Concept Cars From The Tokyo Motor Show 2023

As the world pivots towards a more sustainable future, automotive manufacturers are undergoing huge transformations and shifting towards an electric future. This year's Tokyo Motor Show offered a glimpse into the future concepts from some of the world's leading manufacturers. 

At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota showed off a wide range of electric concept vehicles. The FT-Se is the embodiment of their shift to electric. This low-slung sports car carries forward the legacy of the GR Sport brand but replaces the high-octane turbo petrol with robust electric motors. 

Toyota's global head, Koji Sato, emphasized their strategy for a diverse product range to meet the global demands of varied customers. This includes the unveiling of a next-generation electric SUV, a sports car, and the multi-faceted IMV-0 truck. While the IMV-0 is set for production primarily for Asia, Toyota believes its comprehensive HiLux lineup sufficiently covers the Australian market.

Lexus, Toyota's luxury arm, has also embraced the electric transformation. The LF-ZC concept, a beacon of Lexus' “The Future is Electric” slogan, boasts an avant-garde design. With a length surpassing the older IS sedan and a height just under 1400mm, the wheelbase rivals the current Toyota Landcruiser. Efficient aerodynamics not only give it a sleek look but also enhance the electric range.

The Nissan GT-R, a nameplate revered in the world of performance cars, is set for a revolutionary change. The Tokyo Motor Show was abuzz with the unveiling of the Hyper Force concept, a potential precursor to the next GT-R model. While not explicitly branded as the GT-R, its unmistakable design, coupled with a blurred GT-R badge, hinted at its lineage. 

Powering this beast is a 1000kW electric motor, a significant leap from the current GT-R Nismo. Rumors suggest a shift to a four-door electric sports sedan by 2028, indicating Nissan's commitment to the electric transition.

Honda Prelude, a name that resonated with sports car enthusiasts from 1978 to 2001, is poised for a comeback. Honda unveiled an electric concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, confirming speculations of the Prelude's resurrection. This follows Honda's announcement last year about two new electric sports cars, one of which would be a successor to the Prelude or S2000, and the other, a flagship to follow the hybrid NSX.

Set to hit showrooms later this decade, the Prelude will certainly compete with the likes of the GR86 and Subaru BRZ as an entry level sports car, albeit an electric one.

Rejoice Rotary fans, Mazda have shown off the sleek looking Mazda Iconic SP, drawing inspiration from the legendary third-generation FD RX-7. With a sleek looking exterior, modern pop-up headlights, and circular taillights, the Iconic SP is a modern homage to the FD models. The car will feature a rotary engine, with twin rotors however it will more or less act as a means of charging the battery, which in turn powers the electric motors. 

The 2023 Tokyo Motor Show was a showcase of the automotive industry's electric aspirations. As these major brands revealed their visions, it became abundantly clear that the future of driving is not just about being electric but also about merging innovation with sustainability.