Tokyo Motor Show | When sport chases utility

(Tokyo, Japan) Simple coincidence or more or less organized leaks of ideas? Still, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Subaru have all presented conceptual studies around the same theme: the sports car. Alfonso Albaisa, vice president of design at Nissan, laughs about it. “This group shot perhaps suggests that we, the stylists, are tired of designing SUVs. »

On a more serious note, the Cuban-American stylist recalls that even more than a traditional model, an electric vehicle must cut through the air with ease. And for good reason, air resistance largely determines the autonomy of such a vehicle. “Today, the wind is king. We need to understand all the intricacies of aerodynamics to be able to better integrate it into our designs. »

And the sports car, whose design is generally free of any constraints, lends itself well to this exercise. The Hyper Force concept and its 1000 kW of power bear witness to this. This “show car” undoubtedly foreshadows the future GT-R, but, more importantly, reveals several clues about the direction that Nissan intends to take with its electric vehicles of tomorrow. Starting with the dry battery (solid-state battery) that Nissan wants to market before the end of this decade. This technological breakthrough could allow Nissan to regain the dominant position it held around ten years ago with the Leaf.

Heir to the short-lived LF-A? Maybe so, but Toyota’s FT-se concept has another message to deliver. That of a manufacturer who is being pushed to embrace all-electric. Until now, the strategy of the number one Japanese automobile company consisted of only partially electrifying its products (wired or wireless hybrid) while preparing for the advent of the fuel cell powered by hydrogen. The public authorities decided otherwise. They have made the “battery car” THE obligatory step. From then on, lost for lost, Toyota could not help but jump into the arena, and the numerous conceptual studies (Lexus included) presented in Tokyo gave the effect of wanting to calm tensions with its detractors. They criticize him for not being on the pedal to accelerate the energy transition.

So far trailing Toyota (its only electric vehicle, the Solterra, derives from the bZ4x), Subaru intends to chart its own path. In terms of style at least, because the Sport Mobility Concept – reminiscent of the STi – technically has nothing to communicate. On the other hand, it explores new avenues to visually stand out from the competition.

The star-studded manufacturer has already indicated that it is raising the bar and wants to produce eight, not four, fully electric vehicles in the coming years. On Toyota bases? Presumably.

Mazda has also established technological ties with Toyota City, but so far is going its own way. The Iconic SP study aims to remind us that emblems never die. Indeed, this concept evokes for some the defunct RX-7, for others the current MX-5. One thing is certain, several elements of this study will probably never see the light of day in series (retractable headlights, elytron doors). On the other hand, the rotary motor which powers the battery is very real. To be convinced, it is important to remember that Mazda already offers this energy extender technology on the MX-30 e-Skyactiv RE-V. A variation sold in Europe, but not in North America. In interview with The Press, Mazda President Masahiro Moro is convinced that consumers will always have the choice of their mobility. What if this is not the case? He does not rule out the idea of ​​withdrawing his brand from the market.

Trailing all the Japanese manufacturers whose influence extends beyond the borders of the archipelago, Honda is lagging behind. The rebirth of the Prelude, a sports car that disappeared 20 years ago, undoubtedly delighted aficionados, but did nothing to reassure analysts. They are concerned about Honda’s delay in the field of electrification. The stylized H firm has already planned the marketing of some 30 battery models by 2030. An objective which will likely be revised downwards. The announcement – ​​in the middle of the show – of a decision by General Motors and Honda to end their collaboration with the aim of producing affordable electric vehicles had the effect of an electric shock.