Nissan GT-R Proto

After the first GT-R concept of 2001, comes the Nissan GT-R PROTO to preview the production model; from its original roots as a thoroughbred Japanese performance car, the new GT-R will now be a car sold globally. For the first time, the new GT-R will be designed as a specific body-style, and not derived from a sedan, the bespoke coupé having a prominent hood flanked by vertically-themed lights and monolithic grille which incorporates the bumper form.

The concept sketch illustrates a wrap-around screen and swage diving into hunched front arches, which lead into the pronounced front overhang: this contrasts with the tighter packaging at the rear, while the rear graphic retains the four circular beacons of previous models. When launched in 2007, this will be the first all-new GT-R model for eight years, and looks set to satisfy a new era of gamers.

Mazda Senku concept

The Mazda Senku concept at the Tokyo Motor Show extends themes introduced by the Sassou concept in Frankfurt last month. Key design features include an ultra-long wheelbase, minimal overhangs, and a unique 'floating' appearance supported by large tyres. The Senku is a four-seat coupé using the same platform as the RX-8 and MX-5, its interior accessed via large electric-powered sliding doors. These 'flying-wings' unveil a vibrant cockpit, its controls centred within the steering wheel. Outside, the grille dominates the front, emphasised by the lack of surrounding elements and stubbed overhang.

Honda WOW concept

In the dog-eat-dog world of car design, Honda seem to have gone barking mad with their latest concept, the WOW. Standing for 'Wonderful Openhearted Wagon', the WOW responds to demographics showing that 20% of Japan's population own a dog. Intended to be 'enjoyable and dog-friendly for a mobile lifestyle', the interior is dominated by novel ways for owners to pamper their pets and prevent them becoming lethal projectiles in accidents.

The Honda WOW emphatically demonstrates the brand's 'Feel FINE!' theme for the show, features including a 'flexible outlet which invites the refreshing wind', and a glovebox designed to accommodate more petite breeds. Honda has clearly given the Wonderful Openhearted Wagon true doggy style.

Honda Sports 4 concept

The Honda Sports 4 concept previews the next generation Accord, gleaming in red nail-varnish, with a slim DLO mounted on taut shoulders and firm arches. Next to Europe's increasingly expressive surfaces, the tense Honda's seem more starched, though the overall volume of the car is similar to the recent Ford Iosis, both with athletic sides leading to more muscular fronts. Here, both cars spread their graphics over the wheel-arches, though the Honda eschews the single lighting-beam favoured by the Civic, bearing more in common with the Accord. Inside, the swan-neck of the centre-console grows from between the front seats to embrace the dashboard, where the dials are held. The Sports 4 and Iosis will eventually be rivals on the road; it will be interesting to see which company invests to retain the lovely details from these show cars.

Honda FCX concept

Alongside Honda's more unusual concepts is the promising FCX. The Honda FCX marks the company's commitment to bringing fuel cell powered cars into production, and develops themes established by their excellent Kiwami concept from Tokyo two years ago. The FCX is distinguished from current gasoline-powered sedans by its long wheelbase and cabin spanning from one end to the other, giving this stretched sedan a one-box look. On the stunted hood at the front, the Kiwami's strip-light has evolved to something closer to the latest Civic, while the rear screen is considerably more raked. Inside, clever packaging enables a completely flat-floor, in a car that begins to explain why GM, BMW and DaimlerChrysler are having to collaborate to produce rival products.

Suzuki Ionis concept

The Suzuki Ionis advances the mini-MPV concept, a segment popular in Europe and Japan. The one-box full-cabin look is achieved by pushing the windshield beyond the front axle, presenting new problems in integrating a familiar face. In blending the headlamps with the screen, the Ionis has created a unique graphic solution with well-balanced hues, even if the expression seems somewhat disgruntled, with an up-turned mouth and inclined eyes. In profile, the sides are braced by brazen diagonal swages that sweep from the base of the A-pillar to the rear arches. In doing so, Suzuki has at a stroke disturbed the reverence given to traditional sculpting of the sides; it is a movement that symbolises the ever-questioning Tokyo Motor Show.

Suzuki LC concept

The Suzuki LC targets a well-established market in Japan: mimicry of the Austin Mini. This sector is a perverse inversion of the advances for which Japanese cars are typically renowned, Sir Alec Issigonis' creation encouraging many misplaced feelings for Japan's own products given retro cues to attain similar amicability. The Suzuki LC seemingly imitates an imitation: the 1989 Nissan Figaro, which kick-started the retro phenomenon some years before it hit the West, acknowledging the Mini while devising its own look. Now the UK has adopted the Figaro as a popular alternative to mainstream products for London's fashionista. Whether the wooden LC also has what it takes to lure them remains to be seen.

Suzuki Mom's Personal Wagon

Suzuki is previewing the next MR Wagon with 'Mom's Personal Wagon'. No doubt leaving feminists slack-jawed, Suzuki has nevertheless considerately looked at how women use their car when driving with young children, in a model that otherwise evolves the typical K-segment product. These cars have long resembled wheeled-wardrobes, but while Mom's Personal Wagon retains similar cabin capacity, Suzuki has developed more sculptural surfaces that lend the car greater appeal, aided by high-mounted headlamps to give a friendly expression. Inside, brown and beige is used on an interior besieged by cubbyholes and child seats.

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