Unlike most cities, Japan’s capital city plays host to two major automotive exhibitions: the Tokyo Motor Show and the Tokyo Auto Salon. While these terms may be interchangeable when it comes to European expos, in Tokyo, they connote two different shows altogether. The first is the Motor Show, where new concepts and production models are unveiled by the world’s automakers. The Auto Salon is more of a tuner expo along the lines of the SEMA show in Las Vegas. So after Subaru made its long-anticipated splash at the Tokyo Motor Show with its new BRZ, now it’s heading to the Salon with some modified versions.

First up is a version of the BRZ Concept STI, packing some prototype carbon-fiber components, suspension upgrades, Brembo brakes and more. Subaru has also teamed up again with aftermarket tuner Prova (which shares its name with the traditional license plates carried by prototypes in italy) for a BRZ Black Edition. And you can bet there will be a handful or two of other tuners eager to show what they can do with the new rear-drive sports coupe, as well.

Subaru itself will also be showcasing an upgraded Impreza called the G4 STI with all manner of performance enhancements, and will, at long last, announce its return to a number of different motorsport disciplines. The Super GT300-spec BRZ, which we already know about, will be displayed alongside the Legacy-based racer it replaces. But there will also be a WRX STI that’s slated to be fielded at the Nürburgring 24, and Subaru will also be announcing its return to professional rally competition, though not the World Rally Championship series it left years ago, it will contest the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru promises BRZ, Impreza STI concepts plus rally return at Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While the Tokyo Motor Show is a stage for the world’s manufacturers to strut their production models, the Tokyo Auto Salon allows designers and engineers to stretch their legs with custom hardware. This year, Mazda is bringing 10 special models to the Tokyo Auto Salon, including a custom version of the recently-released CX-5.

The custom CX-5 wears special paint, a lowered ride height and unique wheels for a significantly sportier appearance. Likewise, the company’s Demio also receives a little attention, and visitors to the show can expect to see the Demio 13 Skyactiv Smart Stylish bow alongside the CX-5. The pint-sized hatch makes use of a few aero treatments including a front underspoiler, side skirts and rear underskirt.

The new Axela Skyactiv will also be on display, complete with a body kit of its own, along with a sharp-looking set of wheels. Visitors can take a closer look at a pair of custom Roadster models as well, including the Black Tuned version and a racing-spec version called the Jimba-Ittai, or Rider and Horse as one. We like the sound of that. Hit the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars

Mazda previews driver-focused Tokyo Auto Salon showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You’ve seen the Toyota GRMN iQ Racing Concept (lucky you!), and now it’s time to divert your attention towards the rest of the Japanese automaker’s wares being shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

First up is the Toyota Prius G Sports Concept, which features the kind of gaping maw only the Mama Cylon could love. Rounding out Toyota’s offerings is the TRD Auris GT Concept, which we think actually looks kinda nifty with its subdued body kit and blindingly bright yellow paint.

Lexus wasn’t left out of the proceedings either, and its machines are arguably more interesting than its mothership’s. There’s the F-Sport CT 200h (a future production model) taking center stage with its unique alloy wheels, body kit and Recaro seats, which is joined by the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer and a set of Club Performance Accessories for the IS F that include front and rear spoilers and a carbon fiber hood.

Last but certainly not least is the Gazoo Racing Lexus LFA supercar that raced at last year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours race. See both sets of vehicular craziness in our high-res image galleries below, then check out all the details in the press releases after the break.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon

Toyota and Lexus show off at Tokyo Auto Salon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the eyes of international automotive media, the Tokyo Auto Salon tends to be overlooked, mostly due to its proximity to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Nonetheless, there’s still quite a bit to see at Tokyo’s aftermarket extravaganza, and Nissan, together with Autech Japan and the automaker’s Nismo performance division, will be showing nine models at the 2011 Auto Salon, which runs from January 14 to 16.

Nissan’s two freshest offerings, the Leaf and Juke, get added doses of sportiness, though apprently only in terms of appearance. The Leaf Aero Style Concept “expresses an image of futuristic sport EV driving,” says Nissan. All we know is, those wheels are excellent (albeit perhaps less than excellent for brake cooling). The Juke, on the other hand, wears dealer-installed parts designed for Europe and North America. Called the Juke Sporty Package, the show car includes things like chrome trim accessories and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Also on hand are two very different versions of the new Nissan Elgrand (that’s the Quest to us Yankees), one of which is designed to be a premium, luxurious cruiser while the other gets some help from the Nismo division (yes, a Nismo minivan). From there, Nissan is also displaying new versions of the March, Fairlady Z and, of course, the GT-R. See them all for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the official press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan plans nine debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon including Leaf Aero Style concept

Nissan plans nine debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon including Leaf Aero Style concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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