A few choice picks of vehicles were displayed during the biennial show that has maintained its location through the years at Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake district of Koto-ku of Tokyo, Japan.
At Nissan’s exhibit was the all-electric Ariya sports utility vehicle (SUV) that’s able to travel up to 610km (Japan WLTC) on a full charge.
First introduced in 2020, the Ariya is available with four different outputs (160kW to 290kW) spread over two battery sizes of 65kWh or 90kWh and can be had in either two or four-wheel-drive (e-4ORCE) configurations.
The Ariya all-electric sports utility vehicle promises a range of 610km. (MAINPIX)
Nissan Motorsports (Nismo) performance division showed off its vehicles starting with the limited edition Skyline that has been restricted to just 1,000 examples of this high-powered four-door sedan.
Out of its total number of units, 100 of them will be sidelined as Limited for added exclusivity and will go on sale soon with its up-rated 3.0-litre VRDDTT twin-turbo V6 engine outputting 420PS and 550Nm.
The Skyline Nismo edition’s price starts from 7.9 million yen (RM250,00) while the Limited version will be tagged at 9.5 million yen (RM300,000).
While representing a 15PS and 75Nm gain over the 400R variant, a seven-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery to the rear wheels and a new engine map for Sport and Sport+ modes will accompany the vehicle.
Lighter and wider Enkei 19-inch forged aluminium wheels with stickier tyres will be used which hides its re-tuned performance suspension setup.
Fitted with new brake pads that are now more resistant to fade, the anti-lock braking system has also been tweaked for a better “bite” when engaged during track duties.
Only 1,000 units of the four-door Skyline Nismo will be produced.
Also seen was the Fairlady Z Nismo that sports the same engine, only the coupe boasts of two transmission choices – a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic for the rear wheels.
Pricing for this model ranges from 5.4 to 9.2 million yen (RM171,000 to RM290,000).
Aside from a redesigned front end for added cooling effects and low drag, the latest “Z” car boasts of added downforce and increased aerodynamic performance for speed.
The Fairlady Z Nismo gets added downforce and increased aerodynamic performance.
The venerable GTR Nismo model was also on display during the show and this all-wheel-driven coupe was undoubtedly one of the main attractions with many vying for a close-up view.
The engine is a 3.8-litre VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 producing 600PS and 652Nm of torque from under the hood and while showing off a host of added aero bits made from carbon fibre (including the roof and boot-spoiler), it boasts as being one of the most powerful GTR R35 variants created.
The aforementioned vehicles were displayed alongside the Hyper Force, Hyper Punk and Hyper Tourer concepts.
The GTR Nismo's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 produces 600PS.
Taking the spotlight at Mazda was the Iconic SP concept that takes aim at driving enthusiasts with its new compact sports car design philosophy.
The Iconic SP is intended to be powered by a unique and compact 370PS twin-rotor rotary EV system which brings about flexibility in terms of layout for a 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity to enhance its driving dynamics.
Coated in a Viola Red concept colour, the Iconic SP’s battery is intended to be rechargeable via renewable energy sources and its twin-rotary engine (used for power generation with with vehicle-to-load function) will be able to take on carbon-neutral fuels, including hydrogen.
The Iconic SP Concept features a 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.
From BMW was the Vision Neue Klasse (New Class) that has become the new design principle for its future EVs – including the eighth-generation 3 Series due in 2025.
The concept will feature the German carmaker’s sixth-generation eDrive technology that can provide up to 30% faster charging and 30% more range.
It will be 25% more efficient, hold 20% higher charge capacity in its high-density cylindrical batteries and feature an 800-volt architecture for improved charge times – all while rolling on 21-inch wheels.
Vision Neue Klasse is the design template for BMW's future EV models.
Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity to show off its electrified Concept EQG and while based on the existing G-Class off-roader, a production model is expected in 2025.
The EQG is said to utilise an electric all-wheel-drive system with an individually controllable electric motor for each wheel while boasting of a low centre of gravity thanks to a battery that’s been integrated into the ladder frame.
The electric Concept EQG will head into production next year.
To round off the selection was Yamaha’s demonstration of its unique Motoroid 2 self-balancing electrified concept motorcycle.
Effectively the second iteration of the Motoroid which debuted in 2017, it uses what the company calls an Active Mass Centre Control System (AMCES) to balance itself.
The AMCES uses the rear wheel, swing-arm and battery box as a single unit to act as a counter-balance by pivoting left and right.
The Motoroid 2 can be controlled by haptic feedback located in the forward-pointing fixed handlebars as a new form of “rider-machine” control.
Additionally, it has facial recognition to identify its rider and can react to hand gestures to make it follow them around, among others.
Meanwhile, the “fuel tank” cover has been motorised to flip upwards, towards the rider to help them keep their balance when perched upright for more stability and balance while the AMCES keeps itself upright.
Lastly, a rigid kick-stand is fitted to its flanks to prevent it from toppling over entirely once coming off-line.
The JMS 2023, held from Oct 26 to Nov 5 last year welcomed over 1.1 million visitors.
Organised by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event attracted 475 companies including established ones and startups.
The Motoroid 2 is a self-balancing electric motorcycle.
