Lexus LFA

Lexus presented the LFA at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show last week, the culmination of four years and two show cars. The new front-mid engined supercar is skinned in carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which, aside from being both lightweight and strong, also enabled greater freedom to create shapes, curves and edges. Seen in the flesh, however, the white bodycolor did the LFA few favors, though this choice may have more to do with slighting Acura - the last NSX, the Type-R, was also white with a red and black interior.

Inside, the hand-built, driver-focused interior is divided into three zones: a mechanical zone, a human zone, and the driving zone. The seats are upholstered in leather and Alcantara and the trim features exposed areas of carbon fiber, brushed metal and forged aluminum. The IP structure gives a feeling of immersion when behind the wheel, while the lower beam still gives a feeling of connection and control. It fits well with the exterior, but the real innovation is bringing a structural member through the aperture behind the door-glass, adding a NASCAR-like quality.

Daihatsu Basket concept

Japanese automaker Daihatsu revealed the Basket concept at the recent Tokyo Motor Show. The back to basics vehicle was designed for Japanese people looking to escape crowed urban areas and those living in rural environments.

The four-seat concept features a removable hardtop roof over the front seats and a removable canvas top over the rear seats. It includes a B-pillar basket handle that extends over the top of the car, similar to the Mk1 Golf cabriolet from the 1980s. At the rear, the wide deck and folding rear seatbacks have been designed to carry a multitude of items.