2022 Tokyo Auto Salon

• Toyota GR Yaris tuned version to be shown at Tokyo Auto Salon, alongside GR GT3 Concept race car

  In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Jonathan Lee / 7 January 2022 5:34 pm / 0 comment

  

  We’ve seen some interesting previews so far for the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will run from January 14 to 16 at the Makuhari Messe. But it’s Toyota that is bringing out the big guns this year with the scheduled reveal of not one, but two high-performance vehicles.

  The first and by far the most exciting is a highly tuned version of the GR Yaris, set to push the capabilities of the already-potent standard car by several notches. This is likely the finalised version of the modified prototype that was caught undergoing Nürburgring testing all the way back in October 2020.

  No details have been released just yet, but we can already spot some serious hardware from the shadowy teaser, including a vented carbon fibre bonnet, a front splitter that juts out a lot further than standard, deeper side skirts and a large swan-neck rear spoiler. Also expect some under-the-bonnet tweaks to push even more power from the 261 PS/360 Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

  

  Next on the list is the race-ready GR GT3 Concept, which as the name suggests will be built to GT3 regulations. This category of race cars is experiencing something of a boom at the moment, with the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) already having moved over to the formula.

  The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is also switching its GT racing categories over from the purpose-built GTE regs starting starting in 2024. Could we see Toyota expanding its endurance racing efforts beyond the top-flight WEC Hypercar class? We shall have to wait and see.

  Aside from these two cars, Toyota will also be displaying the WEC title- and Le Mans-winning GR010 Hybrid, as well as various race cars from Super GT, Super Formula and the Japanese Rally Championship. A number of GR Heritage Parts for the company’s iconic back catalogue of sports cars will also be shown.

   

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Honda N-WGN Picnic, N-One K-Climb, N-Van Third Place, other concepts set for 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Gerard Lye / 29 December 2021 3:26 pm / 1 comment

  

  Honda has announced more cars that will be put on display alongside the new Civic Type R prototype at next year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, which is scheduled to take place in middle of January.

  The first is called the N-WGN Picnic, which is said to be for people who “enjoy picnics with their families on weekends.” The Japanese carmaker did not provide much in the way of details, but based on a sketch by its Honda Access division, the special N-WGN will feature a two-tone exterior paint scheme, retro-looking wheels, a roof rack and woodgrain accents.

  Another vehicle from Honda Access is the K-Climb concept based on the RS variant of the latest N-One. Official images show the vehicle with a sportier front bumper, prominent grille and lower intakes, a large rear wing as well as centre-mounted exhaust tailpipes. The pint-sized racer also gets a roll cage and a flashy livery, the latter accompanied by bold “K-Climb” badging.

  

  

  

  Outside Honda Access, the carmaker will also showcase the Fit e:HEV Crosstar that incorporates crossover elements into the hatchback. As such, it gets a more rugged front bumper with auxiliary lights, a faux skid plate, chunkier tyres, a roof rack, side mouldings in black and possibly a raised ride height.

  Also on stage will be a unique N-Van called the Third Place, which Honda says is a “trailer-style cafe that seamlessly connects work and hobbies.” With its canopy, roof rack, hanging lights and interior furnishings, the Third Place appears to be a coffee house on wheels.

  Other cars being presented by Honda are the Step WGN e:HEV Spada and Vezel e:HEV Modulo X concepts – the former being based on the next-generation model that will be revealed at the event – as well as the N-Box Custom Style + Black, a special edition of the N-Box.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• 2023 Honda Civic Type R to debut at Tokyo Auto Salon

  In Cars, Honda, International News / By Matthew H Tong / 24 December 2021 11:34 am / 2 comments

  

  Honda has confirmed that the new Civic Type R will be making its first public appearance – albeit in prototype form – at the Tokyo Auto Salon next month. The hot hatch won’t be unveiled in full, so there will still be a special camouflage wrapping its skin.

  Tipped to be the best-performing Civic Type R in history, the new one looks a tad more conservative compared to the outgoing FK8 R. Granted, it’s still early stages, but we won’t have to wait long for the grand reveal – Honda pretty much guaranteed the new CTR will be unveiled sometime next year.

  For now, it’s clear that it will get model-specific bumpers and side skirts, as well as the customary rear wing and reworked triple-pipe exhaust system. There’s also new wheels and a lower ride height, complete with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and Brembo brakes (with red calipers).

  

  The automaker hasn’t disclosed any powertrain details for now, but it’s widely expected that a six-speed manual will be standard fitment. This is said to be paired with an upgraded version of the K20C1 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which currently makes 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Apparently, the new car will be electrified to make 400 PS, plus it will get all-wheel drive as well.

  Unlike the FK8, production of the new Civic Type R will take place in North America for the first time, likely at the automaker’s Greensburg, Indiana plant (where the Civic FL is being produced). This follows the closure of Honda’s Swindon plant in the UK, due to a restructuring plan. Not too long, now.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart Hybrid to star at 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon exhibit – tuning ideas for Perodua Ativa?

  In Cars, Daihatsu, International News / By Jonathan Lee / 23 December 2021 7:24 pm / 6 comments

  

  Daihatsu has revealed its exhibits for the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, which is happening from January 14 to 16 at the Makuhari Messe. The small car specialist is bringing four concepts to the show, all based on its latest models – including the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid that was launched in November.

  Two variants of the petrol-electric crossover will be on display. The Premium Version is meant to be a “cool premium compact SUV that suits the city” and gets glittering silver paint and blue exterior highlights. The latter adorns the roof, door mirrors, front fog light surrounds and even the body cladding. There are also black wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, along with silver skid plates.

  For a more rugged look, you can turn to the Crossfield Version, which gets these highlights in black as well as a black grille surround. Adding to the outgoing aesthetic are the roof rack, yellow fog lights, mudflaps and fatter tyres with white lettering, as well as what appears to be a raised ride height. Are you getting any ideas for modifying your Perodua Ativa along those lines?

  To recap, the e-Smart Hybrid is powered exclusively by a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor, with the WA-VEX 1.2 litre Atkinson-cycle three-cylinder engine acting solely as a generator (a range extender of sorts). That mill produces 82 PS at 5,600 rpm and 105 Nm of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm. Daihatsu claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 28 km per litre on the WLTP cycle.

  

  Will Perodua introduce the system on the Ativa? It seems likely, given that we’ve already seen spyshots of the Rocky version in Malaysia – even before its Japanese launch. The company has already confirmed that it is conducting a market study on such a vehicle and has recently sided with Toyota on the eco-friendliness of hybrids vis-à-vis electric vehicles.

  The other two concepts are based on the recently-unveiled Hijet kei van, now in its 11th generation. They are both derived from the Atrai passenger variant, with the Premium Version continuing the theme set by the Rocky with black exterior highlights, vertical LED daytime running lights and large two-tone alloys.

  More interesting is the Camper Version, based on the new Atrai Deck Van, a ridiculously cute mini pick-up. It gets a beefier front end with a black grille, black front cladding and driving lights, along with a roof-mounted light bar, black wheels shod in off-road tyres and searing orange paint with hexagonal body graphics. The highlight, however, is the rooftop tent that gives the car its name.

  

  

  The Hijet and Atrai are the first commercial vehicles built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA). Boxier than before to maximise cargo room, they feature a new CVT developed specifically for rear-wheel-drive applications (likely related to the D-CVT used in the Ativa and Myvi) and, for the first time, infotainment touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

  As befits kei car regulations, the two models are powered by 658 cc three-cylinder engines. The naturally-aspirated version produces 53 PS and 60 Nm of torque, whereas the turbocharged mill churns out the maximum allotted 64 PS and 93 Nm. Options include a five-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.

  Aside from the four concepts, Daihatsu is also showcasing the Copen‘s Dress-Formation quick-change body panels using the sports car’s front clip mounted on a Hijet Truck. Additionally, the company is bringing along every generation of the Hijet since its 1960 introduction to celebrate the Good Design Long Life Design Award bestowed onto the van in October.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

   

  6 comments | Leave a comment?

   

Latest Fuel Prices