Special Coverage
Tokyo
Auto Show
Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus luxury division will give Tokyo show goers a glimpse at the future for SUVs with its LF-Xh concept.
Competing for attention will be Toyota affiliate Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (8.7% owned by Toyota), each planning to bring two new concepts of their own to light.
The LF-Xh features an electric motor/gasoline V-6 powertrain and all-wheel drive. Measuring 189 ins. (480 cm) long and 75 ins. (191 cm) high, the concept is said to meet all of Toyota’s engineering objectives: fuel and emissions efficiency, quiet and fun to drive.
It will be positioned alongside the LF-A concept, a stylish 2-seater that debuted at the Detroit auto show in January.
Daihatsu’s offerings include the Mud Master-C and HRC. The former is characterized as a compact, lightweight transporter that provides special off-road agility, while adopting body-on-frame construction for outstanding durability and cargo capability. It features large gull-wing doors on three sides.
The compact HSC, a near-production hatchback, is said to achieve fuel economy of close to 75 mpg (3.1 L/100 km) due in part to a stop/start system and continuously variable transmission. There are no pillars between the front and rear doors, with rear doors opening aft and front doors forward to enable easy entry and exit. The car seats four comfortably.
Ready for production are the revamped Tanto and Tanto Custom minis, which offer expanded interior space through improved packaging and adoption of a center pillarless structure with a single sliding door.
Fuji’s concepts include the Subaru Exiga and G4e. The Exiga, a near-production station wagon, is powered by a 1.9L 4-cyl. boxer engine and employs a 5-speed automatic transmission. Measuring 189 ins. long and 69 ins. (175 cm) high, the Exiga can seat seven.
The G4e, a future-generation electric minivehicle, is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
