Love the look of the FT-Se, though the Prelude looks surprisingly production-ready for a concept.
Photograph Courtesy Toyota
ICYMI: Japanese automakers revealed several sporty EV concepts ahead of the opening of the Japan Mobility Show–the apparent successor to the Tokyo Motor Show.
Although the details are scant, here is what has been presented so far.
Toyota FT-Se
Photograph Courtesy Toyota
Toyota didn’t offer many details during its presentation, though the GR-branded, all-electric two-seater is certainly giving off MR2 (Lotus Evora?) vibes.
Photograph Courtesy Toyota
Honda Prelude
Photograph Courtesy Honda
The Prelude Concept is meant to be Honda’s first all-electric sports car. No specific details yet, though Honda assures us that it's taking the assignment seriously:
In order to offer the "joy of driving" only Honda can realize, we are diligently progressing with development, so please keep your expectations high for this model.
Mazda Iconic SP
Photograph Courtesy Mazda
Mazda didn’t call it an RX-7, but it certainly has all the hallmarks of one with its rotary-based hybrid powertrain:
The two-rotor rotary EV system, which utilizes a highly scalable rotary engine that can burn various fuels such as hydrogen, generates electricity with carbon-neutral fuel. In addition, when the battery is charged with electricity derived from renewable energy, it is possible to drive in a virtually carbon-neutral state.
Photograph Courtesy Mazda
Even better, Mazda also gives us a few specs:
Nissan Hyper Force
Photograph Courtesy Nissan
Let’s just say that the Hyper Force is one of the more striking concepts on display. Billed as an EV “designed for racing enthusiasts and gamers who crave the adrenaline rush of the racetrack but are also eco-conscious,” the Hyper Force is capable of an output of up to 1000 kW (roughly 1341 hp).
The concept also features an extensive use of carbon-fiber, Nissan’s e-4ORCE all-wheel drive, two driving modes (Grand Touring and Racing) and “powerful downforce.”
Photograph Courtesy Nissan
The icing on the cake? If driving the Hyper Force makes you feel like you’re playing Gran Turismo, that’s on purpose, as Nissan collaborated with the makers of the racing game franchise, Polyphony Digital:
The concept features two driving modes, “R” (racing) and “GT” (grand touring). The graphical user interface changes color and display according to the mode, and is designed to instantly display the most needed information for the driver in line with the driving circumstances. These graphics are the result of collaboration with Polyphony Digital Inc.
Subaru Sport Mobility
Photograph Courtesy Subaru
The Sport Mobility Concept might be the one we know the least about–for now at least. We do know it’s an EV, and that the Mobility Concept is intended to be enjoyed on and off the pavement:
This concept model expresses the enjoyment that Subaru offers in the age of electrification, embodying the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will in everyday to extraordinary environments. Driving with peace of mind allows us to embark on exciting new adventures. This is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept that evokes the evolution of the SUBARU SPORT values.
Lexus LF-ZC
Photograph Courtesy Lexus
Unlike most of the other concepts shown so far, Lexus already has a release date for its LF-ZC (short for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst”) EV concept, 2026.
Photograph Courtesy Lexus
Lexus also seems to have put a lot of effort into making sure the LF-ZC offers a sporty experience:
Next-generation Lexus BEVs will achieve more versatile vehicle packaging by minimizing all core components. This translates directly to driving performance, with LF-ZC delivering engaging and exhilarating dynamics where driver and car become one, leveraging the excellent inertia characteristics of BEVs and building on technologies from Lexus RZ development, such as the seamless drive force control by the all-wheel drive DIRECT4 system and the natural, linear steering feel provided by Steer-by-Wire.
In case that’s not enough, the LF-ZC also boasts an extremely low drag coefficient target of just 0.2.
Love the look of the FT-Se, though the Prelude looks surprisingly production-ready for a concept.
The Nissan Hyper Force is laughably hideous. It looks like PS1 graphics.
NickD said:The Nissan Hyper Force is laughably hideous. It looks like PS1 graphics.
Would it look better if it was on an open trailer being towed by a Tesla Cybertruck?
NickD said:The Nissan Hyper Force is laughably hideous. It looks like PS1 graphics.
It looks like a GTR roof grafted onto a late model dirt track car.
I've always loved mazda's, but this has to be their best looking concept in a decade, I just hope they make it.
Is the Cybertruck designer working for Nissan?
In reply to j_tso :
Their "cyber" series of concepts have been terrible looking, almost as if they were designed with a ruler, like the cyber truck.
The Mazda Iconic SP is not quite an RX-7 nor a Miata. In my mind the size is perfect and the aethetics are spot on. (Though I have minor quibbles about the upper rear of the car). The drivetrain is intriguing but I'd prefer a much lighter car and a simpler way to power it. Also a manual gearbox. :-)
The FT-Se and Iconic SP are HAWT! The Prelude's a nice looking car too. The Hyper Force is, uh, let's say daring 
The first 3 are all cars I would consider if they depreciate into my reach, I'll be closely awaiting the specs on the FT-Se and Prelude. A rotary as a range-extender APU makes a lot of sense.
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