Auto Shows Might Be Dying But The 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon Didn’t Disappoint

The Tokyo Auto Salon is often billed as Japan’s version of SEMA, but it might be even better as it’s open to the public and hasn’t been taken over by automakers who try to ram a dozen similarity styled concepts down our throat.

That being said, major automakers still have a presence at the show and they bring out an assortment of interesting concepts and production models.

One of the stars of this year’s show was undoubtedly the Toyota GR Yaris which is absolutely bonkers as it features all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. The tiny powerhouse enables the three-door hatchback to rocket from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in less than 5.5 seconds.

Also Read: 2020 Toyota GR Yaris Is A 268 HP AWD Rally Car For The Road

Sticking with the performance theme, Subaru unveiled the Levorg Prototype STI. The stylish wagon features a sporty and upscale exterior which makes the current Levorg STI look even more forgettable.

Moving on, Honda introduced the 2020 Civic Type R. The styling changes are relatively minor, but include an enlarged grille that improves engine cooling. The hot hatch also sports an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a new gear knob and a fake engine noise system.

While the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine carries over, engineers retuned the front suspension to improve steering feel. The model also gains new dampers and stiffer rear bushings.

Speaking of updates, the mid-engined S660 got a host of revisions including a modified grille and updated lighting units. Honda also improved the roadster’s comfort by adding heated seats as well as new leather and Alcantara accents.

Other notable vehicles from automakers included the radically styled Toyota Prius PHV Ambivalent RD and the powerful Skyline 400R Sprint from Nissan.

Of course, the Tokyo Auto Salon also has a host of tuned forbidden fruit. One of the popular cars this year was the Toyota Century as TOM’s Racing unveiled a sportier and more luxurious version of the sedan.

That wasn’t the only Century on display as students from the WiZ International Information Engineering and Automobile College unveiled a classic model named the Strange Edition. Sporting a two-tone paint job, the car is a real head tuner and that’s even before you open the suicide rear doors.

Customized models are huge part of the Tokyo Auto Salon and this year didn’t disappoint as there was everything from Dodge Challengers to a 1997 Civic Type R restomod. The show also has a bit of wacky side and Sense showcased a number of models with ridiculously large and plentiful exhaust tips.

Those are just some of the models that were on display this year and you can read full our coverage right here.