Buzzworthy Domestic Models Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022
Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 | Tokyo Auto Salon 2022
Buzzworthy Domestic Models Unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022
Held from January 14th for three days at Makuhari Messe, the "Tokyo Auto Salon 2022" showcased the latest in automotive design and tuning. This article introduces the buzzworthy Nissan, Toyota, and Honda booths.
Text & Photographs by HARA Akira
The Fairlady Z for the Japanese Market Finally Arrives
The most anticipated model was the Japanese market version of the Nissan Fairlady Z. Announced on the same day was the special edition "Proto Spec," inspired by the "Fairlady Z" prototype revealed last year. The price is ¥6,966,300. Limited to 240 units, sales are set to begin in late June. The display car, finished in a two-tone Ikazuchi Yellow and Super Black, measures 4,380mm in length, 1,845mm in width, and 1,315mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550mm.
Fairlady Z Proto Spec
The powertrain is a VR30DDTT 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 298 kW (405 ps) at 6,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 475 Nm between 1,600 and 5,600 rpm. It was equipped with a short-stroke 6-speed manual transmission (a 9-speed automatic is also available).
The exterior features eye-catching RAYS forged 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior, making its debut in right-hand drive, uses leather and suede-like fabric seats with yellow center stripes, stitching, and accent lines. The traditional Z dashboard-mounted triple analog meters are also present. Purchases are online only, requiring newsletter subscription, and orders exceeding 240 units will be subject to a lottery.
Fairlady Z (Standard Model)
Another model, in Seiran Blue, was the standard Z. Its interior featured red accents, and this model was equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, there was the new customized model, the "Fairlady Z Customize Proto." With an orange exterior reminiscent of the first-generation S30 model Z432R, it featured black lines on the engine hood and sides, and was "armed" with over fenders and Dunlop tires with white lettering. This also had a finish that would stir the desire to own it.
Fairlady Z Customize Proto
At Toyota's Gazoo Racing booth, the "GR GT3 Concept," aimed at competing in the GT3 category, the pinnacle of customer motorsport, was centrally displayed. The all-dark body measures 4,590mm in length, 2,040mm in width, and 1,140mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,725mm. The powertrain is BEV, with the goal of refining the fundamentals of electric vehicles through battery technology honed in motorsport.
GR GT3 Concept
Additionally, the "GRMN Yaris," a fully tuned version of the sporty GR Yaris, a compact hatchback model, was presented. The body dimensions are 4,030mm in length, 1,815mm in width, and 1,475mm in height (Circuit Package). The rear seats have been removed, body rigidity enhanced, and it features a close-ratio, low-final-gear 6-speed manual transmission and a mechanical LSD.
GRMN Yaris
The 1,618cc inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine has been tuned with ECU modifications and altered boost pressure, increasing output to 272 ps at 6,500 rpm and 390 Nm of torque between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm. Two models were displayed: a limited edition of 50 units in matte gray "Circuit Package" and a "Rally Package" equipped with underguards. A total of 500 units are planned for production by the summer of this year.
Honda's notable exhibit was the prototype of the new Civic Type R. The camouflage wrap on the exterior, featuring small Civic motifs, prevented a detailed look, and the interior was also not visible.
Civic Type R Prototype
From what was visible, it featured larger front air intakes than the standard model, wide front and rear fenders, seemingly effective rear wing, triple round tailpipes exiting from the center rear, Michelin 19-inch tires (265/30), and Brembo brakes. According to Hideki Kakinuma, the development lead, "In terms of performance, it's not just about pure driving; the overall capability has improved significantly, as if it has shed its skin."
