Thrills and spills at the Japan Mobility Show 2023
26 Oct 2023|4,929 views
Taking place at Tokyo Big Sight, it appears that the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) - with its new name - wants to embody a shift from past Tokyo Motor Shows, inviting companies both big and small across Japan.
The number of exhibitors has reached a record-breaking 475 companies, far exceeding the 192 companies that joined Tokyo Motor Show 2019. Of course, this has got to do with the warm welcome of not only automotive companies - but companies from other industries, as well as startups - coming together in an apparent effort to showcase the exciting future made possible by various types of mobility.
As such, while we're still committed to highlighting 10 of the most exciting cars that caught our attention at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, stay tuned to the end too for a handful of machines you're probably unlikely to immediately associate with a car show...
1. BMW X2/iX2
We'll start off with something we're 100% certain you can buy at some point in Singapore: The second-generation X2, which celebrated its global physical premiere on Day One of the JMS.
Now larger in all directions than before, what's striking on first glance is the X2's new design; its coupe-SUV body style has been amplified further with its raked rear roofline, and brings it more in line than before with its larger siblings, the X4 and X6.
But just as crucially, the X2 is now also fully-electric for the first time. In typical BMW fashion, the iX2 uses the same platform, shares the exact same styling as its combustion-powered twin (with the exception of trim differences and BMW i blue accents) - but is propelled by two electric motors instead in the sole xDrive30 variant on offer so far.
Another highlight to note for the twins: They will debut BMW Operating System 9, which BMW says will bring added ease of use to touch operation with its 'Quick Select' function and adjusted layout, while also serving as a jump pad for further integration of customisable digital services. Cool.
2. BYD Yangwang U8
BYD has kept Singapore so up to date with its latest launches that should a Singaporean walk to its booth at the Show here, they would already find the main star (i.e the one with the biggest stage) familiar: The Seal. Nonetheless, there's more awaiting still... though not exactly under the BYD brand directly.
Simply called the U8, this Defender-resembling SUV comes instead under a sub-brand called Yangwang (the term in Chinese can loosely be translated into "to revere"). It's all in the name, really; Yangwang has been designated as BYD's luxury division, and will also produce the all-electric, 1000+ bhp U9 supercar.
The U8 is no slouch itself though. System output apparently stands at a whopping 880kW (1180bhp); the SUV will complete the century sprint in just 3.6s. As expected, the car is completely propelled by its electric motors, but a 2.0-litre engine comes on board alongside a fuel tank to act as a range extender.
There's other exciting stuff still: Four motors - one on each wheel - take care of torque vectoring (this also helps it offroading abilities), and the U8 even has limited floating capabilities, which are passively triggered in an emergency. This one's coming to the roads at some point surely; we just don't know when, or whether Singapore will be included.
3. Daihatsu Vision Copen
No - that's not the actual first-generation Copen you're looking at, brought out for the sake of displaying Daihatsu's company history (as were some models), but rather, a new concept car making its debut at the Show.
Yes, the Vision Copen is nothing more than a concept car at this point (Daihatsu confirmed this even before the JMS started) - introduced alongside four other concepts embodying "staying close to" something. The Vision Copen, as you'd expect, embodies "staying close to the joy of driving", and as currently iterated, already looks like it could be rolling down the neon-lit streets of Ginza (or indeed, Orchard Road).
A 1,300cc engine resides under the hood - one that Daihatsu says can run on carbon neutral fuel - but deviates slightly from the original Copen with its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (a joy!). Please make this, Daihatsu?
4. Honda Prelude Concept
Meaning "introductory or preceding performance", the Honda Prelude Concept car will become the prelude for Honda's future models that will inherit the "joy of driving" into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda's unalterable sports mindset. According to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Director, President and Representative, Toshihiro Mibe, the Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will offer exhilarating experience and extraordinary excitement.
Apart from the Prelude Concept, the Sustaina-C Concept, which resembles the Honda e, was also available on the stage. With an objective to transcend the constraints of the limited availability of resources, and achieve both environmental sustainability and the joy and freedom of mobility long into the future, the Sustaina-C Concept is made of acrylic resin that is recycled and reused.
5. Lexus LF-ZC
The world premiere of the next-generation full-electric LF-ZC took centre stage at the Lexus Booth at the Japan Mobility Show. The LF-ZC, which stands for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst, forms the catalyst for new experiences in the electric age, including elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and new exclusive services.
And uncompromised design it is, indeed. On first glance, the concept Lexus sports a sleek silhouette extending from the low-slung hood and tapering the cabin towards the rear, while the prominent rear wheel flares are accentuated, which gives the LF-ZC an undeniably wide stance. On the inside, there's an extensive and innovative use of bamboo, a long-time signature Lexus material.
According to Lexus, this concept is slated to go into production sometime in 2026.
6. Mazda Iconic SP
Arguably one the nicest and most eye-catching concept cars is the Mazda Iconic SP. Following the iconic and ever-popular Mazda MX-5 (different generations of Roadsters were on display at the booth), the Mazda concept sports car is a fruition of what Mazda claims to be the "future crafted by the love of cars". According to the Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation, the carmaker will always focus on delivering vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives.
For now, Mazda isn't revealing the battery capacity or how many electric motors the concept packs. However, what we do know is that the Mazda Iconic SP has a low centre of gravity, a 50:50 weight distribution and a twin-rotary electric system that will provide a possible max output of about 365bhp.
While Mazda has yet to confirm if this concept will ever hit the production line, the Iconic SP is a clear example of just how much emphasis it has on enriching people's lives with great cars.
7. Nissan Hyper Tourer
Long before the sales charts were dominated by Tesla, Nissan had already been one of the first-movers for EVs. With a trio of concepts taking centrestage at JMS 2023, it seems keen to remind the public of its commitment to the electric cause.
All three Nissan Hyper cars are thrilling in their own right: The Hyper Punk looks straight out of, well, a cyberpunk movie; the Hyper Power builds on that with its Mad-Max styling, but wows even more with its swan doors and 1,000kW power output. But it's the Hyper Tourer - a four seater MPV with front row swivel seats and autonomous driving capabilities that spoke to us most at the Nissan booth.
Designed for "individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy the company of friends and associates", the Hyper Tour even boasts an AI system that will tune the music and lighting automatically as it monitors the biometric signs of its occupants.
8. Subaru Sport Mobility Concept
As an expression of Subaru's vision of a new generation of mobility, the carmaker took the chance at the JMS to showcase the Sport Mobility Concept that you see here (we'll talk about that thing hovering behind in just a bit). According to Subaru, the all-electric concept car evokes the evolution of the Subaru Sport values, while embodying the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will to extraordinary environments.
Speaking of extraordinary environments, while no specific information is provided as yet, the Sport Mobility Concept looks like a potential rugged, all-wheel driven off-roader, with clean and taut body panels that are straightforward and minimalistic.
9. Suzuki Swift Concept
Considering how the current generation Suzuki Swift is due for an upgrade, the Japan Mobility Show was the perfect opportunity for the carmaker to showcase the Swift Concept.
On first glance, though, the concept looks like it's production-ready, as it was for the previous two generations Swift. Thus, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the launched car looks similar to the one you see here.
No specifications were given during our time in Tokyo, but for reference, the current generation has a 1.2-litre mild hybrid powerplant underneath its hood that's good for 82bhp and 107Nm of torque.
10. Toyota FT-se
Amongst the different concept cars on stage, the only one that stands out is the Toyota FT-se concept car, a high-performance all-electric sports car that's supposedly to be under the Toyota Gazoo Racing Division. While the Japanese carmaker hasn't said anything, the FT should stand for "Future Toyota", based on past models.
More importantly, the car sports a zero-emission powertrain, fresh exterior styling, and from what we can see, an interior that's new as well, with a steering yoke that evokes a sporty feel.
Careless whispers are floating around the convention centre, saying that there's a possibility the Toyota FT-se concept car will eventually become the new and modernised Toyota MR2, but for now only time will tell.
Alternative mobility concepts: Living rooms on wheels, new 'base units of mobility' and, uh… flying cars
"Mobility isn’t just about private passenger cars that we love to drive!" That's what many of the exhibitors were also keen to tell visitors with their displays at the Show too. In fact, some weren't even OEM brands.
Take the Show's Camping Car Area for example. As large manufacturers wax lyrical about building a living room on wheels in the future, some of Japan's smaller aftermarket names are already showcasing it here in perfectly normal (and normally-sized) cars: Toyota Hiaces, Voxys, and the like.
Elsewhere, more left-of-centre vehicles that also followed the theme of mobility quite faithfully came in the form of autonomous and logistics vehicles. At its booth, Honda displayed its driverless Cruise Origin, which is already on track for deployment by 2026 in a ridehail service in Japan in collaboration with GM and Cruise.
Honda recently signed an agreement with Cruise and GM to start rolling out a driverless ridehailing service in Japan as early as 2026, using the Cruise Origin picutred
And on the logistics vehicle-front, Toyota showed off the KAYOIBAKO Concept ('kayoibako' apparently refers to configurable shipping containers), which it says is aimed at creating a flexible "quality base unit" of mobility that can apparently serve different roles.
We'd say this is... actually one of the rare times where the corporate message doesn't feel contrived; it helps that the KAYOIBAKO is ultra-adorable too. Daihatsu had something similar with its UNIFORM Truck.
Toyota's KAIYOBAKI Concept isn't just cute, but also makes sense to us
But here's where the theme of mobility starts being less grounded - and yes, we actually mean literally.
The Sport Mobility Concept wasn't all that Subaru had to offer; it simultaneously showed off the Air Mobility Concept - a drone-like aircraft with six turbines and a passenger compartment. Subaru is apparently trying to get, well, flying demonstrations off the ground, though we're sceptical of its chances for production any time soon.
The flying theme was likewise continued at Honda's booth, where the body of an entire jet as well as a scaled-down model of the eVTOL, an all-electric aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, was displayed.
Sure, what we once knew as the Tokyo Motor Show still holds on to its spirit of celebrating cars mostly… but we'd say the new name also captures the essence of the transport - or shall we say, mobility sector quite accurately too.
Here are a few other articles that may interest you!
Taking place at Tokyo Big Sight, it appears that the 2023 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) - with its new name - wants to embody a shift from past Tokyo Motor Shows, inviting companies both big and small across Japan.
The number of exhibitors has reached a record-breaking 475 companies, far exceeding the 192 companies that joined Tokyo Motor Show 2019. Of course, this has got to do with the warm welcome of not only automotive companies - but companies from other industries, as well as startups - coming together in an apparent effort to showcase the exciting future made possible by various types of mobility.
As such, while we're still committed to highlighting 10 of the most exciting cars that caught our attention at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, stay tuned to the end too for a handful of machines you're probably unlikely to immediately associate with a car show...
1. BMW X2/iX2
We'll start off with something we're 100% certain you can buy at some point in Singapore: The second-generation X2, which celebrated its global physical premiere on Day One of the JMS.
Now larger in all directions than before, what's striking on first glance is the X2's new design; its coupe-SUV body style has been amplified further with its raked rear roofline, and brings it more in line than before with its larger siblings, the X4 and X6.
But just as crucially, the X2 is now also fully-electric for the first time. In typical BMW fashion, the iX2 uses the same platform, shares the exact same styling as its combustion-powered twin (with the exception of trim differences and BMW i blue accents) - but is propelled by two electric motors instead in the sole xDrive30 variant on offer so far.
Another highlight to note for the twins: They will debut BMW Operating System 9, which BMW says will bring added ease of use to touch operation with its 'Quick Select' function and adjusted layout, while also serving as a jump pad for further integration of customisable digital services. Cool.
2. BYD Yangwang U8
BYD has kept Singapore so up to date with its latest launches that should a Singaporean walk to its booth at the Show here, they would already find the main star (i.e the one with the biggest stage) familiar: The Seal. Nonetheless, there's more awaiting still... though not exactly under the BYD brand directly.
Simply called the U8, this Defender-resembling SUV comes instead under a sub-brand called Yangwang (the term in Chinese can loosely be translated into "to revere"). It's all in the name, really; Yangwang has been designated as BYD's luxury division, and will also produce the all-electric, 1000+ bhp U9 supercar.
The U8 is no slouch itself though. System output apparently stands at a whopping 880kW (1180bhp); the SUV will complete the century sprint in just 3.6s. As expected, the car is completely propelled by its electric motors, but a 2.0-litre engine comes on board alongside a fuel tank to act as a range extender.
There's other exciting stuff still: Four motors - one on each wheel - take care of torque vectoring (this also helps it offroading abilities), and the U8 even has limited floating capabilities, which are passively triggered in an emergency. This one's coming to the roads at some point surely; we just don't know when, or whether Singapore will be included.
3. Daihatsu Vision Copen
No - that's not the actual first-generation Copen you're looking at, brought out for the sake of displaying Daihatsu's company history (as were some models), but rather, a new concept car making its debut at the Show.
Yes, the Vision Copen is nothing more than a concept car at this point (Daihatsu confirmed this even before the JMS started) - introduced alongside four other concepts embodying "staying close to" something. The Vision Copen, as you'd expect, embodies "staying close to the joy of driving", and as currently iterated, already looks like it could be rolling down the neon-lit streets of Ginza (or indeed, Orchard Road).
A 1,300cc engine resides under the hood - one that Daihatsu says can run on carbon neutral fuel - but deviates slightly from the original Copen with its front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (a joy!). Please make this, Daihatsu?
4. Honda Prelude Concept
Meaning "introductory or preceding performance", the Honda Prelude Concept car will become the prelude for Honda's future models that will inherit the "joy of driving" into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda's unalterable sports mindset. According to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Director, President and Representative, Toshihiro Mibe, the Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will offer exhilarating experience and extraordinary excitement.
Apart from the Prelude Concept, the Sustaina-C Concept, which resembles the Honda e, was also available on the stage. With an objective to transcend the constraints of the limited availability of resources, and achieve both environmental sustainability and the joy and freedom of mobility long into the future, the Sustaina-C Concept is made of acrylic resin that is recycled and reused.
5. Lexus LF-ZC
The world premiere of the next-generation full-electric LF-ZC took centre stage at the Lexus Booth at the Japan Mobility Show. The LF-ZC, which stands for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst, forms the catalyst for new experiences in the electric age, including elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and new exclusive services.
And uncompromised design it is, indeed. On first glance, the concept Lexus sports a sleek silhouette extending from the low-slung hood and tapering the cabin towards the rear, while the prominent rear wheel flares are accentuated, which gives the LF-ZC an undeniably wide stance. On the inside, there's an extensive and innovative use of bamboo, a long-time signature Lexus material.
According to Lexus, this concept is slated to go into production sometime in 2026.
6. Mazda Iconic SP
Arguably one the nicest and most eye-catching concept cars is the Mazda Iconic SP. Following the iconic and ever-popular Mazda MX-5 (different generations of Roadsters were on display at the booth), the Mazda concept sports car is a fruition of what Mazda claims to be the "future crafted by the love of cars". According to the Masahiro Moro, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation, the carmaker will always focus on delivering vehicles that remind people that cars are pure joy and an indispensable part of their lives.
For now, Mazda isn't revealing the battery capacity or how many electric motors the concept packs. However, what we do know is that the Mazda Iconic SP has a low centre of gravity, a 50:50 weight distribution and a twin-rotary electric system that will provide a possible max output of about 365bhp.
While Mazda has yet to confirm if this concept will ever hit the production line, the Iconic SP is a clear example of just how much emphasis it has on enriching people's lives with great cars.
7. Nissan Hyper Tourer
Long before the sales charts were dominated by Tesla, Nissan had already been one of the first-movers for EVs. With a trio of concepts taking centrestage at JMS 2023, it seems keen to remind the public of its commitment to the electric cause.
All three Nissan Hyper cars are thrilling in their own right: The Hyper Punk looks straight out of, well, a cyberpunk movie; the Hyper Power builds on that with its Mad-Max styling, but wows even more with its swan doors and 1,000kW power output. But it's the Hyper Tourer - a four seater MPV with front row swivel seats and autonomous driving capabilities that spoke to us most at the Nissan booth.
Designed for "individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and enjoy the company of friends and associates", the Hyper Tour even boasts an AI system that will tune the music and lighting automatically as it monitors the biometric signs of its occupants.
8. Subaru Sport Mobility Concept
As an expression of Subaru's vision of a new generation of mobility, the carmaker took the chance at the JMS to showcase the Sport Mobility Concept that you see here (we'll talk about that thing hovering behind in just a bit). According to Subaru, the all-electric concept car evokes the evolution of the Subaru Sport values, while embodying the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will to extraordinary environments.
Speaking of extraordinary environments, while no specific information is provided as yet, the Sport Mobility Concept looks like a potential rugged, all-wheel driven off-roader, with clean and taut body panels that are straightforward and minimalistic.
9. Suzuki Swift Concept
Considering how the current generation Suzuki Swift is due for an upgrade, the Japan Mobility Show was the perfect opportunity for the carmaker to showcase the Swift Concept.
On first glance, though, the concept looks like it's production-ready, as it was for the previous two generations Swift. Thus, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the launched car looks similar to the one you see here.
No specifications were given during our time in Tokyo, but for reference, the current generation has a 1.2-litre mild hybrid powerplant underneath its hood that's good for 82bhp and 107Nm of torque.
10. Toyota FT-se
Amongst the different concept cars on stage, the only one that stands out is the Toyota FT-se concept car, a high-performance all-electric sports car that's supposedly to be under the Toyota Gazoo Racing Division. While the Japanese carmaker hasn't said anything, the FT should stand for "Future Toyota", based on past models.
More importantly, the car sports a zero-emission powertrain, fresh exterior styling, and from what we can see, an interior that's new as well, with a steering yoke that evokes a sporty feel.
Careless whispers are floating around the convention centre, saying that there's a possibility the Toyota FT-se concept car will eventually become the new and modernised Toyota MR2, but for now only time will tell.
Alternative mobility concepts: Living rooms on wheels, new 'base units of mobility' and, uh… flying cars
"Mobility isn’t just about private passenger cars that we love to drive!" That's what many of the exhibitors were also keen to tell visitors with their displays at the Show too. In fact, some weren't even OEM brands.
Take the Show's Camping Car Area for example. As large manufacturers wax lyrical about building a living room on wheels in the future, some of Japan's smaller aftermarket names are already showcasing it here in perfectly normal (and normally-sized) cars: Toyota Hiaces, Voxys, and the like.
Elsewhere, more left-of-centre vehicles that also followed the theme of mobility quite faithfully came in the form of autonomous and logistics vehicles. At its booth, Honda displayed its driverless Cruise Origin, which is already on track for deployment by 2026 in a ridehail service in Japan in collaboration with GM and Cruise.
Honda recently signed an agreement with Cruise and GM to start rolling out a driverless ridehailing service in Japan as early as 2026, using the Cruise Origin picutred
And on the logistics vehicle-front, Toyota showed off the KAYOIBAKO Concept ('kayoibako' apparently refers to configurable shipping containers), which it says is aimed at creating a flexible "quality base unit" of mobility that can apparently serve different roles.
We'd say this is... actually one of the rare times where the corporate message doesn't feel contrived; it helps that the KAYOIBAKO is ultra-adorable too. Daihatsu had something similar with its UNIFORM Truck.
Toyota's KAIYOBAKI Concept isn't just cute, but also makes sense to us
But here's where the theme of mobility starts being less grounded - and yes, we actually mean literally.
The Sport Mobility Concept wasn't all that Subaru had to offer; it simultaneously showed off the Air Mobility Concept - a drone-like aircraft with six turbines and a passenger compartment. Subaru is apparently trying to get, well, flying demonstrations off the ground, though we're sceptical of its chances for production any time soon.
The flying theme was likewise continued at Honda's booth, where the body of an entire jet as well as a scaled-down model of the eVTOL, an all-electric aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, was displayed.
Sure, what we once knew as the Tokyo Motor Show still holds on to its spirit of celebrating cars mostly… but we'd say the new name also captures the essence of the transport - or shall we say, mobility sector quite accurately too.
Here are a few other articles that may interest you!
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