Hot wheels: A glimpse of the future

Environmental friendliness appears to be the big theme for the Tokyo Motor Show that opened on October 24 and will run through to November 4, 2009 at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo.

The show theme is 'Fun Driving for Us, Eco Driving for Earth.'

The total exhibition area amounts to 21,259 sq mt, spread across the West Hall, Center Hall, and East Hall of the Makuhari Messe.

This show will feature 39 world premieres (20 passenger cars, 16 motorcycles and 3 carrozzerias) and 21 Japan premieres (7 passenger cars, 12 motorcycles and 2 carrozzerias). Check out the cars at the show. . .

Toyota FT-EV II

The FT-EV II -- which stands for 'Future Toyota Electric Vehicle II' -- is designed for short-distance urban driving.

Despite the vehicle's tiny size, there is seating for four. The designers were able to free up interior space by removing items found in traditional vehicles, such as the brake and acceleration pedals, which have been replaced by joystick controls.

Other features include a dye-sensitised solar panel, electric sliding doors, and a retro-futuristic interior.

Nissan Qazana

Best described as a small Crossover, Qazana has been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect.

The striking design is dominated by large, wide wheel arches and a lower shape which gives a feeling of strength, while the upper body is dynamic, assertive and sporty.

Qazana is a five-door, with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of 'suicide doors'.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The i-MiEV is a zero-emissions vehicle. Even when taking into account CO2 emissions at the power plants that generate the power needed for charging the car, it emits only approximately 30 per cent of the CO2 of a gasoline minicar.

The cost per kilometer to drive the i-MiEV is one third that of a comparable gasoline vehicle.

Using the on-board charger, the vehicle can be charged with a 100V or 200V power source in the home.

Yamaha EC-f

Yamaha electric motorcycle EC-f features an aluminum frame, and a lithium ion battery.

According to Yamaha, the lack of "exhaust parts" is what inspired its "bold" and "sculptural" design.

Nissan Landglider

The Nissan Landglider concept is a tiny electric vehicle that features a computer controlled steering system that leans the car into the turns.

The driver is seated centrally in the cabin with space for a single passenger directly behind.

The steering wheel has been replaced with what looks like a flight yoke. The rear view mirrors have been replaced by cameras and monitors.

The dashboard definitely looks like it belongs to a vehicle of the future.

Honda Skydeck

Honda Skydeck concept, essentially a minivan is a six-seater hybrid.

The passenger cabin features center-mounted floating seats that are stackable for easier access to the third row.

From there, passengers can take in the breathtaking vistas offered by the all-glass roof, or simply enjoy the Skydeck's minimalist interior.

It earns major bonus points for having translucent green wheels.

Mazda Kiyora

The Mazda Kiyora is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, and is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.3-liter gasoline engine that gets up to 75 mpg with the help of regenerative braking, advanced aerodynamics and a system that shuts the engine off at stops.

Nissan LEAF

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility - the zero-emission era.

LEAF is the world's first affordable, zero-emission car.

Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles).

Mazda Premacy

The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid can run on both hydrogen and gasoline thanks to a dual-fuel system that was developed for the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE (rotary engine).

With the addition of the hybrid system mated to the hydrogen rotary engine, torque at low engine speeds, and fuel economy, have also been improved.

The driving range in hydrogen fuel mode has also been extended to approximately 200 km.

The hybrid system is extremely efficient in converting hydrogen combustion energy into electric energy to drive the motor.

Lexus LFA

US dollar 375,000 Lexus LFA is a rear-wheel-drive sports car with a 4.8-liter V-10 that puts out 552 horsepower. Top speed is 202 miles per hour with a six-speed gearbox and paddle shifters.

The car is all about stunning weight reduction. Lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components are complemented by carbon ceramic brake discs. The body is carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled to customer order, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Billed as an environmentally-friendly grand touring car, the Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept is a four-passenger hybrid vehicle equipped with gullwing doors for a sense of openness.

During normal driving, the all-wheel drive Hybrid Tourer is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine.

The vehicle's two electric motors are used for low-speed driving and recharging the lithium-ion batteries, and for providing an boost when extra acceleration is needed.

Honda CR-Z

The 2-seat CR-Z combines futuristic styling, driving enjoyment and the latest in Honda hybrid technology.

As striking as the car's sleek lines are, it's the environmental performance under the hood that sets it apart. It is due to hit the streets in the second half of 2010.

Honda EV-N

The EV-N showcar hides its futuristic electron pumping powertrain in a decidedly retro bodystyle.

Honda has yet to reveal much in the way of technical details about the diminutive hatch. It uses lithium-ion batteries and the electric motor drives the front wheels.

The car can be started with a fob called the Loop that incorporates a display showing the driver know the battery pack's state of charge.

Each of the EV-N's doors features a pocket that holds one of Honda's gyro controlled, omnidirectional U3-X unicycles.

Honda U3-X

The U3-X, a compact electric personal mobility device that fits between the rider's legs to provide movement forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally.

The Honda U3-X is made to easily use, carry, or store.

The 22-pound device has a foldable seat and footrests - and a body that functions as the frame in which users can retract the various components.

When unfurled, riders jump on and go - adjusting speed and motion by simply shifting weight.

The precise capabilities of the single-wheeled U3-X were achieved in Honda's robotics program, which also produce the ASIMO two-legged robot.