Tokyo Auto Salon is no ordinary motor show and with its flower-covered Toyotas and crystal-encrusted pink Lamborghinis, the 2016 event was no exception. We wandered through the halls of Makuhari Messe to take in the highlights.
Now in its 34th year, the Tokyo Auto salon showcases some interesting concepts and special vehicles from major manufacturers as well as the shiny, off-beat side of the Japanese automotive scene.
The ViRA CONCEPT by Toyota (above), is designed to appeal to a mature audience who want an athletic Coupe style of SUV. Very few details were available and by all accounts we won't see this one in production.
N-Lab, the accessory arm of Honda, showed this Neo Classic which is based on the recently launched Honda S660. According toits creator, Masashi Yamada, it uses all its parts from existing Honda carssuch as lights and front fascia, with only the doors retained from the original body. Alongside it is a 2-seater pick-up truck concept based on the Honda N-One Kei-Car – complete with real wooden panelling.
The big news on the Toyota stand was the announcement by CEO Akio Toyoda that its C-HR SUV will enter into the ADAC Zurich 24-hour race at the Nürburgring ahead of its market launch.
Meanwhile, Suzuki focused on the sports leisure with dedicated versions of their IGNIS and HUSTLER 4X4, while Daihatsu showed Coupe and Shooting brake concepts based on the Copen platform.
On the other side of the hall aftermarket producers showcased outlandish automotive wares such as this Swarovski crystal-encrusted Lamborghini from Liberty Walk.
In a similar vein, this Golden Nissan GTR by Kuhl Racing was offered for sale at a cool 59 million yen (US$499,000).
Finally, the YANCHA (Naughty) ALTO GT-RR by Hello special tha happens to have a large pink rabbit in the background next to a micro pick-up with butterfly doors just about sums up Tokyo Auto Salon 2016.
Check out more of the outlandish automotive sights from the show floor in our Tokyo Auto Salon 2016 photo gallery.
