Tokyo 2007: Nissan Intima

Click on images to enlarge Nissan’s concept showcase at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 with the most likelihood to make it to production could be the Intima. The prototype on display takes Nissan's ‘Modern Living Concept’ into a new dimension with an interior that extraordinarily blends artistic forms, materials and illumination together.


Its exterior styling matches the interior's upmarket image, with a design that combines sharp-edged lines and fluid panel surfaces. Rich elegance is conveyed though Intima's arching side character line, while its crystal-like headlights and tail lamps, grille and wheels project an image of quality and refinement.

The highlight and talking piece of the Intima concept must be the front passenger's seat that swivels approximately 80° outwards, making it more comfortably accessible. Apart from that, both rear doors are rear-hinged and open backwards, further aiding ease of ingress and egress for the rear occupants.

Perhaps this will be the all-new Nissan Teana in 2009, minus some fanciful (read: less cost-effective) gadgets?

Lexus LF-Xh Concept

The Lexus LF-Xh Hybrid Concept on display at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 previews what the next generation Lexus RX- luxury SUV will probably look like.


Based on the Lexus' design philosophy of L-finesse and equipped with an advanced hybrid system dubbed "Lexus Hybrid Drive", the all-new RX of the future seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The powertrain is a combo of a large displacement V6 petrol engine coupled with a more efficient electric motor, driving all four wheels (4WD).

Riding on a wheelbase of 2850mm with a body measuring 4.8m in length, it is rumoured that the next generation RX will spawn a 7-seater version, much like the Mazda CX-9.

Tokyo 2007: Audi A1 Metroproject Concept

These are images of the Audi A1 Metroproject Concept, making an appearance at the Tokyo International Motor Show 2007.

Rumour has it that the A1 Metroproject is front-wheel driven by VAG’s 1.4L TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150hp. But that’s not all, an electric motor (pictured below) drives the rear axle - itself worth about 41hp - effectively making the A1 Metroproject Concept a quattro, albeit with two different underlying drivelines. Both drivetrains are united via VAG's superb S-Tronic dual-robotised clutch gearbox and it's a tech wizardry how Audi manages to do that.

With engine and electric motor operating simultaneously a maximum torque of 440Nm is churned out; with the 1.4TSI petrol engine contributing 240Nm while the electric motor spins 200Nm of torque. As such, 0 - 100km/h is a claimed 7.8 secs, with a top-end of 200km/h.

This prototype also previews Audi’s new A1 hatchback slated for 2009. Looking much like a cross between the Fiat 500 and Audi A3, the concept underlines Audi’s future plan for this supermini’s intention of being sporty and fun. However, an associate who is attending Tokyo 2007 now, as we speak, found it rather unattractive in the metal.

Toyota FT-MV = 2008 All-New Alphard?

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While luxury MPV fans in Malaysia are going ga-ga over reconditioned Alphards from Japan, fame MPV maker Toyota, plan to reveal a 6-seater super-luxury, super-size people mover in the form of FT-MV at next week's Tokyo Motor Show 2007.

As evident from images of its interior, Toyota is going all out to create a luxurious, airy and comfy ambience with electric-reclining, thick-padding, leather massager chairs (think: Osim and the likes) for the second row occupants. Ambient lighting and wide screen LCD monitors for each passenger helps in creating that 1st class ambience of an inter-continenental flight!

The FT-MV sports softer curves and less edgy lines in contrast to the current Alphard, making it less slab-sided, if it does indeed turn out to be the next generation Toyota Alphard.

Honda CR-Z Prototype

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I could still remember testing one ‘futuristic’ looking red (grey import-reconditioned) CR-X in the early 90s, with cues of it actually seen in the current Citroen C4. The last CR-X (roadster-esque coupe) to come out of Honda’s production line was in 1997, which in my opinion was rather toad-like, having lost the original philosophy of a compact low-slung coupe of the 1st and 2nd generation CR-X.

Fast forward to 2007, and specifically to the upcoming Tokyo International Motor Show, Honda plans to showcase their Compact Renaissance Zero, aka CR-Z. In an attempt to resuscitate the CR-X sports concept, Honda also tries to better its earlier Remix prototype.

The CR-Z prototype will sport a hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain, which promises exhilarating performance in an environmental friendly package.

Mitsubishi Concept-ZT

Possibly previewing how the next generation Mitsubishi Galant will look like, the Concept-ZT showcase at the upcoming Tokyo International Motor Show seem bent on adopting the 9th generation Lancer's frontal visage and swage lines.

Measuring almost 5metres in length, the sports sedan prototype is powered by Mitsubishi's new 2.2L Clean Diesel Engine mated to its latest robotised twin-clutch Sport Shift Transmission (SST).

Specifications:

Overall length: 4,950 mm
Wheelbase: 2,815 mm
Track (F/R): 1,555/1,555 mm
Engine: Clean diesel engine 2.2L (turbocharged)
Maximum power: 187hp
Maximum torque: 400Nm
Transmission: Twin Clutch SST
Tyres: 255/35R20