An Auto Show That Has Grown into One of Japan's Largest

Tokyo Auto Salon, arguably Japan's most popular car show, featured the GR Super Sport Concept in 2018 – a road-legal WEC machine.

Held at Makuhari Messe from January 12-14, 2018, Tokyo Auto Salon showcased 880 vehicles and attracted over 300,000 visitors.

Tokyo Auto Salon originally began as a more private event, centered around dress-up cars inspired by motorsports.

As car manufacturers began to notice its crowd-drawing potential, the event expanded significantly, with some even unveiling new models, transforming it into a major exhibition.

One of the highlights of 2018 was the "GR Super Sport" unveiled by Gazoo Racing Company, Toyota Motor Corporation's motorsports division.

Toyota GR Super Sport Prototype

Billed as a road-legal sports car based on a WEC (World Endurance Championship) machine, like those seen in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it's planned to use a THS-R system combining a V6 engine with an electric motor.

At the unveiling event, which drew significant media attention, Shigeki Tomoyama, President of Gazoo Racing Company, stated, "Toyota Motor Corporation will continue to pursue the joy of driving."

However, pricing and release dates remain "undecided" (Tomoyama). If it launches, it will likely face direct competition with Mercedes-AMG's "Project One," a supercar utilizing F1 parts, slated for a 2019 release.

The Keyword Was Sports Models

Honda also made significant motorsport-related announcements, notably bringing together drivers from five teams competing in the All Japan GT Championship for a special presentation.

The display featured models that highlighted Honda's connection to motorsports, including the "NSX GT3," which debuted in Macau in 2017, and the "RC20GT Civic Type R Concept," further sportified by Mugen.

Honda NSX GT3

Daihatsu Boon Sport Package

Subaru (specifically STI - Subaru Technica International) showcased a lineup of sports models, all characterized by their blue bodies with striking red accents.

President Yoshio Hirakawa emphasized the correctness of the company's direction, noting that the limited edition STI WRX "S208," equipped with a powerful 329ps engine, sold out its 450 units despite a price tag of 6,264,000 yen.

He further stated that STI's focus on sports models and motorsport activities will continue, with a commitment to "continuing to focus on sports models based on mass-produced vehicles."

Daihatsu, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi Motors focused on exhibiting new vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors, in particular, unveiled a concept model of its new "Eclipse Cross."

Daihatsu and Suzuki showed a tendency to explore the possibilities of cars by customizing production models. While some were whimsical concepts like a fishing-themed vehicle, they may have captured the consumer desire for cars tailored to their lifestyles.

Suzuki Carry Fishing Gear

The Appeal of Customization Captures Visitors

Perhaps the most striking demonstration of customization's appeal came from the models displayed by Honda Access, a Honda-affiliated accessory manufacturer.

These included the "Kemono Friends Fit," inspired by the hit 2017 anime "Kemono Friends," the "N-0NEs" featuring the image of Chums with custom seat covers, and an "N-BOX" adorned with Barbapapa.

Honda Access N-BOX BARBAPAPA Collection

The latter proved immensely popular with families attending the event (raising questions about why so many families were present during press hours), underscoring the perception of cars as akin to everyday home appliances.

Fundamentally, Tokyo Auto Salon was conceived as a show for users who wanted to enjoy customizing production cars to their own tastes, showcasing various exterior parts like wheels and presenting complete cars built with them.

Puma

Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR

Therefore, regardless of the form it takes – whether resembling a race car, adorned with flashy chrome parts, or painted with Barbapapa like a lunchbox – it aligns with the show's original spirit.

Among these, the one-make model called "Re:Z," also from Honda Access, truly embodied the spirit of custom modification that met my expectations.

Based on the "CR-X," its entire exterior has been redesigned, featuring a long roof that evokes a shooting brake aesthetic.

Honda Access Re:Z

"We wanted to create a car that young people could drive casually on dates, much like the original Honda Z from 1970," explained a young designer from Honda Access.

The Z-like motif is cleverly incorporated into the rear window. Even without flashy promotional models, this car was a standout, garnering significant press attention.

While there are no current plans for production, it's rumored that manufacturing could become a possibility if over 100 interested parties are found and the base vehicles can be secured.

Packed with the Joy of All Kinds of Cars

Imported cars seemed less prominent this year. Mercedes-Benz Japan stood out, emphasizing its motorsports image with displays like the "AMG GT3."

Concurrently, Mercedes-Benz Japan presented a "V-Class" variant, featuring a limousine-like two-seat rear configuration. This might be a response to Toyota's push for personalization with the "Vellfire" and "Alphard."

This model, called the "Mercedes-Benz V 220 d Sport Long," is reportedly popular in China. However, the company's PR department stated that its release in Japan is "undecided."

Renault Megane R.S.

Toyota Vellfire TRD

In the realm of custom production vehicles, many exhibited cars were based on minivans like the Vellfire/Alphard and Elgrand.

Additionally, for the younger market, Toyota's "C-HR" was featured. Among luxury models, the Lexus "LC Coupe" and the Lamborghini "Huracan" stood out in the custom car category.

You never know what you'll find. Tokyo Auto Salon is packed with the enjoyment of all kinds of cars, not just new models. It's guaranteed to be an engaging experience.