The Yamaha MWC-4 is part of its Leaning Multi-Wheel Vehicle line-up that can navigate the crowded streets of Tokyo.
The biennial Tokyo Motor Show often features some of the most cutting-edge designs and technologies within the industries, but it’s also known for some of the quirkiest concepts produced by automakers.
The 2017 edition of the show was no different.
Toyoda Gosei, which manufactures rubber and plastic auto components, found a way to alleviate a fear that many car owners have when they park their vehicle in a crowded lot: door dings.
The company’s Flesby II concept eliminates those concerns. The body panels of the ultra-compact concept vehicle are covered by a soft, next-generation rubber that can not only handle the average door ding, it can absorb the impact of a collision.
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Toyodo Gosei's Flesby II concept uses cutting edge rubber and plastic materials to keep occupants safe in a collision.
“We put airbags, which are mainly employed inside the car, on its exterior, such as its hood or fender, to protect the entire body,” Takashi Ishikawa, managing officer of Toyoda Gosei Co., told reporters at the show.
Toyoda Gosei originally came up with the idea in 2013 and now this is the second generation of the idea. The new model comes with some upgrades, including rubber that is able to move with electric power and change the shape of the car body.
LED lights projected onto the rubber also allow the driver to communicate with pedestrians and other vehicles, the company said. “In the event of contact with a pedestrian, the soft body serves a safety function in absorbing the impact,” the company said.
Tokyo is a crowded city so many of the concepts are small vehicles; however, Yamaha’s MWC-4 carries just one person.
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Described as a Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) vehicle, it has two wheels front and rear and was developed under the concept of “Half-Sized Mobility,” according to Yamaha. The MWC-4 is powered by electric motors and a gasoline engine for range-extending power generation.
The Zagato IsoRivolta is the supercar anyone can afford, if you don't mind wearing the VR goggles for your PlayStation 4.
To stay upright, it uses attitude-control technology, giving it a ride that feels like nothing else and a level of comfort not found with a conventional motorcycle. This is all expressed with styling inspired by the features of both motorcycles and musical instruments.
The most interesting vehicle at the show may be the one that anyone can buy for $59.99 — the Zagato IsoRivolta. Following in the footsteps of other vehicles, the Zagato is featured in the latest edition of Gran Turismo Sport, which was released last week for PlayStation 4 and with VR capability anyone who is 12 and older can get behind the wheel – virtually speaking – and run the beast on some of the most famous tracks in the world.
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However, not is it in the game, it’s also on the road, courtesy of the folks at Callaway. This new Zagato features a twin-turbo Corvette engine putting out 997 horsepower. That power translates to a zero to 62 miles per hour sprint in 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 227 mph.