For one week Tokyo is the capital of the automotive industry. In fact, the 45th edition of the Tokyo Salonthe Tokyo Motor Show 2017. Recognised as one of the five most important motor shows in the world, along with those of Detroit, Geneva, Frankfurt e Parisis organised every two years at the Makuhari Messe of Chiba. Once again this year it is not disappointing expectations, with the presentation of new models and new concept cars that anticipate the beginning of the new motoring era.
At Tokyo show all the automotive causes, European and non-European, are present, but it is obviously the Japanese companies that are leading the way.
The unveiled prototypes mainly concern sustainable, zero-emission, connected and self-driving mobility projects.
In addition to some futuristic models, world premieres were presented such as the new Suzuki Jimmy, a Suv electricity of Nissan slightly larger than the Qashqai and an almost production version of the next Mazda3.
Tokyo Motor Show 2017: the weirdest car models
Among the most interesting and special, decidedly innovative and revolutionary novelties is the 'rubbery' single-seater Toyoda Gosei Flesby of Toyota Groupcreated to protect pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists with 'cushions' applied to the bodywork. The concept FlesbyIt is actually in its second generation: the Japanese company has been working on this revolutionary technology for decades, and had already presented a first model. This Flesby IIequipped with external airbags designed to absorb the energy of an impact, features concepts that have been developed and refined compared to the first model, such as the possibility of changing the shape of the bodywork, thanks to the use of e-rubber.
But what's new at home Toyota do not stop there: the family "Concept-i"a triptych of electrically driven, self-driving prototypes equipped with artificial intelligence that allows interaction with passengers and the outside world through light messages on the front and rear bumpers. These models are capable of understanding the driver's habits and psychophysical state through biometric sensors.
Of the triptych, the two models "i Ride" e "i Walk"They are designed for people with motor disabilities: in the first, a wheelchair can be transported together with two passengers, and is equipped with a large gull-wing opening and controls integrated into the armrests. The second, on the other hand, is a kind of electric 'chariot', useful for small journeys, capable of automatically dodging obstacles or braking itself in the event of a possible collision.
Toyota also presented the prototype 'Fine-Comfort Ride Concept"A zero-emission MPV powered by electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Another special feature is the interior design: the seats in the first two rows can rotate inwards, facilitating passenger interaction. Autonomous driving technology does the driving. The seats are reclining and equipped with footrests, creating the impression of being in a real living room at home.
The future of two-wheelers at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show
For the motorcycling sector, however, Honda e Yamaha presented two innovative concepts.
La Honda Riding Assist is an electrically powered motorbike, equipped with the revolutionary technology of autonomous driving, is able to balance itself (without the aid of a kickstand) and even follow the driver while walking.
YamahaInstead, it unveiled a series of models ready to revolutionise the motorbike field. The "MWC-4"It is a four-wheeled, electrically powered model that is as comfortable as a car but bends like a motorbike when cornering.
The project "Motobot' of Yamaha includes an automatic pilot capable of guiding the R1M and speeding at around 200 km/h. The test against Valentino Rossi, official pilot of the Yamaha at MotoGPhas already been organised.
The salon of Tokyo amazes, with each edition, by the technology of the concepts that are presented by the car manufacturers. Who knows how many of these futuristic models, and how soon, will become reality.
Main photo: Tokyo Motor Show Facebook page
Photo article: lastampa.it
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