Top Five Cars of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show

Top Five Cars of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show
Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars of the 2015 SEMA Show
Scion iM Stars in 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge
2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Priced from $30,005
2016 Scion iA Gets Customized for 2015 SEMA Show
Hennessey Venom GT Returns Packing 1,451 HP

Posted:

To one side is Tokyo Bay, to the other, Japan's capital and largest metropolitan area on planet Earth. In between these leviathans is a world-renowned biennial motor show. Maybe you've heard of it?

2015 Tokyo Motor Show Coverage

Here are the Top Five Cars revealed in Tokyo this year.

5. Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

And we start with Honda. The company's Clarity Fuel Cell may have landed in fifth place on this list but its fuel is No. 1, LITERALLY. Instead of traditional petroleum this four-door is powered by hydrogen, which of course it the first element on the periodic table. See? I told you!

Its fuel-cell stack boasts numerous advancements. It's a third smaller than its predecessor yet 60 percent more energy dense, delivering around 134 horsepower. Even better, this car carries enough hydrogen to provide a driving range of up to 435 miles. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is slated to go on sale in Japan next March.

4. Subaru VIZIV Future Concept

Moving on, this is the Subaru VIZIV Future Concept. It's a sharp-looking crossover that's powered by a hybrid drivetrain. Aside from its styling, which really is quite striking, this vehicle highlights the autonomous technology that Subaru has been working on.

It can drive straight ahead all on its own and even avoid pedestrians and cyclists in urban situations.

3. Toyota S-FR Concept

But not everyone wants some boring old crossover. Toyota kept things interesting with its S-FR concept. This half-pint machine looks like a perfect foil to the ever-popular Mazda MX-5. It's a hypothetical entry-level sports car designed to get young people interested in cars. With a front-mid mounted engine and rear-wheel drive it should be a hoot and a half to drive.

SEE ALSO: Toyota S-FR Concept Details

2. Yamaha Sports Ride Concept

Along the same line as the S-FR is Yamaha's Sports Ride. This company doesn't build any cars today, but this concept explores the idea. Borrowing motorcycle cues, it's built around a strong, yet light tubular metal structure. On top of this skeleton, ultra-rigid fiber-reinforced body panels are attached.

The Sports Ride is small, featherweight and looks like a miniature supercar. I say BUILD IT, Yamaha!

Now, that's all well and good, but the No. 1 car, the hottest, most amazing thing to see at the Tokyo show this year is undoubtedly Mazda's RX-Vision concept. This dead sexy coupe hints at a revival of the brand's world-famous sports-car line. Appropriately, it features a rotary engine and rear-wheel drive along with DEAD SEXY styling and proportions. In person it looks lick-ably good!

SEE ALSO: Mazda RX-Vision Concept Details

So there you have it. Those are a few highlights from the 44^th Tokyo Motor Show, though there's so much more going on than we have time to report.

Loading, please wait...

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars of the 2015 SEMA Show

Posted:

The 2015 SEMA Show kicks off next week and the Las Vegas Convention Center will be packed with hundreds of the wildest modified rides.

While most high-profile projects are typically kept under wraps until the show opens its doors, some builders and automakers preview what they will showcase ahead of time. There's a lot to be excited about this year based on what has already been announced, so AutoGuide.com has compiled a Top 10 list of the most anticipated cars of the 2015 SEMA Show.

SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview

10) Ludacris' Acura Legend

Seriously, how can you not be excited to see how Acura and Ludacris have planned to bring his classic Legend back to life? If the Japanese automaker is daring enough to make it one of its main showpieces at SEMA, there's a real good chance the Legend will be outfitted with some crazy modifications especially now that Ludacris is synonymous with Fast and Furious. We'll be sure to head to the Acura booth bright and early Tuesday to check out Ludacris' restored Acura Legend.

9) Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack Package

The Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack package won't hold any surprises when it makes an appearance in Las Vegas, but it will still be nice to see up close and personal. Launching in the U.S. exclusively through Stillen, the Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack package outfits the Japanese sports car with all the aerodynamic goodies to help make it the fastest volume production vehicle on the Nurburgring. That's a lap time of 7:08.679 and along with the aerodynamic changes, the GT-R is outfitted with different suspension and better brakes.

8) Honda Ridgeline Concept

Honda is heading to this year's SEMA show with a collection of modified HR-Vs to showcase the new crossover, but what the main attraction will be is a concept vehicle with a "Desert Race Truck" theme. Once you get passed all the accessories, the concept will actually preview the next-generation Honda Ridgeline that will compete in the Baja 1000. Under the hood will be a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox while FOX Racing shocks, General Grabber tires and plenty of Honda Performance Development (HPD) goodies will make it a contender in the Baja 1000 next month.

7) Tjin Edition Hyundai Genesis Coupe

tjin-edition-genesis-coupe

Hyundai has previewed a selection of modified rides that will be showcased in its booth this year, but the one that intrigues us is the Tjin Edition Hyundai Genesis Coupe. What makes it so interesting is that it isn't the 2.0-liter turbocharged model, but rather the 3.8-liter V6 that has gotten a boost in performance from a Vortech supercharger. It's no secret that there's plenty of toys out there for Genesis Coupe 2.0T owners, but it looks like the V6 engine is finally getting some real love.

6) Bisimoto Engineering EcoBoost Ford Mustang

bisimoto-ford-mustang

Bisimoto Engineering has been known among import enthusiasts for over a decade, creating some of the wildest high-performance rides that prove themselves on the track. And that's why it is so interesting that this year, Bisimoto will lend a hand in creating an EcoBoost Ford Mustang that reportedly pumps out 900 horsepower. If there's one thing Bisimoto knows how to do well, it's squeezing power out of a four-cylinder motor. We can't wait to see how this Mustang looks in person and check out the engine bay that will prove there is maybe a replacement for displacement.

5) Dodge Challenger GT AWD Concept

dodge-challenger-awd-teaser

Dodge teased this Challenger concept as part of its 2015 SEMA Show lineup and what really caught our eyes is the GT AWD badge on the spoiler. Considering the current Challenger is built on a modified version of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 platform, an all-wheel drive Challenger wouldn't be so difficult to create. You see, both the Charger and 300 models are offered with all-wheel drive, so why wouldn't Dodge create the first factory-built, all-wheel drive muscle car? The big question will be what's powering the Challenger GT AWD concept.

4) Wald Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition

There's plenty of room at SEMA for luxury cars and Toyo Tires will play host to a Wald Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition. It will actually be the world debut of the Rolls Royce Wraith Black Bison Edition sporting Wald's newly designed front bumper, side skirts, rear lip, trunk wing and sport exhaust. The luxury coupe will sit on 22×9-inch front and 22×10.5-inch rear B11C wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes STII rubber.

3) H&R RWB Porsche 964

RWB Porsches have become a staple in recent years at SEMA and 2015 won't be any different. While we've seen quite a number of the widebody Porsches in Las Vegas, this particular project has caught our eye. Built by Jon Sibal, it will make its debut at the H&R booth sporting 18-inch Work Meister S1 wheels and Pirelli PZERO Rosso tires. Lending a hand on the RWB Porsche 964 was RSTRADA, where the vehicle was built while Meguiar's will make sure it's perfectly detailed for the show floor. Oh yeah, and how can we forget the Club Race big brake kit from Brembo peeking behind those super-wide Work Wheels.

2) Misha Designs Ferrari 458

misha-designs-ferrari-458

Another Toyo Tires creation, the Misha Designs Ferrari 458 will be seen at the tire manufacturer's booth in the South Hall. As a limited edition body kit, the Ferrari 458 gets a three-inch wider track while the large rear spoiler has been inspired by the LaFerrari FXX K. The exotic will also serve as the world debut of Savini's "Forged Step Lip" concave wheel technology with the 458 getting 20-inch wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxes 4 Plus all-season tires.

1) Ringbrothers Carbon Fiber Ford Mustang Fastback

Last year Ringbrothers arguably stole the show with its custom Chevelle pumping 980 hp through a Chevrolet LS7. This year, Ringbrothers will be bringing a custom all carbon fiber Mustang fastback pushing 959 hp through a Whipple-supercharged Wegner Motorsports 416-cubic inch engine outfitted with a custom Flowmaster exhaust. The hand-crafted carbon body will be finished in a BASF Glasurit Waterborne custom color called "Spy Green," and if last year's project was any indication, this one will be the talk of the show. AutoGuide.com will be sure to stop by the BASF booth Wednesday morning when the car is officially debuted.

Loading, please wait...

Scion iM Stars in 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge

Posted:

The Scion iM five-door hatchback is the star of the 2015 Scion Tuner Challenge.

Previewed at a special event in Los Angeles ahead of being displayed at the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 11th Annual Scion Tuner Challenge will forgo the past three-car format for a pair of custom iM hatchbacks. Doing battle this year will be two prominent streetwear brands, illest and Crooks & Castles, both of which have put their unique spin on one of Scion's latest models. Both teams received a brand new Scion iM and a $15,000 build budget.

Starting off with illest's creation, creative director Mark Arcenal drew inspiration for their iM concept from the Japanese VIP world. It's a bit of a departure from the race-inspired Scion tC that Arcenal created for the 2008 Scion Tuner Challenge. Featuring Rotiform wheels on all four corners, the illest Scion iM goes with a clean and conservative approach with subtle accents, Brembo brakes and Air Lift suspension.

"With a background in motorsports, I went with familiarity for my previous Scion Tuner Challenge experience. I wanted to push the boundaries even further this time," Arcenal said. "The iM has a sporty look I thought would mesh well with the aggressive VIP style, making for the perfect combo to win the competition."

SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview

Competing against illest's Scion iM is a creation by Rob Panlilio, co-founder of Crooks & Castles. Sticking to his Japanese car roots, Panlilio went with a widebody design and AccuAir suspension to bring the Scion iM to the ground. Featuring a black and white color scheme in true Crooks & Castles fashion, the interior of the iM has received an all-white leather-wrapped rollcage and black rewrapped race seats. Panlilio finished off his Scion iM with his signature trademark custom white mesh wheels.

Another significant change from past Scion Tuner Challenges, this year's competition will be judged by last year's participants, Super Street magazine, GT Channel and Speedhunters. Also, the winner of the competition won't be revealed until the 2015 LA Auto Show on November 28, where either Mark Arcenal or Rob Panlilio will receive a $10,000 grand prize check.

Discuss this story on our Scion iM Forum

Loading, please wait...

2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Priced from $30,005

Posted:

The 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 has been announced.

Featuring a unique Lunar Storm paint shade, the 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 will be priced from $30,005 including destination when equipped with a manual transmission. An automatic transmission will have a $1,100 premium. The FR-S Release Series 2.0 will be limited to just 1,000 units and is the most exclusive Scion Release Series model yet.

Along with the Lunar Storm exterior, the special FR-S also gets 17-inch forged alloy wheels and a unique aero kit that features spoilers on both the front lip and the trunk. Both pieces are subtle and flow nicely with the sports car's bodylines.

Many of the upgrades are in the cabin with heated seats finished in black Alcantara and leather with camel-colored accents. The same two-tone black and camel theme carries over to the leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the shift knob and parking brake lever are covered in black leather. Camel trim can also be found on the door armrests and upper trim, while Scion opted to finish off the knee pads and center armrest in black. Found throughout the interior is camel accent stitching and embroidered on the dash insert is the release series badge, sequentially numbered from 1 to 1,000.

Buyers will also get smart key with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control and HID headlights with LED daytime running lights.

"The FR-S is well known for being a fabulous sports car, and now we're taking it up a notch in the luxury arena," said Scion vice-president Andrew Gilleland.

Discuss this story on our Scion FR-S Forum

Loading, please wait...

2016 Scion iA Gets Customized for 2015 SEMA Show

Posted:

Scion reached out to its lifestyle partners to demonstrate the customization possibilities for the new 2016 Scion iA.

Ever since Toyota created the Scion brand, it has embraced customization as the core of its vehicles. With two new models launching, the Japanese automaker is wasting no time to show off the versatility of the iA and iM platforms. Along with the two Scion Tuner Challenge iM vehicles this year, Scion will be bringing a pair of Scion iA sedans, one built by Eddie Huang and another by Skybound Entertainment.

Huang is most well-known for his book and TV adaptation, Fresh Off The Boat, and is embracing Los Angeles culture with a modern take on the classic lowrider. That's right, this custom Scion iA features a chain-link steering wheel, custom swivel front seats and more. Bringing it to the ground is a dual-stage air bag system with independent wheel control that allows the iA to go from side-to-side and front-to-back with three-wheel motion. The exterior features a metallic yellow paint with root beer accents, while a mural of a "human panda," which is how Huang refers to himself, is on the hood. No lowrider-themed vehicle is complete without a set of wire wheels, and this iA has them finished in gold. There's also a massive gold-plated front grille to finish off the exterior modifications.

SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview

The other iA project will appeal to fans of The Walking Dead. For this Scion iA, Skybound Entertainment executed Robert Kirkman's latest comic book, Outcast, giving it a theme of demonic possession. In other words, this iA will move and operate on its own through pneumatic movements of multiple components and an automated sequence of light and audio effects. The exterior boasts an orange, black and green finish with a demonic spirit graphic directly inspired by the comic book found on the roof. The car will gyrate, smoke, change colors and emit eerie sounds at the 2015 SEMA Show, even though it will be a few days after Halloween.

Discuss this story on our Scion iA Forum

Loading, please wait...

Hennessey Venom GT Returns Packing 1,451 HP

Posted:

Hennessey is heading to the 2015 SEMA Show with three vehicles pumping out a combined 2,875 horsepower.

The most exciting of the three vehicles is the Venom GT Spyder, pushing 1,451 hp as the company's flagship hypercar. That's 207 hp more than the previous generation Venom that clocked a top speed of 270.4 mph at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida last year. The new Venom GT also uses a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine but horsepower and torque have been increased thanks to the ability to run E85 Flexfuel, allowing Hennessey to increase boost pressure from 19 psi to 26 psi.

Weighing 2,743 pounds, the hypercar comes standard with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and has a 0-60 mph time of just 2.4 seconds.

"Being the fastest matters," said company founder and president, John Hennessey. "We are intent on keeping the Venom as the fastest, best performing and most exciting hypercar on the road."

SEE ALSO: 2015 SEMA Show Preview

Also heading to the 2015 SEMA Show from Hennessey is a Ford Mustang convertible packing 774 hp from its 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. The 2016 HPE750 Supercharged Ford Mustang convertible is the only 2015 Mustang to attain a verified top speed of 200 mph and recently ran 207.9 mph on Jay Leno's Garage.

The third vehicle is a 2016 VelociRaptor 650 Supercharged Ford F-150 pickup with the 5.0-liter V8 engine churning 650 hp for a 0-60 time of nine seconds.

Discuss this story on our Ford Forum

Loading, please wait...

Car Reviews

Friday, 30 October 2015