Jalopnik: Tokyo

Tokyo’s New 'Dinosaur' Bridge To Nowhere

Raphael Orlove — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST

You're looking at Tokyo's newest landmark, the 'Dinosaur' Bridge. Officially known as the Tokyo Gate Bridge — providing a link from the capital to a landfill — it shows what actually happens when a government succeeds in spending $1.4 billion on a bridge to nowhere. More »

Helicopter flyover of Japanese nuclear plant shows scary apocalyptic scene

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:20:00 EDT

Helicopter video of Japan's troubled Fukushima Nuclear plant from yesterday indicates how extensive the damage at the plant is from the earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent explosions. More »

Toyota's Idea Of Sporty Cars

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST

The Tokyo Auto Salon brings out the wildest tuners, fastest sports cars, and craziest automaker concepts. Toyota brought an Auris, Prius, and IQ. Woo? More »

This Man Fought Toyota For Stealing His Hybrid Tech And Won

Sam Smith — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:35:00 EDT

Alex Severinsky, a Soviet emigrant who began his career developing antitank-warfare instrumentation, patented a system for powering gas-electric hybrids in 1994. Toyota used his system for the Prius without permission or payment. Until this week. More »

I Flew On The World's Largest Airliner

Miklós Tallián — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EDT

Miklós Tallián caught the first flight of an Airbus A380, the largest passenger jet ever built, from Tokyo to Frankfurt. This is what it's like to fly on one of the world's most complex aircraft. —Ed. More »

New Honda CR-Z Concept Steps Closer To Production, Gets Manual Transmission

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:10:02 EDT

At the Tokyo Motor Show the latest Honda CR-Z Hybrid concept has debuted along with news of a production debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Yes, the compact pocket-rocket will return, complete with a manual transmission. More »

Toyota FT-86 Concept: The AE86 Is Back In The Red, Metallic Flesh

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:34:37 EDT

We've seen the Toyota FT-86 for a couple of weeks, carefully dissected the delicious, metallic red sports car in any way we can, but now we've actually seen it in the flesh and Toyota's got some serious hotness here. More »

The Tokyo Motor Show Will Rise With The Sun

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EDT

The Tokyo Motor Show is nearly here, but it's already 11:30 PM in the city so journalists and automakers are grabbing their last few hours of sleep. Follow the Tokyo Motor Show tag for more info. More »

New Subieyota FT-86 Sketches Emerge

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EDT

The first sketch of the Subaru version of the Toyota FT-86 came out a year-and-a-half ago, but now we get more than just a look at its hiney in these leaked-straight-from-Japan sketches. More »

Toyota FT-86 Concept: Design, Dissected

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is an exciting step forward for the vanilla automaker, blending cues from the past (the Toyota AE86) with hints of ToMoCo future. We dissect the design below to see how they've accomplished this delicate feat. More »

Toyota FT-86 Concept: Behold, The New AE86

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EDT

A joint Toyota/Subaru sports car project has been in the works for what feels like forever. Now, finally, here's the first look, a heavily production-based concept called the Toyota FT-86 set to debut this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. More »

Inside the Tokyo Traffic Center

Ray Wert — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST

Our brother site unnaturally obsessed with shiny new toys has a cool gallery up of the Tokyo Traffic center. Apparently it's a place where a team of dedicated compulsive-obsessive bureaucrats work round-the-clock to make sure the city's ginormous infrastructure of roads and twisting mess of highways don't grind to a complete halt. This team uses a very high-tech system of huge multi-unit TV screens, LCD panels and one analog clock to help to make sure the mess o' roads don't become a mess o' traffic. See how we'd like our living room entertainment center to look via the link below. (Hat tip to Richard Blakeley!) [Gizmodo] More »

Down On The Tokyo Street: Nissan Gloria Woody

Murilee Martin — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:15:00 EST

We've been getting quite a few DOTSBE photos from readers lately, with the Denver 944 Cabrio and New Orleans Rusty Impala being a couple of recent examples. Today we head across the water to Tokyo, where intrepid British globetrotter Rust-MyEnemy had his camera ready for action when he spotted this fugitive from the always-hungry Japanese Crusher... More »

Down on the Street...in Tokyo: The Chevy MW Is The Opel Agila

Ray Wert — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST

As we continue to clean out our CompactFlash cards, we've found another piece of metal from the Tokyo streets. Here's the perfect example of a city car produced by the General that they just don't build or sell over in this here part of the globe. This five-door 'merican Revolution is the Chevy MW, and it's a re-badged Vauxhall Agila which is a re-badged Opel Agila which in turn is a re-badged Suzuki Wagon R. As a Suzuki, the MW was first built in Japan, but now in all forms is built at GM's Gliwice, Poland plant. Speaking of the Opelized version, did we mention the second-generation 2008 Opel Agila was unveiled in Frankfurt earlier this year? Oh wait, we've found some shots of the reveal of that one on our many CF cards as well. The newest model of the Agila will be powered by either one of two gas engines — a three cylinder 1.0-liter 65 HP model and a four cylinder 1.2-liter engine rated at 86 HP — and a diesel 1.3-liter four cylinder engine rated at 75 HP. Will the new 2008 Agila have as many re-branded options as the earlier models? You betcha. The General's already planning for the new Agila to be sold by Suzuki as the Splash. Ah, the sweet smell of platform prostitution and brand whoring. Don't you just love the global automotive industry? More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Photo Without Caption

bwojdyla — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:15:31 EDT

Tokyo Motor Show: The Fine Ladies of Tokyo

bwojdyla — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:30:52 EDT

We only go to auto shows like Tokyo for the cars and the rush of journalism. Occasionally our lenses accidentally catch the turntable ladies who are only meant to accentuate the product. It is a surprisingly frequent accident, so we will spare you the extended set. Enjoy the images in the gallery if you can. More »

Down on the Street... in Tokyo: Kei Cars

bwojdyla — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:15:34 EDT

We delayed this as long as possible, putting all of you into crushing fits of suspense, finally we give the people what they want - kei cars. These loveable, huggable, sub-sub-compact cars are popular for many reasons. The biggest reason for the niche is that they avoid pesky tax and insurance rates by virtue of their diminutive size. That size also serves an alternate purpose; Tokyo has roads that would make a hardened San Francisco road warrior break into a cold sweat. Roads are steep, they are windy, and they are incredibly narrow at times. Sometimes the only way to carry crates of Ramen, buckets of fish, and platters of raw horse meat (delicious) to their destinations is with the help of a mighty keitruck. To borrow a phrase from Gizmodo's Adam Frucci, "For all your most adorable cargo." More »

Down on the Street... in Tokyo: Citroen DS21

bwojdyla — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:15:00 EDT

Following hot on the heels of yesterdays all French PCH and ranking high on the list of things we would never expect to see here in Tokyo, this Citroen DS21 rocked our world while strolling through Ginza today. Extemely mint seems to be the only way old cars are maintained in the land of the rising sun, because this thing didn't even have scuffed leather. It's always nice to see vintage steel prowling the streets and not just taking up the parking spaces and going to waste like in some cases. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: BMW 1-Series tii Revealed

Ray Wert — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 08:30:00 EDT

You remember that BMW 1-Series "tii" concept we showed you yesterday? That's the concept version of the 1-Series that's supposed to be a like a mash-up E30 M3-like 2002 tii? The one the BMW fan-boys are all atwitter about because it may have a 2.0-liter turbo? Yeah, that's the one. Well, now we've got live shots of the reveal. Yeah, so now tell us who loves ya? That's right, Jalopnik does.
More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Hyundai QarmaQ Crossover Concept, Again

Ray Wert — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 07:30:00 EDT

If you'll remember from its original unveil at Geneva, this sporty little crossover coupe is the QarmaQ, Hyundai's concept designed to showcase environmentally progressive technologies, such as the Korean company's "Elastic Front." That's a pedestrian collision solution Hyundai hopes if implemented, can reduce the risk of turning a drive through the Shibuya crosswalk into a re-make of Death Race 2000. Remember, you get bonus points for maiming now, not killing. More »

Down on the Street...in Tokyo: Ford Bronco

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:00:00 EDT

There I was in Shoto, killing time while you grease monkeys were asleep, and hunting for weirdness when I spotted this establishment. Anything look out of place? Yeah, I know, my first stab was also a "Standard Deli" in the middle of this city, but that's not it. That fully tricked out 1971 Bronco being used as a prop is the answer, with that trailer behind it a close second. You read that right, it's a prop. Though I'm sure it's occasionally driven due to the pricey plate on the front that allows it to be parked streetside, its purpose is to draw the hungry public to the trailer... where 'Crape Style Pancake" are sold. There is just so much wrong with this. The gallery makes me sad. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Yamaha Sakura Concept Reveal

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EDT

We're going to be honest here, the press package shots for the Yamaha Sakura didn't really get us in a huff. Something in them felt inauthentic, contrived even. I imagined a rocket designer complaining about doing a design only his grandpa would drive. In person, that's just not the case. This is a very handsome bike. The fit and finish is superb, some of the core elements are extremely innovative, the bike somehow balances delicate design elements and strong presence. Check the reveal gallery for more on this lovely little piece of kit. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CB1100F Revealed

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:45:00 EDT

There are few two-wheeled death machines in the world able to exploit all of my personal weaknesses simultaneously — the Honda CB1100F revealed here at the Tokyo Auto Show, would have to be one such motorcycle. The live reveal shots in the gallery are pure sex on wheels. Those earlier press photos? They do this bike absolutely no justice. Honda, I'm waiting — bring it to me. Please. Pretty please? More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Fuel Cell Powered Suzuki Crosscage Revealed

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:00:00 EDT

There you have it folks, proof that if you lock engineers in a room with a bag of LSD, it's possible for amazing things to happen. Somehow the magicians at Suzuki managed to cram an entire fuel cell system into the skeletal frame of the Suzuki Crosscage. It is a bit on the awkward-looking side. But it's the tech rather than the looks that are the main feature here. This strikes a blow for alternative alternative power systems everywhere (ie. kitten dreams) More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Honda EVO6 Spoiler

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:30:00 EDT

Let's play a game of 'what's missing from this picture' with the Honda EVO6, revealed live today at the Tokyo Auto Show. It will be hard, because we missed it at first and we were standing in front of the thing. Give up? No shifter. Yeah, it's an auto transmission. That's about enough said about this here bike. Would have been nice if they announced that with the preview shots. It's a damn shame too because it really is a handsome bike. A production model of the EVO6 would fall into an odd category, sort of a heavyweight sport automatic... that nobody would want. As a proof of concept it works quite well though. We can imagine seeing this engine and transmission in a Goldwing in a matter of minutes. Click through the shiny pictures and pay particularly close attention to that fancy exhaust. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Finally

Ray Wert — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:15:00 EDT

After all of the teases, web reveals and even some tiny show in Sydney — we've finally had the chance to see the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in person here at the Tokyo Auto Show and what can we say that hasn't already been said? Well, we'll add that we thought it was weird for Mitsu to choose the notoriously terrible-to-photograph-red color for this, their JDM 2.0-liter MIVEC-engine winged wonder. To add insult to injury, they put the new boy-racer a deep, dark cave. Not that they're saying it's unattractive — but maybe there's something subliminal going on in there is all. But whatever, full gallery below — eat your hearts out kiddies. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Honda Unveils CB1100R

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:15:00 EDT

We already dropped a couple bikes on you, but we missed the first of the lot revealed here at the Tokyo Motor Show (so that's why they call it "Motor" rather than "Auto," eh?). Here are the first real life shots of the Honda CB1100R we first showed you on Monday and which was the first bike seeing the sheet ripped off of today. This baby is total hotness. It's pure red, white, and blue glory without the 30 lbs of plastic covering up all the pretty parts. Jump into the gallery to check the up close and personal shots, don't spoil the keyboard with all the drool. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Day One Round-Up

Ray Wert — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:45:00 EDT

In case you're wondering, it was a wild and wacky first day here at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Here's what you missed last night if you didn't stay up with us throughout our first day of coverage — or at least here's a round-up of what we thought were the top five stories: More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CR-Z Concept Car

Ray Wert — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:30:00 EDT

We're totally digging the fact that the hybrid concept sports car cold war between Honda and Toyota just became a little bit more warm with the introduction and reveal of Honda's latest concept — the Honda CR-Z. It's a look at both the next-generation of hybrid technology and exterior design for the Japanese automaker — wrapped up in a lightweight sports car with massive amounts of torque. The outside's supposed to look "Futuristic and Dynamic" via a compact design that looks, you know, like "futuristic" and stuff. True, we've no idea what could be powering this hybrid beast of a sports car concept, but we didn't have any idea what hybrid system was really under the hood of the Toyota FT-HS from last year's Detroit Auto Show, but we thought it was pretty cool nonetheless. Likewise, the Honda CR-Z looks just as mean. We like. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Sleek Suzuki Biplane Revealed

bwojdyla — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EDT

Wow. Just wow. Even if the execution of biplane inspiration is questionable, this thing is flipping gorgeous. I'm quite certain a twenty minute ride would have you begging for the sweet release of death, but you would look really cool during those twenty minutes. Just think of all the broken necks you'd cause in the unsuspecting streets. It's pretty, in ways that we couldn't have comprehended in the More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Volkswagen Space Up! Concept Car

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:30:00 EDT

Here in Tokyo, V-Dub's just revealed a new version of it's Up! concept car revealed last month during the Frankfurt Auto Show. Unlike the last one, a micro-car measuring a minuscule 3.45 meters, this one's giant. And by giant, we mean it's 3.68 meters long. Yes, yes, it's ginormous — exactly 23 centimeters longer than the last one. And like the last up! the gasoline, diesel and electric powertrains of this up! will always be located in the rear - just like on the Beetle. Full press release below the jump, and Spinelli's going to have shots of the live reveal post haste. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Audi A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept Car Revealed

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 22:41:43 EDT

We're on our way to the Makuhari Messe,...

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:15:00 EDT

We're on our way to the Makuhari Messe, so expect some hot Tokyo Auto Show action coming live from the show in just an hour or so. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Portable Toilet Unveiled

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EDT

Of all the unveilings we've been waiting for out of this year's Tokyo Auto Show, none gets our bowels moving more than the news we just heard out of Kaneko Sangyo Co yesterday. The Japanese company claims it's developed "a portable toilet for use inside a car that totally conceals the user with a curtain." It's called the "Kurumarukun" and it's "the first ever model of its kind small enough to fit inside a car." We've only got one picture of it and to us it looks kinda like a box with paper towels in it. Eeeew. Full release (all two paragraphs of it) after the jump and keep up with all of our hot Nihon action at our Tokyo Auto Show tag throughout the evening and the rest of the week. More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Audi Forum Tokyo

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:15:00 EDT

We could see this building in walking distance from our hotel and couldn't figure out what it was so decided to get a closer look. As we approached realized it's the sum total of what happens when you mix "Bruce" with real Japanese precision. You get the Audi Forum Tokyo — the world's greatest place ever to buy an Audi. Ben's nicknamed it "the Death Star" and I've nicknamed it "Sweet." More »

Tokyo Motor Show: Japanese Subway Blurriness

Ray Wert — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:15:00 EDT

We just finished mapping out how to get to the Makuhari Messe, site of the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, and it wasn't until we were all the way to the Tokyo station that we first saw a sign for the big car show. Also, that's not blurriness because of how bad the camera is, it's motion blur because of how fast folks walk around this place. We feel like anyone traveling the subways or on the sidewalks here could be a championship speed walker. But whatever, the point is that the Japanese rail system is amazing and like everything else here, runs with absolutely mind-blowing and maniacal precision. So, now that we know how to get to the show, keep your browser set at our Tokyo Auto Show tag to spend the day with us checking out the sights and sounds of Tokyo throughout the day, and stay with us throughout the night as we blog live from the city of absolute precision through the night starting with the first reveal at 8:30 PM tonight. [Japan Railways East] More »

2009 NIssan GT-R Revealed On Japanese Television, Black Bra Still Snugly Attached

Ray Wert — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EDT