The Japanese automotive industry has always had one eye fixed firmly on the future. And it all appears to have paid off at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, which appears to have excellent news for auto enthusiasts all over the world. We list out our favourites from the event.
Mazda RX-Vision
Mazda made petrolheads squeal with glee as it announced the return of the legendary Rotary engine. The engine is the demi god of small capacity engines, having done duty in cars like the RX-7 and the RX-8. Owing to it’s lack of efficiency, Mazda decided to discontinue the engine, causing a lot of sighing world wide. Recently Mazda announced that the Rotary engine will indeed be making a comeback. If that news wasn’t exciting enough, Mazda revealed the car that it would be housed in. Say hello to the RX-Vision concept. Mazda have been behind some of the most sensational looking cars in the past (Read: Furai) so we’d be happy even if a diluted version of the concept makes it to production. The RX-7 has returned.
Mitsubishi eX: The Mitsubishi eX’s aggressive and unusual design marks a new beginning for the brand which has always specialised in making hardcore rally-bred off-roaders. The eX will be an all-electric vehicle with a range of nearly 500 km
Nissan Gripz: If we’re going to have an SUV-ridden future, it might as well look like this. Nissan seems to be heading in the right direction as far as design is concerned. Even if the Gripz doesn’t make it into production, its angular lines, and compact design will find its way into future Nissans
Subaru Impreza: With the Mitsubishi Evo having been discontinued, we only have its closest rival to pine for. Sticking to its hatchback form, the new one looks a lot sharper than the model it replaces. However, the design does seem a lot more domestic and practical. Which is why Subaru has decided to make a completely different WRX STI version.
Toyota C-HR: Toyota’s response to the likes of the Nissan Juke, the Toyota C-HR is one of the most exciting looking crossover designs we’ve seen yet, albeit with the most boring working title. We’re hoping the latter won’t be accompanying the production model which, Toyota have confirmed they will be making, very soon
Yamaha 4-wheeler: History has proven that motorcycle manufacturers end up making the most exciting cars. And given that Yamaha makes some of the most exciting bikes in the world, their rather obviously named venture into automobiles seems like a definite winner. It’s based on the I-stream design concept which was developed by Gordon Murray
Nissan 2020 Vision Gran Turismo Easily the most visually arresting feature of the Tokyo Motor Show. Although the car has been showcased before, and is nowhere closer to being production ready, no one was found complaining about its presence. This is the future of grand touring that we’ve all been waiting for
Subaru S207: What you’re looking at is the direct descendant of the Impreza you have grown up worshipping. Subaru say that the car, now simply called – WRX STI, will only be available in Japan, which is rather unfortunate for the rest of the world, since it gets a 325 bhp, 2-litre Boxer unit with AWD in a striking shade of yellow.
