Tokyo Concept Cars: GreenMachinesby Shane Kite Provided by

Japanese manufacturers usually go wild with their concept cars during the Tokyo MotorShow and introduce experimental vehicles that may or may not appear on the roadssomeday. The crop of crazy concepts this year is largely an eco-friendly group of smallvehicles, some of which are tiny enough to serve as personal mobility devices. Below areall of the world debuting concept vehicles from this year's show, which was held from Oct.27 through Nov. 11, 2007.

Audi Metroproject Quattro

Audi Metroproject Quattro concept is expected to be the basis for a revamped Audi A1,due in 2009. The three-door four-seater showcases hybrid technology expected toachieve 48 miles per gallon and reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent compared to non-hybrid engines. A 150-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers thefront wheels and a 41-hp electric motor positioned over the rear axle powers the rearwheels. The engine is mated to Audi's paddle-shifting S-tronic Direct Shift Gearbox, whichallows for fast manual gear changes without a clutch pedal. The electric motor alone canpower the car for up to 62 miles of zero-emissions driving, and its battery can berecharged at any standard outlet. Audi says the vehicle should run to 62 mph in 7.8seconds and have a top speed of 124 mph. Inside, the center console houses a newremovable control device, which functions as a mobile phone, navigation system,audio/video player, and vehicle access system. Outside the car, it can be used as astandalone MP3 player, address database and navigation system. It can also help trackthe vehicle if it is stolen.

Honda CR-Z

Honda will resurrect the defunct CR-X in 2009 and the production version of this car willbe based on the CR-Z concept. This lightweight hybrid sports car has a body and enginespecifically designed for clean performance. It's powered by a gas-electric hybrid systemthat Honda hopes will appeal to young eco-aware drivers. No details on the newdrivetrain were given at the car's unveiling in Tokyo. Tube-shaped taillights are meant toensure better visibility to other drivers, and 19-inch wheels contribute to an aggressivelook. The interior incorporates mesh material hung on a simple framework "to convey alight, sophisticated image without being oppressive," Honda said. This next-generationfeatherweight shows that the race is on to see which automaker can deliver the mostperformance with the least pollution.

Honda PUYO

Japan's obsession with cute is well evidenced in the Honda PUYO. Resembling a box turtlein repose or a cartoon crab, Honda tells us the PUYO aches for cuddling. The goal inrendering the PUYO's exterior was to create "a personable design with the feel of anadorable pet." The name is Japanese onomatopoeia meant to convey "the sensation oftouching the vehicle's soft body," Honda says. The "gel body" is not only nice to touch, italso promotes "greater, real-world safety," Honda says. The boxy design is meant tosupply maximum spaciousness, but the there are no sharp edges or corners, in keepingwith the cuddly motif. Teeny wheels pivot independently and enable the car to turn 360degrees, which is great for parallel parking. Lamborghini-style doors swing upward toopen and provide access in tight parking spots. Technical features, such as a fuel-cellpropulsion system notwithstanding, there's an overriding emphasis on tactile sensationand people-car relations.

Lexus LF-Xh

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Lexus evolves its luxury hybrid line-up with an SUV concept called the LF-Xh thatshowcases an advanced hybrid system to be used on the next version of the Lexus RXcrossover utility vehicle. Called Lexus Hybrid Drive, it features a V6 gasoline engine andhigh-output electric motor system that drives all four wheels. Styling on the LF-Xh is basedon the automaker's L-Finesse design language seen on other Lexus concept vehicles inrecent years. It suggests that the next-generation RX will look bolder than its predecessor.

Mazda Taiki

The Mazda Taiki's design is meant to convey a futuristic sensation. And despite the circa-1987 Robocop overtones, the company has given the Taiki some truly mean exteriorappeal, silver wrap included. The Taiki provides clues for Mazda's "front-engine, rear-drivesports car of the future," the automaker says. It gets Mazda's next-generation rotaryengine, which Mazda says "sets new standards for environmental and drivingperformance." An all-glass canopy opens up the interior to the sky. Meant to visuallyexpress flowing air, the Taiki design was inspired by the image of a pair of "Hagoromo,"the flowing robes depicted in traditional "Noh" plays of Japanese theatre, which in loreenabled celestial maidens to fly. The car is the fourth in a series of concept vehiclesembodying Mazda's "Nagare" or "flow" design theme.

Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport

The Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT is a zero-emissions plug-in electric mini-car that is theperformance version of the automaker's innovative Electric Vehicle, or "MiEV." In-wheelmotors up front and a special all-wheel-drive system, called Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), make this Volkswagen Beetle-looking car highly maneuverable as well asresponsive, the automaker said. A single motor drives the rear wheels. An electronic all-wheel-drive system optimizes the output of all three electric motors (the two up front andone at the rear). Besides using regenerative braking technology as is already incorporatedon current hybrid vehicles, the i MiEV Sport includes a couple of other innovative featuresthat help charge the vehicle's battery pack: an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roofcaptures and converts sunlight into electricity and a fan inside the front grill harness windpower. The small coupe has a range of 124 miles and top speed of 112 mph. The taillightsand the interior use power-saving LEDs, and heat-absorbing window glass is meant tocurb the use of air conditioning. "Green plastic," Mitsubishi's plant-based resintechnology, is used where possible to cut down on interior components that could end upin landfills. The automaker said that occupants are protected in collisions from anydirection, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight, due to the car'slayout and use of Mitsubishi's latest Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body.

Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

The Concept-ZT is a premium sedan with a shark-like grille from which the new MitsubishiGalant will take its cues. It showcases a lot of new safety and performance technologywhich has thus far been reserved for luxury cars. The four-seater comes with a newturbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine designed to combine power and fuelefficiency. The engine is mated to a new twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission (SST). Aseries of integrated systems controls driving force, traction and braking at all four wheelsto provide stability on various road surfaces and conditions. All-around monitors provide360-degree views of the car as seen from the top to aid parking. Radar wave sensors andcameras work together to monitor the road, and if a collision is imminent, the systempretensions seat belts, activates crash-restraint seat cushions, and initiates emergencybraking. Another system warns the driver if the car starts to drift from its lane.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

The Mitsubishi Concept-cX combines a newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine andTwin Clutch SST sport transmission for improved performance and less environmentalimpact. This engine will likely power low-emissions diesel vehicles Mitsubishi plans tolaunch in 2009. The four-wheel-drive Concept-cX uses the same vehicle dynamics controlsystem as Mitsubishi's Concept ZT. Driver visibility is optimized via seat positioning, andthe cargo area is accessible via a split tailgate like that of the existing Outlander SUV.Mitsubishi's plant-based "green plastic" was used wherever possible. Like many crossoverutility vehicles, the cX seems intended primarily for on-road use.

Nissan Pivo 2

The future is cute for Nissan, too. Resembling a smiling cartoon octopus with its tentaclescurled neatly into four wheels, the Pivo 2 comes equipped with a Teletubby-like robotburied neck-deep in the dash, which talks to its occupants in a Daffy Duck accent. As theTokyo-based automaker says, "you are never alone in the Pivo 2." The robot is fluent inboth Japanese and English and occupants can talk to it to check vehicle functions or findnearby parking. It can reportedly sense the driver's mood through facial recognition andspeak soothing words when things get tense. But the real charm of this vehicle is not itsHAL-on-helium interface, rather its 360-degree revolving cabin, just like its predecessor.This means drivers can always face forward, even when going in reverse. The Pivo 2 canbe driven sideways as well. Its wheels can turn a full 90 degrees and each oneincorporates a disc-shaped electric motor. A Pivo driver sits in the middle of a three-seat,single row in the bubble-like cabin, controlling the car with an airplane-style yoke. The

whole front of the car including the window opens for entry from any direction. Thewheels go pigeon-toed and then move outward to allow the door to open up when thecabin is facing its natural front position. Safety features include an "around view monitor"which gives the driver 360-degree views around the vehicle - a feature that is alreadymaking it onto real vehicles, starting with the all-new Infiniti EX35.

Nissan NV200

Nissan's super cool NV200 is a small commercial work van and mobile IT media hubwhose pull-out tool shed is a showcase in creative space rendering. It was inspired by aprofessional diver, marine biologist and underwater photographer named Alex Mustard.The van is meant to double as a mobile office and research center and was made to storeunderwater diving paraphernalia as well as computer and mobile communicationsequipment, but could conceivably accommodate any endeavor from construction work tomotor sports. The sliding cargo pod extends from the back of the van to reveal aworkspace and living quarters. Inside, a computer table drops down from the side of thevan, revealing two LCD screens. The front passenger seat swivels back on a curved rail toface the table. The end of the pod forms a bulkhead that houses a small refrigerator, sink,first aid kit and space to hang clothes. Water tanks supply a shower, which is fitted on theoutside of the pod. A small generator charged by solar panels on the roof powers theelectric equipment. The vehicle itself is powered by a "clean" diesel engine. If conditionsdon't permit sleeping under the stars, a two-man tent accessible from outside is housedbehind the driver's door.

Nissan Round Box

Aimed at providing young motorists with "a unique sensation of speed and exhilaration,"the Round Box compact convertible seems to combine design elements of a Chrysler PTCruiser and a Scion. The name seems to stem from the box-shaped top and round centerportion of the body. An innovative, interactive "Play Catch" system enables the driver andpassengers to share entertainment and vehicle information. Because the center portionof the dash shows vehicle information in large, animated computer graphics, occupants inthe back seat can even see the display. Small glass panels placed close to the ground onboth sides of the car provide passengers with a view of the passing road surface,"contributing to the shared sensation of speed" but "without the risk of road contact,"says Nissan. That's a relief. The engine has been reported as a turbocharged directinjection model mated to Nissan's advanced Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT).

Subaru EXIGA Concept

The Subaru EXIGA Concept is a seven-seater wagon that some expect to influence thedesign of the upcoming Legacy; others see a family-friendly crossover vehicle. A 2.0-literengine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission is complemented by Subaru'sSymmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. An ultra-large glass roof caps off a roomy interiorthat's reminiscent of a theater. Subaru said passengers can "enjoy a good view from anyseat."

Subaru G4e Concept

The electric-powered G4e Concept is a plug-in vehicle that boasts a 124-mile range(double that of the automaker's R1e plug-in) and a 15-minute charging time. Most of theG4e's 346 volts are stored in 16 batteries underneath the car's floor, with new lithium-iontechnology designed specifically for Subaru. A triangle-shaped body marks this tiny five-seater as "heading toward the future," Subaru said, and contributes to the vehicle's lowwind resistance. Subaru keeps up the theater-style interior here, offering a large, centrallylocated display screen that all occupants can see.

Suzuki PALETTE

The Suzuki PALETTE is a tall, boxy mini-car that will only look weird to those who have yetto see the tiny cars that proliferate in cities across the pond. The initiated will recognizethe PALETTE as a very practical - small but spacious - vehicle aimed at parents "whocherish time with their children, and at youngsters who like having fun with friends."Roomy enough for four people, the PALETTE smartly delivers what families need: left- andright-hand powered sliding doors and a low flat floor. Both make shuffling kids into andout of a vehicle much easier.

Suzuki PIXY + SSC

The Suzuki PIXY + SSC is two concepts in one. It's a mini-car (the SSC) that houses a fully-enclosed personal mobility device (the PIXY). With some further engineering, this conceptcould provide a fully motorized option for the elderly or disabled. As is, it could appeal tofishermen, HAZMAT crews or germaphobes. The SSC can hold up to two PIXYs. Thesecapsule-like single-occupant transport devices move at low speeds for use on footpathsor inside buildings. Suzuki says the PIXY is easy to operate even for people who can't driveconventional cars. The company calls the combo a "Suzuki Sharing Coach," a concept builtfor sustainable mobility. We like that the PIXY can also be paired with a sports-car unitcalled the SSF, and with a boat unit called the SSJ, but why not go the other way around,

too, and mate a PIXY boat unit to the SSC? Just a suggestion from a fisherman we know.

Suzuki X-HEAD

The X-HEAD is a "cross-utility" pickup with Tonka truck styling that Suzuki says combinesthe rough-road performance and toughness of the Suzuki Jimny - a Jeep-like vehicle thatreplaced the petite Samurai sold in the U.S. a decade ago - with the hauling capability ofthe Suzuki Carry - a small commercial pickup sold overseas. The X-HEAD aims to provide"functional dependability and fun." It can be fitted with various bed units to suit a range ofneeds, including the Camper, which Suzuki says allows two adults to sleep in comfort; aunit called the Fashion, which provides stylish urban mobility; and the Rescue, which isdesigned for rescue operations in extreme environments. It certainly evokes toughness ina small package. Suzuki may do well to produce the X-HEAD as is: There's nothing else outthere like it.

Toyota 1/X

The 1/X is basically a lightweight Toyota Prius with a plug-in recharge option. The vehicleweighs a third less and consumes half as much fuel as its popular sibling. Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic makes for a lighter body. The powertrain combines a gasoline engineand electric motor, the latter of which can be recharged from an external power source.Even though engine displacement is also one-third of the Prius', the 1/X achievescomparable acceleration. Harmony with the environment is emphasized: Headlightsadjust according to conditions, and small narrow wheels cut down on road noise, rollingresistance and water spray. Thin support pillars around the cabin afford greater visibility,and an insulated bio-roof composed of plant fibers lets in plenty of natural light. "Thedesire to reduce the negative aspects of vehicles...is a difficult challenge," Toyota said inannouncing the concept. "But it must become a reality in order to produce vehicles thathave a more harmonious relationship with people and society. The concept car 1/Xembodies that desire."

Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept

The Toyota Crown is one of the most well-known full-size luxury sedans in Japan - it'sbeen available in one form or another for more than 50 years. The Crown Hybrid Concepttakes the shape its name suggests: it's a Crown powered by a gas-electric engine thatcombines fuel efficiency and low emissions with luxury and comfort. The rear-wheel-drivevehicle is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and Toyota's Hybrid System II, morecommonly known as Toyota Synergy Drive. Analog instruments have been replaced by a"Finegraphic Meter," or thin film that displays vehicle information on an LCD screen. TheCrown hasn't been available in the U.S. since 1971. A production version is expected toappear in Japan late next year.

Toyota FT-MV

FT-MV stands for "Future Toyota Mini Van," And it provides a good idea of what luxuryminivans will look like in the coming years. Toyota wants to give occupants the sense offlying first class in an airplane: the six-seater is fully equipped with decadent featuresincluding automatic footrests and large screens on the seat backs; the second and thirdrows are comprised of individual leather seats, rather than being the typical bench layout.LED tail- and headlights and soothing filtered interior lighting further aim to bring upscaleambience to this oft-maligned vehicle category.

Toyota Hi-CT

We're not sure what the Hi-CT wants to be, but it looks like the front of a train waschopped off and placed on four tiny rubber wheels. All aboard! Whatever it is, this plug-inhybrid concept can be charged from an external power source, and by placing the batteryunder the floor, Toyota says the Hi-CT "achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higherdriver position." The automaker also says that the Hi-CT "aims to offer a new sense of'coolness.'" And even if the Hi-CT doesn't turn out to be that cool, at least it can carrythings which are - it features a removable rear trunk and deck where surfboards, bicyclesand other equipment can be loaded. It also includes a 100-volt accessory socket thatenables stored electricity from the plug-in technology to be used for a variety ofapplications.

Toyota i-REAL

The i-REAL is yet another personal mobility contraption that could be the wheelchair ofthe future. The iPod-like styling means it looks cooler than the Segway PersonalTransporter, an existing mobility vehicle, which requires standing. And the i-REAL's bodyprovides wrap-around protection of a user's arms and legs, which a traditional wheelchairlacks. This protection could come in handy at its impressive top speed of 18.6 mph. It usesthree wheels, two at the front, one at the back, and has a low-speed mode that shortensthe wheelbase to allow maneuvering among pedestrians. In high-speed mode, thewheelbase lengthens, providing a lower center of gravity for better driving performanceand maximum driver comfort in a reclined position. The i-REAL also uses perimetermonitoring sensors to detect when a collision is imminent, alerting the driver by emittinga noise and vibrating, while at the same time, alerting people around it through whatToyota calls a "pleasant use" of light and sound.

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Toyota RiN

The Toyota RiN resembles a spa on wheels. The automaker says the RiN is focused onpromoting well-being and serene, healthy living. While in the boxy, window-laden four-seater, Toyota says that "Drivers are encouraged to reevaluate themselves andfurthermore, to turn their attention to society and nature, producing a healthy rhythm forboth mind and body." The RiN's seats help maintain good posture; green glass reducesinfiltration of ultraviolet and infrared light and makes the surroundings seem brighter andclearer. A meter on the steering wheel gauges mood, displaying colors to reflect a driver'semotional state. The sliding doors are also windows that reach down almost to the car'sunderside. The interior features heated seats, an oxygen-level conditioner and humidifier.Headlights automatically dim to avoid blinding pedestrians and other drivers. Deep greenis contrasted with beige inside to enrich "the complexions of those onboard and evoke ahealthy mental and physical feeling." Taking its design motif from the deep-rooted, tall-growing Yakusugi tree, a variety of Japanese cypress, Toyota says the RiN aims to express"harmony with nature and healthy mind and body."

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