The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

By: AutomotiveWorld.com, Tuesday, November 29, 2011,

Tags: Alternative Fuels, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Electric Vehicles / EVs / PEVs / BEVs, Fuel Cells / FCEVs, Fuji Heavy Industries, Future Models, Honda Motor Company, Hybrids / HEVs / PHEVs, Infotainment, Navigation and Connectivity, Isuzu Motors, Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Motor Show / Auto Show, Nissan Motor Company, OEM Strategy, Product Launch, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Volkswagen, Volvo.

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Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami eight months ago, few would have been surprised if the 2011 Tokyo motor show been cancelled. It would be difficult to imagine any unfair criticism of the Japanese automotive industry for making what would have been a sensible decision in the perhaps most difficult year in its - and the country's - history. Since March, further blows have been dealt by the yen-dollar exchange rate, the worsening global financial situation, and the floods in Thailand.

In the event, the show will go on: the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public on 3 December at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Koto-ku, with 30 November and 1 December dedicated to the press.

Whilst celebrating the strength and importance of the automotive industry, the show is set to be a sober one. The event's slogan is "Mobility can change the world". Given the ongoing difficulties with energy supply in Japan, it's of little surprise that alternative drivetrains are set to take a lead. JAMA, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, is hosting a hall dedicated to 'Smart Mobility City 2011', highlighting "next-generation automobiles and the social systems with which they interact". The show also promises to be a showcase for cutting edge technology - indeed, the organisers say the show seeks to be the world's leading technology motor show.

The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show boasts 176 exhibitors (up by 36% over the 41st Tokyo Motor Show in 2009). All 14 Japanese OEMs will be there, exhibiting models under 15 brands. There will also be a strong international presence at the 42nd Tokyo show; 20 foreign OEMs and 24 foreign brands will be there. This is up from nine foreign OEMs and nine foreign brands at the previous show, and includes stands for Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, BMW, Alpina, Daimler's smart, Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands, and Group Lotus.

According to the organisers, visitors will get to see 52 world premieres, including 26 passenger cars and three commercial vehicles. The show will also feature 82 Japan premieres, including 53 passenger cars, and four commercial vehicles.

Below are the key highlights of the show, with links to the main news stories. This feature will be updated throughout the two press days as the news comes in.

ALPINA

Two world debuts are being unveiled at Tokyo by Alpina: the BMW 6 Series-based B6 Bi Turbo Coupe, and the 99-unit limited edition B3 GT3.

BMW GROUP

BMW

• ActiveHybrid 5: BMW has chosen Tokyo to debut the ActiveHybrid 5, its third hybrid and the latest vehicle to use the ActiveHybrid powertrain. ActiveHybrid 5 is a full-hybrid sedan which combines a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine, an electric drive system, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a lithium-ion battery. Capable of driving on purely electric power, a boost function delivers what BMW says is "dynamic" acceleration, and the car can coast with the combustion engine switched off. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance: BMW's first diesel car for the Japanese market is the X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance. Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine has, as well as a diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalytic converter, an AdBlue urea injection exhaust treatment package to reduce exhaust NOx emissions.

• Other products: As well as the Japanese debuts of the i3 and i8, BMW is using the show to launch new engines: the new generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will feature in the new BMW 1 Series and in the BMW X1 xDrive20i. BMW TwinPower Turbo engines also feature in the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

MINI

• Mini Coupe: The Mini Coupe will enjoy its Asian debut. Also on the stand will be the Mini Paceman Concept.

DAIMLER

Mercedes-Benz, smart

No global debuts on the Daimler passenger car stands, but the company will be showing the concepts and new models it launched in Europe this year, some of which are making regional and Japanese debuts: F125!, B-Class (Japanese debut), M-Class (Japanese debut), SLS AMG Roadster, smart forvision and smart electric drive Phase III.

Mitsubishi Fuso Bus and Truck (MFBTC)

Located next to the Mercedes-Benz stand as a signal of the brand's importance to Daimler, the Fuso stand ("Power to the Future") features the world debut premiere of the new Canter Eco Hybrid light-duty truck, the Japanese premiere of the Canter E-CELL electric truck, the global public debut of the Super Great Eco Hybrid heavy duty truck, and the Aero Queen bus with advanced diesel technology.

• New Canter Eco Hybrid Light-Duty Hybrid Truck: This second generation model launches in Japan in the spring of 2012, before being rolled out to other markets. The New Canter Eco Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system with a new high-performance lithium-ion battery and 4P10 diesel engine; the truck also features first ever commercial truck application of DUONIC dual-clutch transmission embedded with a motor.
• Canter E-CELL Light-Duty EV Truck: This is the first outing in Japan for the Canter E-CELL concept. Based on a Canter 3S13 with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5t, its power comes from 40kWh lithium-ion batteries and a 70kW electric motor with maximum torque of 300 Nm. Range is 120km, and charge time is around 10 hours at 200V.

• Super Great Eco Hybrid Heavy-Duty Hybrid Truck: the Super Great Eco Hybrid, making its public debut, is the company's entry into the heavy-duty hybrid truck market. Its parallel hybrid system combines a new motor, 12-speed mechanical automatic INOMAT-II transmission, new lithium-ion battery, and 6R10 diesel engine. MFTBC says it has demonstrated a 10% fuel efficiency increase over conventional diesel-only vehicles in highway conditions.
• Aero Queen Large Touring Bus: This large touring bus uses a 6R10 heavy-duty engine with BlueTec. Fuso says the vehicle delivers class-topping environmental performance, exceeding Japan's 2015 heavy-duty fuel efficiency standard.

FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SUBARU)

Bloomberg reports FHI President Yasuyuki Yoshinaga saying at the Tokyo show that he expects Subaru sales in 2012 to "top this year's and reach about 300,000 units." The brand's 2011 US sales could exceed those in 2010, and he is optimistic that sales in China could reach 58,000 units in 2011, according to the report. The company plans to introduce a hybrid vehicle in 2013, he is reported as saying, but at the Tokyo show this year, the company is focusing on the launch of the BRZ.

• BRZ: The big news for Subaru at the show is the unveiling of the production version of the BRZ. This is Subaru's version of the Toyota 86 / GT 86 rear-wheel drive sports car (see Toyota entry for more details).

• Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept (SATC): This C-segment Tourer Concept features a hybrid-electric powertrain combining a downsized 1.6-litre direct fuel injection boxer engine driving permanent all-wheel drive. The car's downsized direct fuel injection turbo boxer engine - "one of the principal technologies that will guide Subaru's engine strategy in the future" - "drastically" improves combustion efficiency at practical driving-speed range compared to the existing turbo engine. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• Impreza: Also on show at the Tokyo show will be Subaru's all-new Impreza. Reports suggest Subaru will also show the S206 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and that Subaru will build just 300 units of this high performance Impreza WRX. With a limited-production run comes limited market availability.

HONDA

Honda has announced a wide range of next-generation powertrain technologies, grouped under the name 'Earth Dreams Technology'. The range includes gasoline and diesel engines, hybrid systems and transmissions, all geared at improving performance and fuel efficiency. The technology will appear first in the new N BOX mini-vehicle, later expanding to other models. By 2020, the OEM aims to have cut CO2 emissions for all its global products by 30%, compared to emission figures for 2000. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

As well as production cars (including the Japan-spec CR-V, which had its global debut at the recent LA Auto Show), the Honda stand features a range of concepts, including concept urban commuter vehicles and a new sports concept. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• EV-STER: Honda calls this a next-generation compact EV sports model, which is fun to drive whilst delivering excellent environmental performance. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• AC-X PHEV: This next-generation plug-in hybrid offers, according to Honda, a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. It comes with a dual-mode drivetrain for 'spirited' or 'relaxed' driving.

• Micro Commuter Concept: this futuristic, electric city commuter vehicle also features a Motor Compo two-wheel EV slotted inside it. The vehicle uses a Li-ion battery with a 60km range.

• E-Canopy: two-wheeled commuting machine involving an electric drive for Honda's three-wheel scooter

• RC-E: EV version of a 250cc sports bike
• Townwalker: a sit-upon which can be loaded into a car after folding away the steering and seat.
• N Concept: a new mini-vehicle series that emphasises the use of space, including N BOX, the first production model in the series. Sales of Honda's new N BOX, described as a 'mini-minivan' will officially begin in Japan on 16 December 2011. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY

• Universe: Hyundai has launched the latest version of its Universe heavy-duty luxury bus at the Tokyo Motor Show. The South Korean OEM is a relatively new player in Japan's coach market, which it entered just a year ago. The latest Universe debuted in Korea in November. It features an updated exterior, including front and rear spoilers. Inside, passenger features include individual luxury seats and LED lamps throughout the cabin. The model is powered by Hyundai's proprietary POWERTEC engine. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

ISUZU MOTORS

Isuzu is showing a selection of fuel efficient diesel-powered and hybrid commercial vehicles. The products on the stand include:

• D-MAX: The latest-generation version of this Thai-built 1t pick-up makes its world debut at Tokyo.

• Elf Plug-in Hybrid System: this plug-in hybrid truck features regenerative braking, and is capable of being driven using just the electric motor. Isuzu has developed this vehicle with vehicle to grid (V2G) capability, enabling it to provide AC 100V power to smart grids.
• Elf E-Cargo: This light-duty truck uses a non-urea based DPD (Diesel Particulate Defuser) exhaust gas treatment system, enabling it to comply with Japan's "Post New Long-Term Emissions Regulations", and meet Japan's 2015 fuel efficiency regulation.

• Erga Hybrid: This parallel-hybrid fixed-route bus incorporates a diesel engine, an electric motor/generator, and a high-capacity, high-output lithium ion battery. It uses a motor assist for start-up, and regenerative braking, designed for the stop-start demands of fixed-route bus driving.
• T-NEXT: this is Isuzu's design vision of the future of trucking.

MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION

• Takeri concept: Mazda's Takeri sedan concept hints at the direction of the next generation Mazda6, and is based on the OEM's new design language, 'KODO - Soul of Motion'. The Takeri features a range of Mazda's new SKYACTIV technology, including the SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine. The engine will be paired with Mazda's idling stop system, i-stop, and is the first Mazda to feature the company's new i-ELOOP regenerative braking system. The regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, stores it in capacitors and then uses it to power the vehicle's electric equipment. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• The Mazda stand will also feature the Japanese premieres of the Mazda CX-5 (Japan specification) and the Mazda SHINARI concept.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION

The Tokyo show is an important one for Mitsubishi: the company will show a total of 15 vehicles at the event, including two debuts: the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II.

• Mirage: As many analysts had expected, Mitsubishi has abandoned the Colt name for its new Global Small Car programme; instead, it has resurrected a name it last used from the late 1970s to the early 2000s. The Mirage is a compact five-seater, and uses a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder MIVEC engine with Auto Stop & Go and mated to a continuously variable transmission, offering fuel efficiency of 30km/l (70mpg). Sales begin in Thailand in March 2012. Mitsubishi is reportedly targeting sales of 100,000 units in the first year.

• Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II SUV: The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV II is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV. The new hybrid drivetrain is derived from the i-MiEV, and is paired to a small conventional engine, enabling fuel efficiency of over 60km/l and a range of more than 800km. The high-capacity batteries are good for and all-electric range of 50km. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY

Passenger cars

• Nismo performance variants: Nissan has unveiled a new strategy for its Nismo motorsport and tuning division. This will see Nissan introducing Nismo-badged high performance sports variants of its mainstream models. The first of its mainstream models to get the Nismo treatment is the Juke, which will be shown at Tokyo in concept form. To distinguish the Nismo Juke from the mainstream version - and from the recent Juke-R - it features a purpose-designed body kit, stiffer chassis and a tuned 1.6-litre direct injection turbo gasoline engine. Will this concept go into production? In an online video, Nissan President Shoichi Miyatani, says, "It depends on the reaction at the Tokyo Motor Show. If it's positive, we'll consider introducing it into the market." CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• NV350 Caravan: This commercial / passenger van - the all-new Caravan - gets its global debut at Tokyo.
• Pivo 3: This is Nissan's eighth EV concept, and the company says it is not just a show car like the first two Pivo iterations, but a "realistic" EV of the near future. One feature, Automated Valet Parking (AVP), connects the car to the local infrastructure, directing the car to specially-equipped power-connected parking lots which enable the vehicle to recharge or deliver excess power to the grid whilst the driver is away from the vehicle. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Light commercial vehicles

The Nissan Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) offerings at the show include three trucks equipped with Nissan LEAF components and other EV-related technologies: e-NT400 Cabstar Concept, the Cabstar Refrigerator Van with Li-ion Battery, and the Cabstar Power Supply Truck.

SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION

• Q-concept: The Suzuki Q-concept 'micro-mobility' tandem two-seater EV is positioned between conventional motorcycles and cars. It is described as "ideal for everyday journeys within a radius of about 10km."
• Swift EREV: The Swift EV Hybrid embodies unspecified advances on the Swift Range Extender. It is capable of driving 20-30km on battery power alone, and further when its gasoline fuelled generator kicks in. The Swift EV Hybrid is scheduled to be exhibited as the Swift Range Extender at motor shows in some other countries. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• REGINA concept: The REGINA concept is Suzuki's vision of a "next-generation global compact car". The REGINA weighs 730kg and has a drag coefficient at least 10% lower than that of current models. As a result, Suzuki claims for the gasoline-fuelled car a fuel economy of at least 32km/l (measured in the JC08 test cycle) and CO2 emissions as low as 70g/km (New European Driving Cycle). Details of its powertrain have yet to be released.

TOYOTA MOTOR CORP

LEXUS

Lexus is showing two Japanese debuts: the GS450h which goes on sales in early 2012, and the GS350 F SPORT.

TOYOTA

• 86 / GT 86: Following its preview at last weekend's Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGRF) at the Fuji Raceway, where it was driven by Toyota President, Akio Toyoda, Toyota will formally unveil the production version of the FT86 at the Tokyo show on 30 November. The new car, known as "Hachiroku" (Japanese for "86"), will be sold in Europe as the GT 86. It is the car co-developed with Subaru, which will get its own version, the BRZ, also to be unveiled at the show. The car will also be sold as the Scion FR-S in the US. Using a Subaru 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and Toyota's D-4S injection technology, Toyota claims the 86 to be the most compact four-seater sports car on the market. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• Aqua (Prius c): this compact hybrid, previously shown as the Prius c, will be launched in Japan at the end of December 2011, with a global rollout starting in 2012.The light weight hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre engine with a high output motor.

• FT-EV III: Based on the Toyota iQ, the FT-EV III (Future Toyota – Electric Vehicle III) is a four-seater electric vehicle concept suitable for short-distance trips. There has been no confirmation of whether this vehicle will go into production, but Toyota says it is developing EV technology with the aim of launching a vehicle suitable for short-distance travel in 2012. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 65 miles on a fully charged battery (under the Japanese JC08 test cycle).
• FCV-R: The FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle – Reality & Revolution) concept measures 4.7m in length. Toyota describes it as a practical, family-sized vehicle fuelled by hydrogen. Toyota has committed to commercialising a Toyota fuel cell vehicle by 2015. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• Fun-Vii: Toyota Fun-Vii (Fun-Vehicle interactive internet) concept "heralds Toyota's vision of a future where people, cars and society are linked". Toyota's information-hub vehicle concept is able to link with surrounding vehicles and infrastructure, so it can detect potentially hazardous vehicles in advance. Toyota says a portion of the Fun-Vii's functions can be remotely accessed via a smartphone or other mobile communication device. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

• GRMN SPORTS HYBRID Concept II: This mid-engined, gasoline-electric hybrid convetible concept was first shown at the Nuerburgring 24-hour endurance race in Germany in June 2011.

• H2V plug-in hybrid/EV charging support tool: Toyota and its customer service IT company Toyota Media Service Corporation have developed a tool to support home-based charging of the Prius plug-in hybrid due for launch next year, and electric vehicles. Toyota Housing Corporation, TMC's house construction and design subsidiary, will start sales of the tool, the H2V (home charge to vehicle) Manager, in January. An H2V Manager unit will be on display at the Toyota booth in the Smart Mobility City 2011 exhibition. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

DAIHATSU

Toyota's subsidiary, Daihatsu, is using Tokyo to exhibit four concept cars and eight production vehicles along with various technologies. Production cars include the Mira e:S, Move, Tanto and Tanto WELCOME SEAT, Tanto Exe Custom, Mira Cocoa and the Copen.

• D-X: This is Daihatsu's sportscar vision, with swappable resin body panels, and a fuel-efficient two-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine.

• PICO: The PICO tandem two-seater EV is positioned "between light cars and motorised bicycles."
• FC ShoCase: The FC ShoCase features a proprietary fuel cell electric powertrain equipped with Daihatsu's liquid fuel cells that contain no precious metals. The stack mounted below the flat floor of the concept's new platform uses liquid fuel, about which Daihatsu says only that it has "a high energy density to enable a long range." CLICK HERE FOR MORE

HINO

Hino has unveiled two world debuts at the show - the Dutro Plugin Hybrid and the EV Van Concept.

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP

AUDI

• A1 Sportback: The five-door Audi A1 Sportback will make its global debut in Tokyo. Three gasoline and three diesel engines will be offered.

• Samurai Blue: this A1-based concept is for the Japanese market only, and has been developed to celebrate the success of the country's women's football team. Reportedly it could be commercialised in the near futue.

VOLKSWAGEN

• Volkswagen Passat Alltrack: The Passat Alltrack will hit Volkswagen forecourts in early 2012. The Alltrack gives the Passat Wagon 4MOTION four-wheel drive and 30mm extra ride height.

• Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept: The first public outing for Volkswagen's new 'modular transverse matrix' (MQB) comes in the form of the Cross Coupe, an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid concept. To sit between the Golf and the Tiguan, the Cross Coupe is VW's vision of a four-door coupe/SUV crossover, and indicates the company's plans for the growing C-SUV segment. Power comes from two electric motors (which alone offer a 40km range) and a TSI direct injection turbo petrol engine, which deliver a combined power of 265 PS, 0-62mph (0-100kph acceleration of 7s and a top speed of 125mph. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

 

Published on Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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