Press-Days Round-Up
Welcome back to Tokyo, where the automotive world have been unveiling the latest in innovation, advancement and many other buzzwords. It’s been a jam-packed show thus far, and I’ve even got to drive a few of the many new releases!
Contendiente’s much improved Enemigo was unveiled just prior to the show, and boy has it grown up. Gone are the odd semi-retro looks, and in its place are some really well styled features. It’s clean yet fairly engaging too. It’s also now way faster, with its 2.0l 4-pot now rated up to 320 hp. Best of all? The low price is still there, starting at $23k. Base models go from as low as $17.3k however, meaning this is now a real contender against the entry-level sportscar market. One to watch, that’s for sure.
The company also unveiled the Estrato, a squat looking city car that seems to be running with shopping trolley casters instead of wheels. Still, it looks like the usual does of chic, economic European small car cheapness, and it weights less than a ton. Could it even be fun to drive then?
Zenshi made their appearance at this year’s show - they are based just down the road from here after all - with another Vision Gran Turismo car, named the GTX VGT. The menacing coupe looks pure Cyberpunk, with its sharp, almost digital looking details. 1000hp awaits under the bonnet, courtesy of a 4.0l twin-turbo V8, and Zenshi have emphasised that this is a track focused car. A hint perhaps at what possible future race cars might look like?
They also unveiled the 2019MY Tessitura, which seems to be taking on chunkier styling and edgier looks, as part of their new ‘Shinka-ken’ design sytle, an evolution of the previous Shinka style.
DiMarino gave us a very, very stat filled press conference where they unveiled a new “next generation grand tourer”. The DX8 seems to be a super comfortable, modestly powerful cruiser, using a 4.0l V8 for an engine and delivering said power via a wealth of driver aids. Prices look decent, though as for how the car looks, that’s a little harder to discern - we only saw the front end…
They then unveiled the DE30 Range, which would look great, were it 1996. The not-Mondeo healights don’t help it at all, though it seems to be quite the performance focused machine. V8 engines, LSD’s and carbon brakes can be found across the range. Shame it doesn’t have the looks to justify, well, any of that.
There was also the DU7 SUV. It’s hardly that memorable, but does come with either a V6 or V8, and a healthy dash of chrome.
Airborne unveiled a redesigned version of their S340 concept, now looking more long-nosed and much sharper. It’s a little messy, and the rear indicators are huge, but it sure has menace. Aimed at the 2+2 coupe marker, this seems to be made for the mid-market coupe buyer. We first saw the S340 at Detroit back in January, and at last, it will go into production, though a date hasn’t be specified.
Merciel revealed the Verona JR4 conept, a super sporty, super coupe-y version of the mid-size sedan. I’ve been for a spin…
Bonham followed up on their announcement of a GTE variant of the Fleming with…well, a GT3 variant of the Fleming. It’s bold, it’s a bit gold and it’s yet another straight-six race car. Yes automotive world! Please keep this trend going!
AL Autos did their usual automotive dump at this show, revealing an absolute mass of cars. I don’t even know where to begin, though there was one called the ‘Polentia’ which I accidentally called the Polenta, and only remember it because it looks 30 years old.
Bottom line: AL Autos make a lot of cars, and they all look sort of vaguely the same but also they don’t? Their lineup is as confusing as their presentations…
Sachiuri are doing a special event for the proper launch of the Sagitta. It’s been a long time coming, and I’ve even driven one of the pre-production models, but this is finally it. Be afraid, sports car makers. Be very afraid.
Cascadia gave us the rather small Bigfoot concept, that looks very, very concept car esque. And rather Japanese too, that’s for sure. The car may be a bit odd in its styling, but it’s technologically is intriguing: an all-electric 4x4 driving system, with a FWD bias. It’s an assuming car, but this could be the point that off roaders transition to electric. Shock! Literally!
Aurora gave us the Jetfire concept, which has a case of the retro-moderns going on with those front lights. V6 power, luxury focus and a low price make this an interesting and perplexing offer. A budget luxury cruiser where the only downside is the fuel economy? Perhaps. More versions are planned - production ones, I’m assuming - next year, making it another one to watch.
Scagliati have launched their new luxury coupe and limousine range, under the very Italian name of La Serenissima. “Venetian craftsmanship”, “cutting edge technology”, “a driving experience like no other” - Scagliati have hired a fantastic marketing executive. But what’s their new ride like to drive?
That does it for this first report. See you later on over the weekend for more!
- Gavin Anderson
Cheers to @Dorifto_Dorito and @MrChips for lending me the cars!
