Take for instance, Nissan's recently unveiled IDS concept that features an extremely aerodynamic shape for its compact dimensions and using carbon fibre for its construction as well as a 60kW/hr electric drive unit.
Nissan Motor and Renault chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn speaking about the Nissan IDS electric hatchback concept at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show.
Furthermore, the IDS is also able to communicate with people with its outward facing display screen that flashes messages such as “After You” to people.
Additionally, there’s an “Intention Indicator”, which uses an LED strip to help indicate to people that the car is aware of them.
When the driver selects Piloted Drive and turns over the driving duties to the vehicle, the car's performance — from accelerating to braking to cornering, imitates the driver's own style and preferences.
The height of its full carbon fibre body has been limited to 1,380mm to help minimize aerodynamic drag (Cd) and Nissan even placed the tyres closer to the corners of the car to maximize interior space while enabling a wrap-around cabin design.
Following in the footsteps of the IDS is an all-electric minivan also with suicide doors that’s dubbed by Nissan as the Teatro for Dayz.
Inside, the seats and steering wheel are LED screens that can also be found on the rear bumper, which displays the vehicle's status updates.
It is fundamentally a vehicle for socialising and for staying connected to social media, because for some people driving a car is equated to time away from friends and the Teatro for Dayz addresses just that.
"The generation getting their first driver's licenses has always been connected through digital devices, email, social media and so forth. What moves these digital natives is capturing experiences in photos and videos and sharing them.
"Friends respond with `likes' and share the experience further. What's important is not whether something is experienced personally or virtually. What matters is the process of sharing," said Nissan's product planning general manager Hidemi Sasaki.
Sasaki calls this particular generation "share natives", because their excitement comes not from ownership of material objects, but from using things to connect with friends and their share enjoyment.
Moving away from autonomous driving, Subaru unveiled its Viziv concept that’s a compact hybrid SUV with a downsized turbocharged engine that makes use of the company’s newly revised symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Coming out of Germany, Mercedes-Benz showcased its Tokyo Vision, which is an extremely futuristic silvered-up self-driving car that's equipped with blue LEDs all around to help communicate its intentions to people.
But, the difference is that this concept, where passengers are seated face-to-face, can be taken control of on command, which means a seat and a steering wheel will unfold from out of nowhere.
It also comes with 980km of range, which is a combination of 190km in electric mode and another 790km with a hydrogen fuel cell.
Furthermore, it also comes equipped with a three-dimensional hologram projection system for apps and maps, while the windscreen shows off an equalizer whenever its occupants listen to music.
Off to where the lions roar, figuratively speaking, and it’s the French-made Peugeot 308 GTi that’s a high-performance variant of the 308-range, which undoubtedly wants to reign supreme in the hot hatch category with the help of its motorsport partner - Peugeot Sport.
With a six-speed manual managing power delivery to the front wheels, two levels of outputs will be offered –250hp and 270hp, which is being produced by one 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the smaller 208 GTI.
The more potent 270hp variant receives a Torsen limited-slip differential for better handling by sending more torque to the wheel with more grip that will allow it to accelerate out of bends faster than usual.
It’s suspension will be equipped with MacPherson struts at the front with specially-tuned springs and shock absorbers, while the rear axle features a twist-beam system.
The on-board electronics for the power steering, stability control and traction control have also be revised to take into consideration of the added power.
Weight has been shaved off thanks to the semi-hollow suspension components, carbon ceramic brake rotors for the 270hp variant, which is partially hidden by the 19-inch wheels with 235/35 Michelin Super Sport tyres.
The 250hp-variant gets its front and rear track-width widened and gets equipped with 18-inch wheels with 225/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres instead.
The French carmaker says the 250hp version is able to hit 100kph in just over 6.2 seconds, while the 270hp variant does it in just over 6.0 seconds with top speed for both limited to 250kph.
With controversy currently surrounding Volkswagen and its diesel emission claims, the company has unveiled its Tiguan GTE plug-in electric hybrid that first made its debut at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The GTE gets a solar panel roof that is said to help add an extra 1,000km of driving range per year and has been slated to go on sale by late 2016.
A familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged engine will be found paired to a electric motor - capable of providing 50km of electric range, for a combine output of 160kW.
The M4 GTS. In the background is the MINI stand where the MINI Convertible is showcased.
From BMW comes the world premiere of the M4 GTS and MINI Convertible.
With a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission managing power to the rear wheels, the 500hp/600Nm M4 GTS is able to catapult to 100kph from standstill in 3.8 seconds while top speed is limited to 305kph.
Only 700 units will be sold and was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the M3, which has been in production since 1986.
The new MINI Convertible, available in petrol and diesel versions, showcases a striking new exterior and interior design.
New to MINI Convertible are a fully electric roof that is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space than ever before.
The MINI Convertible.
Power goes to the front wheels, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Offering increased efficiency, optimised acoustic and vibration response and enhanced shift comfort, a gear sensor enables active engine speed adaptation for especially sporty shifting when accelerating and increased comfort when shifting down.
Back to Japan and Suzuki unveiled its little Mighty Deck "Kei" concept car, which is described as a "fun-oriented minicar".
The Mighty Deck has a minimalist design, which means its does not have the usual boot, but instead has a storage space beneath its open rear deck and even comes with a retractable soft-top roof.
Inside, it features a central digitised dashboard that displays the current weather and other driving information within the driver's field of vision, while a separate screen on the centre console displays other information including navigation and infotainment.
