Photos: Tomorrow's cars rally in Tokyo

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Eliica

A central theme at the 2005 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, which opens to the public Oct. 22, is alternative engine technology. An electric car that's bound to catch visitors' eyes is the Eliica, designed by Japan's Keio University. It uses lithium ion batteries to send power to its eight wheels and is said to have hit speeds of 230 miles per hour.
For photos from last month's auto show in Frankfurt, Germany, click here.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Mercedes F 600 Hygenius

Among the automakers showing off fuel cell vehicles at the Tokyo show is DaimlerChrysler, whose protoype line includes the sleek Mercedes F 600 Hygenius concept car. The Hygenius' high-voltage battery and hydrogen tank are located beneath the passenger cell, and its electric motor has been built into the rear-axle carrier.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Honda WOW

Fuel economy isn't the only thing on the mind of car designers. Honda's six-passenger WOW concept wagon has a wooden floor and also functions as a kennel on wheels.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Honda WOW - interior

Seats in the middle of the WOW can be reconfigured into a dog carrier.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Honda WOW - dashboard

For dog lovers who want to keep a closer eye on Fido, the glovebox also packs a pooch. Take a bow, WOW.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Nissan Pivo

The Pivo, from Nissan, is an electric car with a bubble-shaped cabin that rotates 360 degrees. If you get stuck in a tight spot, just spin the cabin and head back the way you came.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Pivo interior

The interior of the Pivo keeps things simple. And very, very red.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Toyota's Fine-X

Toyota has a different take on turning on a dime--its Fine-X has four independently steered wheels that enable it to rotate on the spot. Powered by a fuel cell hybrid system, it also has gull wing side doors that open upward.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
I-swing

The I-swing from Toyota is a one-seater running on three wheels--and two when in slow mode. "In addition to the stick control, a pedal control can be used to provide a fresh cornering feeling, as you shift your body weight as if you were on skis," Toyota says.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Premacy

Mazda's Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is a minivan concept whose power unit combines a dual-fuel, hydrogen/gasoline rotary engine and an electric motor.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler
Mazda RX-8

The dual-fuel system in this RX-8 from Mazda enables a driver to select gasoline or hydrogen by simply flipping a switch. The Japanese carmaker plans to make this vehicle available for lease soon.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)
Caption by: Bill Detwiler

Concept cars at Tokyo Motor Show include fuel cell vehicles, Nissan's spinning Pivo and a Honda wagon for the dogs.

Toyota's Fine-X

Toyota has a different take on turning on a dime--its Fine-X has four independently steered wheels that enable it to rotate on the spot. Powered by a fuel cell hybrid system, it also has gull wing side doors that open upward.

Published: July 20, 2006 -- 16:00 GMT (09:00 PDT)

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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