2009 Tokyo Motor Show
The 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has released its secrets, and the Motor Authority crew has covered all the latest from the Japanese capital.
Sadly, the once popular event hasnât been able escape the effects of the industry doom and gloom, with most major foreign automakers shunning the show this year. But despite the downsizing, there was still plenty of excitement thanks to some high-profile world debuts from the major Japanese brands.
As always, the Tokyo Motor Show played its role as an open invitation for the world's automakers to study each other's latest moves. Particularly for green-car enthusiasts, this year's Tokyo event is a fertile ground for hybrid and electric-car concepts.
It's not all over yet, though, so stay tuned for any new cars, concepts or details that may break from the show floor.
2009 Tokyo Motor Show: New Cars
Honda CR-Z Hybrid: For the uninitiated, the CR-Z Concept was first revealed back at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and previewed a new hybrid sports car that Honda plans to launch in the first half of next year. Unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo event, the CR-Z Concept is now a near production-ready version of the compact sports car and we canât wait for the production car's debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
2011 Lexus LF-A leak
Lexus LF-A: The supercar that almost wasnât, the 2011 Lexus LF-A, has finally been officially revealed. At $375,000, 552 horsepower and 202 mph, it's a true supercar, and Lexus's first. Only 500 of the hand-built cars will be produced, starting from next December.
2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid
Toyota Sai Hybrid: The Japanese-market version of the Lexus HS 250h launched at the Tokyo show this year. There aren't any plans for the car to head to the United States, though, as it's intended to sit just above the Toyota Prius in Japan--a slot already occupied by the decidedly entry-level-luxury HS here in America.
Mazda SKY-G gasoline direct injection engine
Mazda SKY Family Of Next-Generation Engines: Mazda showcases its next-generation of powertrain technologies, which include two new engines, one gasoline and one diesel, and an advanced automatic transmission. Grouped under the âSKYâ family of technologies, the new powertrains and gearbox are part of Mazdaâs greater goal of improving its average fuel economy of vehicles 30% by 2015 compared to 2008 levels.
2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Concepts
2009 Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept
Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept: Combining environmentally friendly technology and safety, the Subaruâs new concept maintains the automakerâs trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive system and horizontally opposed boxer engine but picks up a sporty design not seen previously on any of its vehicles. Under the sheet metal sits a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies, as well as a CVT and two electric motors--one on each axle.
2009 Toyota FT-86 Concept
Toyota FT-86 Concept: After more than a year of rumors, theories and questions, the lovechild of the Toyota-Subaru joint venture has been unveiled. This successor to the rear-wheel drive, drift-legend Corolla AE-86 takes shape with a modified Subaru Impreza chassis and Toyota badges as the FT-86 concept.
2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX MiEV
Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV Plug-in Hybrid: Powered by a new proprietary plug-in hybrid system, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in all-electric mode, the 2009 Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV promises a fuel economy in excess of 117.6 mpg in a mid-size crossover body. The new plug-in hybrid system also combines differential electric motors with Mitsubishiâs trademark Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system and electronically controlled active yaw control.
2009 Mazda Kiyora Concept Update
Mazda Kiyora Concept: The ultra-stylish compact is an eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout for the future. Powered by automakerâs new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine thatâs also set to debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Kiyora has an estimated fuel economy of 75 mpg and could go into production very soon.
2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Green Cars
Nissan LEAF electric vehicle
Nissan Leaf: There's the Tesla Roadster and several three-wheeled electric vehicles for sale, but so far getting a purely electric-powered car to production with a standard car's features at a price the general public can afford has eluded the industry. Until the Nissan LEAF, that is. Due for launch in the U.S., Japan and Europe by late 2010, the LEAF guarantees a range of over 100-miles on a single charge in a practical mid-size hatchback bodystyle.
2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: The plans for this first factory-built plug-in Prius are very modest. Only about 500 vehicles will be built, so Toyota can gather real-world data on how drivers actually use plug-in hybrids. The first users will be selected commercial fleets; 150 will go to Europe, and the same number to the U.S. market, with first deliveries starting by the end of this year. Toyota hasn't committed to a date when retail customers will be able to get their hands on a factory plug-in Prius, although 2012 would fit the rough timeline it has discussed in the past.
2009 Tokyo Motor Show: More Headlines
Infiniti Confirms Electric Luxury Vehicle Plans
Double Video: Live Unveiling Of The 2011 Lexus LF-A Plus Promo Video
Mitsuoka Reveals Retro-Styled Viewt
Supasse V Sports Coupe Headed To 2009 Tokyo Motor Show
Video Leak: Toyota FT-86, Honda CR-Z And More From 2009 Tokyo Motor ShowÂ
Report: Toyota working on iQ roadster for Toyko Motor Show
Subaru Unveils Impreza WRX Carbon
2009 Tokyo Motor Show: Stay Updated
Bookmarks: Follow our Tokyo Motor Show tag and this 2009 Tokyo Motor Show page for updates
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