/Think Tokyo and most will think cutting edge. The upcoming 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, taking place from November 22nd to December 1st, will be no different. Car manufacturers will unveil a variety of vehicles, from conceptual to production-updated models, to give visitors a futuristic idea of what to expect from the automotive industry. Take a look at the highlights we’ve compiled to give an idea of which car manufacturers to expect an unveiling from, as well as a brief look at the hybrid and electric theme predicted to be a popular trend at this year’s show. Those studying the trades in BC or even studying Trades Training in other provinces could benefit from this international perspective of the automotive industry.
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Hybrid Powertrains are Here to Stay
Proving that hybrid vehicles are here to stay, Mazda will be unveiling the Mazda3 Hybrid, which uses a dual fuel system capable of running on both gasoline and natural gas. It will be the first time that a Japanese automaker will be offering three different methods of power for a model: gasoline, diesel and hybrid.
Following suit, Mitsubishi will also be revealing not one, but three hybrid concepts as a teaser to a full unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show: the GC-PHEV Concept, the XR-PHEV and the Concept AR. The GC-PHEV is a full-sized hybrid SUV that has a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a high-electric output motor, and can operate as a 4×4 in gas, electric or hybrid modes. The XR-PHEV has a 1.1-liter turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline engine, as well as an electric motor and high-capacity battery. Lastly, the Concept AR is a compact MPV that uses a lightweight hybrid system that includes a downsized 1.1-liter direct-injection turbocharged MIVEC engine. All three vehicles utilize the SUV concept combined with the efficiency of hybrid technology. In all, Mitsubishi will be unveiling a total of 17 models at the show.
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And for a look at a non-SUV hybrid unveiling, we can expect a downsized version of the 370Z, a two-seat electric hybrid sports car created by Nissan. The downsized model will have similar concepts as the Esflow Concept car initially showcased in Geneva at the 2011Motor Show. When the Esflow was unveiled it was powered by two electric mills located above the rear wheels. The electric mills on the vehicle are powered by the same lithium-ion battery pack that sits in the Leaf EV and gives the car a 0-100 km/h in an under five second acceleration time. The production version of this yet unveiled sports car hybrid will likely incorporate the Nissan technology showcased in the Esflow model.
With a look towards the future being a common element at the Tokyo Motor Show, the technology to be showcased at this upcoming show highlights an automotive future that is sure to make hybrid technology the norm for everyday use in vehicles. Those in automotive trades training who are looking to stay ahead in the industry could benefit from specializing in hybrid vehicle maintenance to ensure that their skills will remain in demand.
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