We Rank Our Favourite Concept Cars From The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

A little over a month ago, the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show showcased a variety of new models, and  prototypes that gave the world a glimpse into what their future vehicles could be like. The 2019 Tokyo Motor Show had Asia’s biggest manufacturers showcase their concepts for the future, with each of them being different in their own way. But one thing is certain, the future looks electric. Which of them was the most eye catching? Here’s a look at the top concepts from manufacturers including Lexus, Mitsubishi,Nissan,Toyota and Suzuki that were on display at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show.

8. Toyota LQ Concept

The highlight at Toyota’s stall was surely the LQ concept that gave us a glimpse into the carmakers future tech. Not only does the model look futuristic, it boasts future tech with Level 4 autonomous self-driving vehicle and its main highlight being Yui. It is an AI-powered agent capable of learning the driver’s emotional and physical state to control aspects of the car such as music, seat functions, air conditioning, and fragrances. The carmaker aims to use AI-tech like Yui to build the relationship between vehicle and driver by learning from and responding to individual preferences and needs.

7. Mitsubishi Super Height K-Wagon Concept 

This is essentially what the next-gen Kei wagon could look like. And it certainly lives up to its name with a design that incorporates a long wheelbase and wide open passenger cabin Some design highlights include the Dynamic Shield front-end concept, two-done body colour as well as silver roof rails. The main talking point inside the concept includes the largest rear door opening and rear seat legroom in its class. 

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As spacious as it is, the Super Height K-Wagon Concept also boasts of a high-performance engine mated to a CVT gearbox. It also features a variety of driver assistance tech that includes MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance on highways, a braking system that mitigates damage from collisions, and collision prevention assistance. Mitsubishi plans to debut the production spec version of the Super Height K-Wagon by the end of the fiscal year.

6. Mitsubishi MI-Tech

The Mitsubishi MI-Tech is a small PHEV concept SUV envisioned as the buggy of the future. And it certainly veers towards a buggy design with the absence of  a roof or doors. On the inside, the concept SUV is as simple as it gets for a future buggy, which is apparent from the absence of an infotainment system. Interior highlights include a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display with AR tech, and keyboard-like switches on the centre console.

The main talking point of this SUV concept is what’s under the hood. Powering the SUV is a compact gas turbine engine-generator that replaces a gasoline engine. The special part about this engine is its flexibility to run on different fuels like diesel, kerosene and alcohol depending on the region. This turbine motor is mated to a hybrid system that consists of an electric 4WD system alongside electric brake calipers. The calipers help in providing better response and accuracy under braking.

5. Nissan IMk Concept 

Next on the list is the IMk concept, a Kei car with an all-electric drivetrain and advanced autonomy features. The company claims that after arriving and valet parking itself, the vehicle is capable of integrating with a home energy system and use spare battery capacity to balance home energy needs via Nissan Energy Share (Vehicle-to-Home). It indicates the IMk’s capability to charge a home circuit. However, applications of the technology are yet to be seen. It has a dashboard layout similar to the Ariya concept, except for the infotainment-instrument cluster display having a floating experience due to a prismatic holographic design. The vehicle also features a completely flat floor with a copper-coloured shag carpet. 

4. Nissan Ariya Concept

The Nissan Ariya concept was showcased on the same stage as the IMk concept. However, unlike the IMk, it is a crossover SUV built on an all-new electric car platform. It will be powered by a motor at each wheel. It houses a range of cameras and sensors for the ProPILOT 2.0 autonomous driving system. The technology is still undergoing testing in Japan and will make it to production soon. Interior highlights in the Ariya include touch buttons on the dashboard and centre console. A single panoramic touch display acts as both the instrument cluster as well as the infotainment interface. Nissan hasn’t revealed the specifications or the pricing for the Ariya, but it may see a global launch in 2021.

3. Suzuki Hanare Concept

We now move towards more radical concepts with the Suzuki Hanare concept. It is essentially a self-driving minibus that features Level 5 autonomous driving technology along with Artificial Intelligence. Some highlights in the minibus include a spacious interior loaded with sofas, tables and a massive display. There is no driver’s seat or a steering wheel and the Hanare can go in either direction with the headlights doubling up as the tail lamps.

2. Suzuki Waku SPO

We’re finally heading into the realm of radicals with the Waku SPO. The hybrid coupe’s biggest talking point is that it can change its shape. Yes, the Waku enables you to change the design of its grille, content on the dashboard and conversion into a small station wagon or a pick-up. Another highlight of the coupe is that its design harks back to the old days of boxy cars. With its dual-tone paint scheme, the Wapo SPO gives off a retro yet revolutionary vibe. Suzuki is yet to share the technical specifications of the coupe.

1.  Lexus LF-30 Concept

We finally head to the creme de la creme of the concepts shown at the Tokyo Motor Show with the Lexus LF-30. This swanky electric crossover concept previews the future design and technology of Lexus’ electric models. Some major talking points include its all-electric powertrain capable of covering 500km (WLTP claimed) on a single charge. 

It gets Lexus’ signature design traits like spindle-shaped illuminated grille flanked by the sleek LED DRLs. Other highlights include the side windows whose opacity can be adjusted to offer occupants views of their surroundings or give them complete privacy. The standout feature inside is the Lexus Advanced Posture Control technology, which regulates the electric motor’s power based on the situation. It can direct power to either the front, rear or all four wheels to offer improved handling characteristics. 

It is powered by  four electric motors at each corner that when combined, produces 544PS/700Nm with a 0-100kmph sprint in 3.8 seconds. The LF-30 tops out at 200kmph with a 110kWH battery pack being the power source for the electric motors. The battery pack also supports charging speeds upto 150kW.  What’s more is that the carmaker’s plans to launch electrified versions of its current lineup and these cars could feature some of the technology showcased in the LF-30 Electrified.

Honorable Mention- Toyota E-Racer

Aside from the LQ concept, Toyota also showcased an interesting concept car in the form of the E-Racer. The main talking point is that while it may seem like a traditional sports car, the way it works is different. Through special VR glasses, the E-Racer gives the driver the ability to virtually experience any race track around the world. And that is why this concept doesn’t exactly make the list since it is essentially an oversized VR simulator at best.

Thus, the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show saw a host of new models, showcases as well as a host of wacky concept models despite the recent troubles with the Hagibis typhoon. What’s your take on the wackiest concept from the Tokyo Motor Show? Let us know in the comments below.