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Why we LOVE the Tokyo Motorshow!
by Traian Popescu This page consists of cars that make us love the Tokyo Motorshow! You won't see these things in any other show in the world. Crazy, boxy, wacky, useful, useless, funny,
shiny, happy concepts that show that the automotive industry hasn't lost it's humor and imagination:Isuzu Begin Funkybox  If you've ever wanted to deliver your own mail, this may just be your lucky break. If not,
well then you can keep on giggling at the Begin Funkybox's name. The Funkybox, a tall delivery wagon-based delivery wagon with clear glass side panels, can carry much more than mail, though. Isuzu suggests using it as a
performance stage complete with amps, speakers and other audio equipment, a rolling art gallery, a personal observatory or simply as a transport vehicle for your buddies or any equipment you might need for an active
lifestyle. There's not much more to be said here, just take a look at the pictures for yourself. We're just glad to know that some companies still have a sense of humour.
Nissan Ideo  Access to information and interaction with the environment has been a common theme
both at the Tokyo Motor Show and in many real world cars. The Nissan Ideo takes this idea a bit further with a giant screen that runs the length of the dash, which presents information about the
surroundings and relays images from 14 exterior cameras in a continually updated manner. It can be used, for example, to find the products on sale at a store or the menu of a restaurant while virtually
wandering through the surrounding neighbourhood. This does, in effect, take the concept of living in your car one step further to reality, but it's an ingenious idea, especially if Nissan
can keep it from becoming a complicated mess.
Nissan MM  Awww, isn't it cute? The Nissan mm is a very
close glimpse at the replacement of the Micra, to be released in 2002, which will share its platform with the next Renault Twingo and Clio. The mm is only 145.5 inches long, but
seats four adults and integrates a nifty keyless entry and starting system plus a sophisticated 4WD system (called E-4WD). The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor powered by a generator, and incorporate
their own clutch and a control unit. When the front wheels slip, the control unit activates the motor to drive the rear wheels. During
ordinary conditions only the front wheels are coupled for more economical driving. Since both front and rear drive assemblies are independent of each other, there is no need for a drive shaft, thus saving weight
and interior space. E-4WD won't make it onto the Micra, but might appear on other future Nissans.
Honda Unibox  The most interesting thing about the Honda Unibox is that it is covered in clear, transparent plastic panels (and resembles a rolling greenhouse as a result). Honda
intends for the panels to be used as canvases for the owner: they car be arranged, changed, painted and decorated in any way desired. Of course, there are other oddities as well. The Unibox includes a TV,
rear-mounted cameras (just in case you can't see out the back through all that clear plastic), external pedestrian-protecting airbags, an electric generator for a
pair of electric scooters (which are included) and a total of six wheels (what, no shower?). Rather than a conventional setup, the steering, throttle and brakes are all controlled by a single joystick. We don't get it
either, folks, but this 'box is really what concept cars are all about.
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