car that integrates environmental friendliness, driving performance and safety all at exceptionally high levels.
The small Japanese automaker Suzuki premiered two new vehicles at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the Alto concept and the Swift Plug-in Hybrid model. The Alto concept is a cute small car complete with body lines that hint at zippy performance and comes equipped with a fresh interior complete with creature comforts like large storage space that’s easier to use than ever before as well as a newly adopted keyless start system. Part of Suzuki’s forward thinking economical options, the Alto concept comes complete with a fuel saving continuously variable transmission. While the even more efficient Swift Plug in Hybrid is powered over modest distances by a battery that can be charged from your standard home electrical outlet.
The Nissan motor company officially unveiled a few new models at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, these forward thinking new cars consist of the Land Glider, Fuga and Roox. The Land Glider has a potential to become a new means of transportation in urban areas offering seating for two in tandem, with the driver sitting up front and room for only one passenger behind. The traditional round steering wheel is replaced with a unit more like the stick on an airplane, and the gauges match the aviation theme and make the concept’s cabin feel more like a cockpit. The Land Glider’s linear acceleration and the narrow body will help reduce traffic congestion and promote effective use of parking space. The Fuga is Nissan’s top-of-the-line luxury sedan which combines a supreme design inspired by the current series of Skyline models as well as unparalleled interior treatments and outstanding performance. While the Roox is a super spacious mini car, that thanks to its box shape offers up lots of interior space to compliment the compact car’s dynamic design.
The Japanese automaker Honda has just revealed three new vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show. The EV-N, SKYDECK and CR-Z Concept made their world debuts at the 41st annual auto show. The EV-N is an electric concept model that is powered by a lithium ion battery pack, creating a a fun and easygoing relationship between person and car ushering in a new era of people friendly future mobility. The Skydeck is a six seater hybrid vehicle that transcends generational and lifestyle boundaries to offer multipurpose transport suitable for motorists of all ages. The last of Honda’s new offerings is powered by a compact, lightweight and efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, the CR-Z Concept 2009 features a broad, low-slung stance with a short wheelbase creating an attractive 21st century vehicle that is both stylish and fuel efficient.
The Japanese automaker Toyota has just unveiled the FT-86 Concept and the FT-EVII at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The FT-86, with 86 being pronounced as hachi roku, is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car inspired by the Corolla based AE86 sports coupe from the 1980s, and carries a very strong resemblance to the FT-HS Concept that was revealed back in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The FT-86 is a compact, rear wheel drive sports concept powered by a 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated four cylinder gasoline burning engine supplied by Subaru. In its non boosted form, the flat four make a maximum output of 150 HP.
While the FT-EV II is a compact electric vehicle designed for short distances and is placed under the iQ in Toyota’s line-up. It measures 2730 mm in length, 1680 mm in width and 1490 mm height. The vehicle has no steering wheel or foot pedals-symbols of vehicle performance. In addition, it has not been designed simply as a means of transport, but instead based on the premise of collaboration with communications functions, a concept that differs from earlier vehicles. The car is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that has an autonomy of 56 miles and can hit a top speed around 62 MPH.
Lexus released the LF-A super car as its world premiere at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The LF-A pursues the ultimate in "joy of driving" with its by a 4.8 liter V10 that delivers a maximum output of 560 HP at 9,000 RPM and a peak torque of 354 lb-ft at 6,800 RPM, with 90% of the total torque being available between the 3,700 RPM mark and the super car’s 9,000 RPM red line. As a result of such a road torque curve, the LF-A can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 3.7 seconds and won’t stop until it reaches a top speed of 202 MPH.
At the same time Lexus unveiled the compact LF-Ch hybrid, making its Japanese debut. The Lexus LF-Ch combines stylish design cues with full hybrid technology in a practical 5 door compact package that should perfectly fulfill the needs of even the most demanding premium compact customers. The LF-Ch will feature a bolder Lexus grille that sits atop a deep, bulging front bumper complete with a trio of intakes giving it a perfect balance of both precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front fenders flow into the front bumper to create a wide set of arches and a deep set of brake cooling ducts that give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful stance combining superb dynamic performance with very low emissions.
The luxury tuners Alpina have just unveiled the BMW ALPINA B7 BiTurbo Limousine at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The high end BMW specialists Alpina are responsible for taking care of the lack of an M inspired version of BMW’s larger limousine. Based on the BMW7 Series, the Alpina B7 Biturbo combines exclusiveness, athleticism and comfort in perfect harmony to create a high performance luxury limousine. Committed to developing the best performing vehicles in the luxury market, BMW with ALPINA has created a special high performance version of BMW’s 7 Series luxury, the biturbo’s engine output has been raised to 507 HP thanks to the turbochargers. The suspension is electronically adjustable, ready for any situation and because it is an Alpina the vehicle rests on the signature 20 spoke 21 inch Alpina Classic wheel.
