Sci-fi aficionados always feel right at home at the Tokyo Motor Show. Pod shaped bubble cars aren't a new idea because they maximize space and Tokyo was flush with them.
Honda showed the funky Puyo concept that pushes the pod design way out there. The bubble top gull-wing door design is unique in many respects, with no feature on this car more bizarre than its soft gel-like rubber body panels that are kinder to the touch. The material incorporates a special light technology that glows in changing colors to alert pedestrians of Puyo's running condition.
The Suzuki Sharing Coach (SSC) is a two-seat fuel cell powered transporter that utilizes front wheel mounted motors and a battery that can regenerate through roof and window solar panels. The Sharing Coach is a mobile garage for the Suzuki Pixy personal low-speed mobility device. The egg-shaped Pixy incorporates a fast charging capacitor and collision sensors for added safety.
Perhaps the most bizarre concept in Tokyo was Toyota's RiN, a mood
ring on wheels. RiN takes driver-vehicle interaction to new levels to promote a healthier lifestyle. The steering yoke, for example, is fitted with an electrocardiogram sensor intended to "mood-train" the driver through bio-feedback. Many other calming effects are employed so that you arrive healthier than when you left.
The somewhat more conventional Toyota Hi-CT is a plug-in hybrid that seats five with an outward form reminiscent of a diesel locomotive or cabover heavy truck. A rear truck box can be removed to reveal a functional rear deck area that can expand into the rear seat area when the rear hatch is open.
Not to be left out, Nissan took the Pivo rotating cab concept, first shown in 2005, another step with the Pivo2. The electric Pivo2 features multi-directional in-wheel motors and a lithium-ion battery pack for propulsion. A dash mounted cartoon-like robot head moves to entertain occupants and hopefully help road-rage drivers calm down. You certainly can't take the concept too seriously, although its electric drive system is no doubt the real deal.
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