2015 Tokyo Motor Show
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most talked about concept cars from this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Mazda RX-VISION Concept
The unveiling of the RX-Vision Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show has given die-hard rotary fans hope that Mazda is still planning on eventually reviving the production rotary-powered vehicle. Dubbed the Skyactiv-R, the rotary engine which sits inside the RX-Vision—and whose compact dimensions allow the vehicle to wear such a low hoodline—is said to have been under development since the demise of the last rotary sports car, the Mazda RX-8. The RX-Vision’s stretched 106.3-inch wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and 20-inch wheels combine for a svelte, athletic look. Just a concept for now, let’s hope Mazda do decide to revive the rotary and send it to market in a body looking similar to the displayed RX-Vision concept.
Yamaha Sports Ride Concept
The Yamaha Sports Ride could potentially be “the first affordable high-volume carbon-fiber chassis structure, bringing Formula 1 materials and technology within reach of the everyday motorist.” If it’s ever green-lighted for production, that is (Yamaha was not forthcoming when asked if the concept would eventually go on sale to the general public). With the front end of a Yamaha R6, the dimensions of a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and two high-exit dual exhausts, the 1,650-lbs. mini-supercar was understandably a fan favorite amongst those covering the TMS. And thinking about the plethora of high-revving performance engines at the disposal of Yamaha to potentially power the Sports Ride concept, well, it just makes us want it even more.
Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo
The Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo—a concept vehicle that lives in the both the physical and digital worlds—made a cameo appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show, finished in a striking hue called Fire Knight Red. Seen by most as a preview of what the next-generation GT-R could look like, the Concept 2020 VGT made its real-world debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, following its release as a playable car in PlayStation’s Gran Turismo 6. It’s rumored the next GT-R will come with as much as 800-hp, using a hybrid powertrain engineered in joint with F1 constructor Williams.
Toyota S-FR Concept
It appears Toyota are very close to introducing an entry-level sports car into their lineup, falling below the GT86 and sandwiching the GT86 between the “small, front-engine rear-drive” concept and the rumored Supra successor. Leaked specifications indicate the S-FR will be powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with 128-hp and 109-ft lbs. of torque. Early rumors suggest a price of roughly $12,500 for the Japanese market, with production beginning in late 2016 and first deliveries commencing early 2017. It’s currently unknown whether the S-FR will make it to the US or European markets.
