title:2025 Tokyo Motor Show: Radical Concepts & Key Highlights
content:Opening Hook
If you thought motor shows were losing their edge, the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show proved otherwise. Packed with radical concepts from Japanese giants—Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru, and Honda—it redefined luxury, performance, and mobility while honoring decades of automotive heritage. As AutoCAR (the original car magazine, founded in 1895) turns 130 this year, this roundup brings you the most exciting reveals and expert insights from the show floor.
content:Luxury Reimagined: Lexus & Toyota Century Concepts
Lexus LS 6-Wheel "Luxury Space" MPV
The star of Lexus’s stand was the 6-wheel LS concept, a radical MPV that redefines luxury. No longer standing for "Luxury Saloon," LS now means "Luxury Space"—a nod to the growing demand for spacious upmarket MPVs in China and beyond. Simon Humphreys, head of design for Toyota and Lexus, explained that Lexus now has greater creative freedom thanks to Toyota spinning off the Century into a standalone luxury brand. The 6-wheel design minimizes wheel arch intrusion, maximizing interior space to rival Bentley Bentayga or Rolls-Royce Cullinan—without the same price tag (if it ever reaches production).
Micro LS: Intracity Premium Mobility
Lexus also unveiled a micro LS concept—a tiny one-seater (similar in size to a Citroen Ami) designed for point-to-point intracity travel. Created at Lexus’s Californian design studio, it features a leather reclining seat, bamboo floors, and bespoke glassware—proving small can still feel premium. The team aimed to avoid "cute" and deliver luxury in a compact package.
Toyota Century: A Standalone Luxury Brand
Toyota’s Century brand—once a niche flagship saloon—now stands as a rival to Bentley and Range Rover. The new Century concept (a coupe with sliding doors and a three-seat cabin) has no Toyota badges, marking its status as a separate mark. Akio Toyota, Toyota’s chairman, called it a "car in a class of its own," with Rolls-Royce as a key competitor.
content:Performance & Efficiency: Mazda’s Vision X Lineup
Vision X Coupe: Rotary Hybrid Power
Mazda’s Vision X coupe stole the show with its 500hp four-door design and rotary hybrid powertrain. The turbocharged two-rotor engine (paired with a plug-in hybrid system) offers a 100-mile electric range and can run on carbon-neutral fuels from microalgae. Mazda even added a carbon capture device—showcasing its commitment to sustainable performance.
Vision X Compact: Future of Smart Mobility
The Vision X Compact previews a successor to the Mazda 2 supermini. At 3.8m long, it’s slightly smaller than the old model, with a minimalist interior (no touchscreen, just a smartphone mount) to keep costs down. Mazda says it’s about forming an "emotional connection" between driver and car—like a friend.
content:Electrification & Legacy: Toyota Corolla & Subaru STI Concepts
13th Gen Corolla: Reinventing the Bestseller
Toyota’s Corolla concept (previewing the 13th generation) is a radical departure from the current model. With over 50 million sold since 1966, the Corolla is the world’s bestseller—and designer Lance Scott says they’re "reinventing" it. It will offer pure electric, hybrid, and combustion powertrains, with a new compact engine that enables its rakish looks without compromising space.
Subaru STI Concept: Sportiness Reborn
Subaru’s performance STI concept signals a return to sportiness for the brand. Europe boss David Delosrito noted that STI is what most people associate with Subaru—and electrification will help bring it back (emissions regulations have hindered combustion performance cars). The sleek hatch-estate hybrid concept is a step toward that goal.
content:Compact Fun: Honda’s Super N Prototype
Honda’s Super N prototype is an electric city car designed for enthusiasts. It features a simulated gear shift system and is built on Honda’s Kei platform (under 3.4m long). Set to launch next year in Japan and the UK, it replaces the Honda E (loved but expensive with limited range). Honda promises unique driving engagement for its size.
content:Toolbox & Action Guide
Immediately Actionable Checklist:
- Visit autocar.co.uk for full interviews with engineers and bosses from the show.
- Explore AutoCAR’s digital archive (magazineshop.com) to celebrate its 130th anniversary.
- Subscribe to AutoCAR’s channel for updates on production plans for these concepts.
Advanced Resource Recommendations:
- AutoCAR Digital Archive: Access 130 years of car history and expert analysis at magazineshop.com—ideal for deep diving into past motor shows and trends.
- AutoCAR Website: Stay updated on the latest news about the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show concepts, including production timelines and pricing.
content:Conclusion & Engagement
The 2025 Tokyo Motor Show was a testament to Japanese manufacturers’ ability to blend innovation with heritage. From 6-wheel luxury MPVs to rotary hybrid coupes, it offered a glimpse into the future of mobility.
Which concept are you most excited about? Is it the Lexus LS 6-wheel MPV, Mazda’s Vision X coupe, or Honda’s Super N prototype? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!