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Sports cars and cube-shaped concepts from the Tokyo Motor Show (pictures)

Cubes seem to be a popular shape among Japanese automakers, given the plentiful examples at the Tokyo Motor Show, but a few more exciting models, such as the Acura NSX and Toyota S-FR show up as well.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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1 of 30 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mazda RX-Vision concept

The Mazda RX-Vision concept looks at a design for a new RX model, following in the tradition of the RX-7 and RX-8.

Read more about the Mazda RX-Vision concept.

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2 of 30 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Mazda RX-Vision concept

As a concept, Mazda provides few specifics about the RX-Vision, but does say it would have a rotary engine.

Read more about the Mazda RX-Vision concept.


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Toyota S-FR concept

Toyota's compact little sport concept, the S-FR, looks like it would a lot of fun.

Read more about the Toyota S-FR.

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4 of 30 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

Nissan Vision 2020 Gran Turismo concept

The Gran Turismo racing game inspired automakers to come out with full scale concept cars based on models in the game. Nissan's contribution is the very sleek Vision 2020 concept, which should make have gamers spending more time behind their virtual wheels, saving up credits.

Honda NSX
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Honda NSX

Whether bearing a Honda badge in Japan, or an Acura badge in the US, the NSX still drives as sweet.

Daihatsu Hinata
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Daihatsu Hinata concept

On the Tokyo streets, square cars are common, so the Hinata concept would fit right in as a production car.

Daihatsu Hinata
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Daihatsu Hinata concept

The Hinata's square shape maximizes practicality for interior space, and as a Japanese kei car isn't designed for speed.

Nissan Teatro for Dayz concept
8 of 30 Chris Paukert/CNET

Nissan Teatro for Dayz concept

With the Teatro for Dayz concept, Nissan recognizes that a box-like exterior is boring, so it makes the inside worth a look.

Read more about the Nissan Teatro for Dayz concept.

Suzuki Air Triser
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Suzuki Air Triser concept

The squarish Air Triser concept emphasizes people carrying, with a lounge-like space inside.

Daihatsu Noriori
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Daihatsu Noriori concept

Daihatsu calls the Noriori concept a commuter car of the future, highlighting easy access over looks and, presumably, handling.

Daihatsu Noriori
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Daihatsu Noriori concept

One advantage of the Noriori concept is that a wheelchair can easily be loaded in through the back.

Honda Wander Stand
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Honda Wander Stand concept

Honda's odd Wander Stand concept, and its related Walker Stand concept, demonstrate Honda's ongoing research into alternative urban transport.

Honda Wander Stand
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Honda Wander Stand concept

If you use a standing desk at work, you'll feel right at home in the Wander Stand concept.

Honda E500 power inverter
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Honda E500 power inverter

Honda shows a love for square design even in its power products.

Toyota FCV Plus
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Toyota FCV Plus concept

Toyota is putting its fuel cell-powered Mirai on the road, and the FCV Plus may be a very futuristic design direction, if all goes well with the hydrogen economy.

Honda Clarity FCV
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Honda Clarity FCV

We not only saw the Honda Clarity fuel cell vehicle in Tokyo, we drove it.

Nissan IDS concept
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Nissan IDS concept

With an electric drive system and autonomous features, Nissan may be looking at something like the IDS for a future generation Leaf.

Read more about the Nissan IDS concept.

Subaru Impreza 5-door concept
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Subaru Impreza 5-door concept

Subaru shows what a new generation Impreza might look like. Now can we have this hatchback as a WRX/STI?

Toyota Kikai concept
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Toyota Kikai concept

The Kikai is a pure concept car, according to Toyota, with no intention for production. Its central theme is an appreciation of the machine, so rather than hide its parts, it flaunts them.

Toyota Kikai concept
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Toyota Kikai concept

Toyota doesn't specify a drivetrain for the Kikai, but that is certainly a four cylinder engine at the rear.

Suzuki Mighty Deck
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Suzuki Mighty Deck concept

Designed for Japanese outdoors enthusiasts, the Mighty Deck concept has a rollback canvas roof and room for recreational equipment inside.

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Mitsubishi EX concept

Mitsubishi unveils a compact electric crossover, which could become a real thing considering the company's expertise in electric drive systems.

Subaru Viziv Future
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Subaru Viziv Future concept

Subaru has paraded a series of Viziv concepts at auto shows over the past years, all looking at the future of its popular crossover line-up. The Viziv Future concept highlights advanced tech, building on the Eyesight system currently offered in Subaru vehicles.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept
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Audi Prologue Allroad concept

Building off the Prologue concept shown at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show, the Prologue Allroad demonstrates its new design language in a more capable car.

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Lexus LF-FC concept

Lexus shows off a new flagship sedan in concept form, heralding a much-needed new generation for the current LS model.

Toyota Prius
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Toyota Prius

The 2016 Toyota Prius makes its Japan debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

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Mini Cooper Convertible

Mini used the Tokyo Motor Show to take the top off the new generation of its Mini Cooper.

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Mini Cooper Convertible

The new Mini Cooper Convertible will get the same engine options and electronics as the Mini Hardtop.

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Fuso Super Great V

The Tokyo Motor Show even has room for industrial vehicles, such as this Fuso Super Great V.

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Fuso Super Great V

To demonstrate the versatility of the Super Great V platform, Fuso fitted one with four arms that could likely strip a forest in no time at all.

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