Two popular theories among enthusiasts for vehicles are that auto shows are going extinct and that sports cars and driving pleasure will become extinct due to electrification. The former is factual, but the latter view is debatable. Fewer automakers were attending vehicle shows even before the COVID-19 pandemic, with several choosing to skip them completely. Nowadays, automakers would rather hold their own exclusive announcement ceremonies. But this week in Japan, it feels like time has stopped.
The Japan Mobility Show, formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, has expanded its scope to include futuristic forms of mobility other than automobiles and motorcycles. Numerous cars, including production kei vans, crossover concepts, eVTOL prototypes, and robotic scooters, have made their debuts during the event. In contrast to other auto shows, which are mostly geared toward the Chinese market, this one is a breath of new air.
However, the five new automobile debuts from Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota are what have truly captured the attention of the global public. With their completely electric or hybrid drivetrains, these designs are game-changers and demonstrate how committed these businesses are to preserving the love of driving during the world’s shift to electric cars (EVs). In today’s car show world, it is quite uncommon that these designs are not far-fetched and could perhaps go into production.
Even though Japanese automakers are setting the standard for electric sports vehicle development, premium names like Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Audi, and Lotus will not be available for some years. Supercar producers like Ferrari and McLaren are also beginning to think about electric vehicles, though they haven’t yet unveiled any designs. The only manufacturers of electric hypercars are Pininfarina and Rimac, and even then, their production is limited and their prices are high.
There are even fewer performance EV choices available from mainstream companies. Although an electric design was shown off, the next Dodge Charger will still be offered with a gas engine. It will be years before there is an electric Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro, and the performance vehicles from Hyundai and Kia are based on family crossovers.
Features of Japan’s sports car market in EV era
These five new concepts are the kind of economical performance automobiles that enthusiasts have always dreamed about, and Japan is recognized for them. It’s amazing that they were all revealed at once, disproving rumors that car exhibitions are dying.
The Honda Prelude is one of the most notable ideas. It has an attractive look that is reminiscent of the Civic coupe that was retired. Although the Prelude concept is a hybrid, the production model is anticipated to have the powertrain configuration from the forthcoming Civic Hybrid and share the same platform as the Civic sedan. Additionally, a high-performance Type R version is planned. While Honda doesn’t currently have the perfect platform for an all-electric Prelude, it might be achievable in the future.
With its iconic SP Concept, which features a rotary engine as an electric powertrain’s range extender, Mazda is likewise creating a stir. With its sleek, RX-7-esque appearance and swan-wing doors, the design is beautiful. It’s a two-door coupe. Because the engine is positioned in the center, the weight distribution is ideal and the center of gravity is low. Given that it is larger than the Miata, Mazda is clearly planning to bring the RX-7 back to life.
All things considered, the introduction of these sports vehicle designs by Japanese manufacturers is a noteworthy advancement. It demonstrates that despite the segment’s downturn, there is still enthusiasm for reasonably priced coupes and sports cars. The dedication of Honda and Mazda to producing electric performance automobiles is particularly noteworthy and serves as a model for other manufacturers to emulate.
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