TOKYO – Long hoods, sleek silhouettes, funky taillights. Those are the tantalizing signs of a slew of sporty cars in the offing from Lexus, Mazda and Subaru at this month's Japan Mobility Show.
The three Japanese automakers teased the entries this week while announcing the plans for the auto exhibition, the modern-day reincarnation of the late great Tokyo auto show.
All three brands are part of the Toyota Motor sphere of influence. Lexus is the premium counterpart to the Toyota mass market marque. And the Toyota parent company also holds minority shares in Subaru and Mazda Motor, keeping all three companies allied.
Lexus plans to highlight its electrification ambitions with concepts models previewing its next-generation of full-electric vehicles planned for a new platform arriving in 2026.
A backlit shot looking down the nose of one of these mystery models shows the unmistakable stance of a car built for speed. A deeply recessed hood, low-slug cabin, raised front fenders, and the Lexus brand's swoosh-like headlamps all conjure memories of the LFA super car.
The car probably portends a stunning LFA-inspired sport coupe that would have a 0-to-60 mph time in the low two-second range and be a halo vehicle. Varieties of that vehicle are rumored to come in a pure electric, hybrid and even a standard internal combustion version for GT racing.
The design is expected to be based on the Toyota GR GT3 concept shown in January 2022.
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Subaru also dangled a blacked-out profile shot of a low-riding, fast-backed offering. The company said its Sport Mobility Concept would be an EV and hinted at all-wheel-drive ability.
"This concept model expresses the enjoyment that Subaru offers in the age of electrification, embodying the pleasure of going anywhere, anytime, and driving at will in everyday to extraordinary environments," Subaru said. "This is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept that evokes the evolution of the Subaru Sport values."
Subaru's EV vision, with its pronounced fenders, could foreshadow a future WRX, which some have speculated could go gasoline free as early as 2027.
Finally, Mazda is readying the world for a next generation MX-50 Miata.
Last year, then CEO Akira Marumoto said Mazda would pursue electrification of the lightweight, open-top roadster. And the company released a "vision study model" to demonstrate its commitment to keeping a next-generation Miata, even in the EV age.
This week, Mazda fanned that flame with a new teaser depicting the Miata's trademark double-circle taillights framing a racing style brake light down low near the license plate.
In fact, the entire Mazda show stand will focus on the MX-5, presenting a range of models and special variations dating back to the first-generation that debuted in 1989.
So, it is probably little wonder what car the concept might imagine. Says Mazda, "The new concept car designed to symbolize the exhibit theme will be unveiled as the world premiere."
Lexus, Subaru and Mazda aren't alone in going sporty at the Japan Mobility Show.
Last month, Honda said it will show all all-electric Specialty Sports Concept that is tipped to be a spiritual successor to the NSX sports car.
The reincarnated Tokyo auto show runs Oct. 25-Nov. 5, with media days on Oct. 25-26 and the venue opening to the general public on Oct. 28.
