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Two striking new concept models will
make their world premieres at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show later this
month.
The Honda CR-Z is a lightweight,
two-seater sportscar equipped with Honda’s petrol-electric hybrid IMA
powertrain.
PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle designed to
provide fun for both the driver and his or her surroundings.
CR-Z Concept
The CR-Z Concept explores the potential of a compact, lightweight
sportscar that’s exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the
environment.
The CR-Z features the latest Honda
hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and impressive economy.
The front of the car sits low, and is
dominated by an imposing, large bumper with gaping air intakes.
Meanwhile, the smooth lines across the glass roof and rear of the car
minimise drag.
Tube shaped combination lamps at the
rear improve rearward visibility, and other design details include
stylish, high-visibility wing mirrors, LED headlights, fin-shaped
sidelights and large 19-inch wheels to enhance the sporting appearance.
Inside, the aim was to give the concept
car a light, spacious and sophisticated feel. The CR-Z’s hi-tech
interior features a blue, neon-like finish across the main dash and
centre console. Mesh material on a simple framework is used throughout,
with sporty seats to help support the driver during cornering.
According to the Japanese design team,
CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance - Zero.
PUYO
PUYO is a Japanese word that embodies the tactile traits of this unique
car. PUYO is meant to convey all that is warm and friendly, and put a
smile on the face of users and pedestrians.
This concept car has a ‘gel body’ made
of soft materials that enhance the ‘real world’ safety properties of the
vehicle. Lights beneath the body shine through the gel, to help
highlight doors and other manual functions, and notify users of the
vehicle’s condition.
PUYO represents a new idea in mobility
that brings together the principals of clean, safe and fun all into one
environmentally-responsible, people-friendly, yet minimalist design. The
concept has a small frame, is ultra-efficient and is powered by hydrogen
fuel cell technology.
One of the key goals of the project was
to create a cornerless car that was kind to both people and the
environment. The ‘Seamless Soft Box’ is welcoming and inviting to look
at, but also makes the most of the box-shaped design’s spaciousness,
managing to accommodate four people within its tiny frame.
Developed to have a ‘silky feel’, the
PUYO’s interior is designed to be inviting and provide a people-friendly
cabin with a feeling of space emphasised by transparent materials.
Features include an instrument panel monitor, elastic-like controls made
from cloth that rise up when the vehicle starts and luminous fluid level
displays.
The obvious omission is the steering
wheel, which is replaced by a joystick, used for operation and
manoeuvring.
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