By Tessa R. Salazar
Inquirer
TOKYO, Japan–It’s ogling time again.
For 17 days, Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan will be home to motoring journalists and car enthusiasts from all over this third planet from the Sun for the 40th Tokyo Motor Show.
Among the thousands will be Inquirer Motoring, which will also get a closer look at the leading auto research campaign of Honda in Tochigi, where the innovative manufacturer keeps a full-scale wind tunnel, safety crash-test facility and the Tochigi proving ground. There would also be a meeting of motoring journalists at the Twin Ring Motegi.
Honda’s battle cry
Aside from Honda’s always breathtaking concept cars, spectators are eagerly awaiting the first look at the next-generation Honda Accord, and even an Accord diesel. Honda will present a total of 18 vehicles representing 11 different models, comprising vehicles already in the market, those soon to be introduced and concept models.
Honda’s battle cry for this motor show is “For the endless joy of mobility on our earth,” the focus of which are technologies that address environmental issues such as a reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
2 concept models
To make their world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show are Honda’s two concept models: The CR-Z, a next-generation lightweight sports car equipped with Honda’s original gas-electric hybrid system that achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque; and the Puyo, a fuel cell vehicle, the design of which was based on an out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and for, well, oglers.
Here’s a photo of the CR-Z.
And here’s a photo of the Puyo.
The diesel-i-DTEC next-generation engine will also be on display. Its existence was first announced in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This engine promises superior performance in both emissions and power.
The all-new Fit (Jazz in the Philippines), which will go on sale in Japan late this month, will be on display. First introduced in 2001. Fit is known for its funky style, function and relative fuel economy-characteristics that have led it to reach the two-million unit sale worldwide.
Honda’s “Next Energy” display will reveal new energy developments, including technologies for producing bio-ethanol from rice straws and the environmentally responsible next-generation thin-film solar cells, which will soon go on sale nationwide in Japan. Honda’s F1 and other racing machines will also be on display.
Photos courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
