We cannot say that Japanese brands are at the forefront of the energy transition. Greenpeace has also just identified Suzuki as the manufacturer that makes the least environmental efforts, among the fifteen largest in the world. Toyota, Nissan and Honda are not doing much better, in particular because of sales volumes of electric cars that are still very low.
It must be said that despite the launch of pioneering models in the past, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the first Nissan Leaf, Japanese brands are today far from offering electric ranges as complete as German manufacturers, for example. Their domestic market is also not very favorable to the development of electric cars, as highlighted by Greenpeace, which deplores the few subsidies put in place in Japan.
However, to show that they are now inclined towards electric and to attract a local public which is not yet very fond of it, Japanese brands do not hesitate to present concepts with the most iconic names at the moment. Japan Mobility Show. The 2023 edition of the Tokyo show will be open to the public from October 28 to November 5.
Japanese icons go electric
In addition to typically Japanese minivans and some more classic models, such as an electric interpretation of the Toyota Land Cruiser, the emphasis for this edition is therefore on sport with a large number of showcars.
Nissan Hyper Force: a 1000 kW electric GT-R
For example, Nissan presented the 100% electric Hyper Force concept. If it does not officially present itself as an electric GT-R, it does indeed feature the logo of the sportiest Nissan in a pixelated form and its “GT” and “R” driving modes are unmistakable. Its proportions are also close to those of the GT-R R35, but with an even more aggressive style. It must be said that its technical sheet is sure to impress, with a cumulative power of 1000 kW, or nearly 1360 hp, sent to all four wheels. The Hyper Force is equipped with a solid electrolyte battery, on paper at least.
The interior is not to be outdone and integrates mixed reality functions, allowing you to drive in a real or virtual world, with a VR headset. It remains to be seen whether Nissan will dare to replace the GT-R R35, released fifteen years ago, with a 100% electric model. Until now, the rumors spoke more of a hybrid engine.
Honda Prelude: an unexpected return
Another big name in the Japanese automobile industry is getting electrified at the Tokyo Motor Show and this time it’s a model that we weren’t expecting. Thus, the Honda Prelude coupe, which disappeared more than twenty years ago, is making a comeback in the form of an electric concept. Despite the time that separates it from the original models, this new Prelude is surprisingly faithful to their DNA. Its lines are still quite sober and this concept even seems to be able to enter production as is.
Not too quickly, however, Honda is showing no desire to bring the Prelude back into its range. “This model will become the prelude to our future models which will inherit the ‘driving pleasure’ in a fully electrified future”explains the brand, which also does not detail the technical sheet of its concept.
Mazda Iconic SP: the rotary engine finds a place in the electric era
If Mazda has not chosen to attach one of its most legendary badges to its Iconic SP electric concept, we still see an important heritage from the brand’s sports models, such as the RX-7 and RX- 8. It is above all its birotor rotary engine which testifies to a kinship with them, since this concept is not 100% electric. It is equipped with a Wankel engine, which here acts as a range extender, as on the MX-30 R-EV SUV, in order to recharge the battery. The latter powers a 370 hp electric motor, responsible for propelling the sports car.
Compared to a 100% electric car, which would be equipped with a larger battery, this system makes it possible to limit excess weight, with a mass announced by Mazda at 1450 kg. “The Mazda Iconic SP, with its electric powertrain incorporating a twin-rotor rotary engine as a power generator, is a dream solution for us. And we will work hard to make this dream a reality “Mazda will always offer its customers vehicles designed to remind them that the automobile is a source of pure pleasure and an integral part of their existence.”explains Mazda.
Toyota FT-Se: accessible MR sports cars back?
Toyota could undoubtedly have been considered a manufacturer resistant to electric vehicles a few years ago, but the brand is now opening up to it and even on the side of its sports cars. There is no question yet of presenting a battery-powered Supra, but the FT-Se electric sports concept unveiled by Toyota is reminiscent of the less iconic MR models with a central rear engine.
At first glance, it is difficult to identify this concept as a Toyota, but the same was true for the MR models, which also served as the basis for many Ferrari replicas, in particular. The style is, however, much sportier here, but Toyota unfortunately does not provide any technical data. The brand does not announce whether this concept prefigures a series model, but indicates that it constitutes “one of the options for sports cars”.
Subaru Sport Mobility: a concept as quirky as the Alcyone XT and SVX
Subaru maintains its position as an offbeat brand by presenting a sports concept with a very original style, soberly named Sport Mobility. Its proportions are those of a small coupe, like the BRZ, but with much more angular lines. You almost think you’re dealing with an off-road sports car, like the latest Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato.
Subaru does not detail the technical sheet of its concept, but indicates that this original body houses a cabin with a central driving position. The manufacturer is not announcing any future series production for its Sport Mobility Concept, which is also presented alongside the Air Mobility Concept, which foreshadows the future of air mobility and which is similar to an eVTOL.