Suzuki Kizashi2
Compared with the original Kizashi concept shown September 2007 in Frankfurt, the Kizashi 2 has more conventional headlights and grille, wider flared wheel arches to accommodate larger tires, and revised side window shapes. The result is something closer to a production model, and though clearly there’s still some way to go, Suzuki confirmed they do intend to develop a real car from the Kizashi 2. Talk of “vitality,” “status,” the progressive styling, and the 3.6-liter V6 (Suzuki’s biggest ever engine), strongly suggest a fastback or crossover body style and upscale market positioning for this compact, exec-sized car.
Volkswagen space up!
Do this job for long enough and you get a kind of sixth sense about which design idea could have legs as well as wheels, and you don’t have to be a genius to see that VW’s space up! concept has "production future" written all over it. Not necessarily exactly as is, with the show car’s tricky pillarless construction and suicide doors—but the shape is cute and the packaging brilliant, with an engine under the rear floor and very adaptable seating layout. VW describes it as the second variant of their New Family Car (after the two-door up!, seen in Frankfurt). As soon as a manufacturer starts talking about a family of cars based on a concept, you know they’re taking the whole thing seriously. Keep your eye on this one.
Honda CR-Z
Showing that hybrids don't have to be dull, Honda's CR-Z gets sleek styling with matching performance, but remains eco-friendly with its low-emission, highly fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The logical successor to the Small Hybrid Sports Concept shown in Geneva earlier this year, the CR-Z looks like it could easily move into production with little changed from the concept. In fact, it was announced that a new hybrid based on the CR-Z could make it to showrooms "soon."
Audi metroproject quattro
Audi’s most recent venture into what they would see as a small car, the A2, didn’t exactly set the world on fire in terms of sales or popular approval. However, it did show that the four-ringed brand can see the value of a premium small car as part of its bid for premium market domination by the beginning of the next decade. When they try again, which they seem likely to do in just a couple year’s time, the car looking to break into the niche will almost certainly be labeled A1. It was no secret that Audi’s Tokyo concept, the metroproject quattro, is the automaker's way of testing reaction to looks especially, and technology as a bonus. It’s hard to see the looks offending anyone, and equally hard to see them generating a lot of excitement, but the concept also gives intriguing hints of gasoline-electric hybrid all-wheel drive, excellent efficiency and some integrated technologies in the innovative, carry-in-you-pocket Audi Mobile Device. The question remains: Is the world ready for a smaller Audi?
Subaru Exiga Concept
The Exiga Concept is described by Subaru as a "7-Seater Panoramic Touring" with a panoramic glass roof and theater seating that provides good viewing for all seven occupants. With looks similar to a larger Legacy wagon, the Exiga oncept is powered by Subaru's turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally opposed boxer engine with Symmetrical AWD and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The interior incorporates high-quality leather and a blue panel that stretches across the instrument panel, which houses eight monitors that display views from exterior cameras or entertainment for the passengers.
Volvo ReCharge
The idea of using a small engine running constantly at its most effective speed simply to provide power for a battery pack and electric motors is so obvious that it’s hard to see why it isn’t everywhere. And the original Dr. Porsche first used the idea of electric hub motors in all four wheels around a century ago in one of his earliest designs, the Lohner-Porsche. Both are technologies that make big sense today, and both are in the Volvo ReCharge. Plug in to recharge at home, or let the 1.6 four-cylinder engine do the job (if it needs to) on the move. Result? "Emissions-free" electric-only running for up to 62 miles (100 km), all the range you want with the engine boosting battery power, and up to 66 percent lower overall consumption than a "conventional" hybrid. Neat C30 looks, too. Build it!
Mitsubishi Concept ZT
We were all impressed with the classy appearance of this sedan concept. It looks production-ready, and is believed to be a prototype for the next-generation Galant. Underhood is a 2.2-liter “clean diesel” engine, said to offer “the acceleration of a 4.0-liter gasoline engine and the economy of a 1.6-liter.” The engine uses lower compression ratios compared to conventional diesels, meaning it can be made of lighter materials. Thanks to ultra-high-pressure direct injection it still burns fuel cleanly. Transmission is a dual-clutch “SST” gearbox feeding an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. That technical sophistication and the car’s premium appearance could make for a competitive edge that it's competent but bland predecessors never had.
Lexus LF-A
Lexus brought its latest version of the LF-A two-seat supercar concept to Tokyo, still motivated by a 500-plus horsepower V10 engine with a front mid-engine placement and a rear transaxle for balance. The first LF-A concept was the maiden example of Lexus' L-finesse styling direction, now reflected in other concepts such as the LF-Xh. The styling of the new version has been refined with more curved surfaces and additional detailing. Engineering analysis has been done to move the car closer to production. According to Lexus, the superior aerodynamics, revised styling and horsepower would make a top speed of 200 mph possible.
Honda DN-01
Although Honda officials were unwilling to be drawn into discussion when questioned about whether this bike would go into production, it certainly looks more finished and grounded in the real world than most concept motorcycles. The DN-01 is a large automatic sports cruiser, powered by a 680cc V-twin engine and aimed at the lucrative older market. The “Human-Friendly Transmission” (HFT) is a variable hydraulic/mechanical system making the bike easy to operate while providing sporting ride quality.
Daihatsu OFC-1
Finished in bright red paint, the Daihatsu OFC-1 is a small two-seat roadster that really looks entertaining. With a sleek teardrop shape and a power-retractable top that has a glass roof for a panoramic open feeling even when closed, the high-tech glass allows the driver to change the opacity from transparent to opaque via a switch that controls the integrated LCD sunshade technology. Highlights include LED headlights, large front air intakes, an integrated rear spoiler, electronically controlled-suspension and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a CVT and paddle shifters for efficient performance, the OFC-1 should deliver excellent fuel economy as well as loads of fun.
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