Highlights from the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon
Hyundai Exoskeleton Drift Car
In a thrilling showcase of automotive innovation and daring design, the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon featured the Hyundai Exoskeleton Drift Car, a true marvel of engineering. Piloted by the legendary Drift King, Keiichi Tsuchiya, this audacious creation, known as the RN24, stunned spectators with its revolutionary design and performance. The Exoskeleton Drift Car, based on the Ioniq 5 N, boasts a 13.4-inch wheelbase chop, stripped-down body panels, and an open-air cage while retaining the powerful electric cells of the performance EV’s dual-motor setup. Despite weighing over two tons, it is an impressive 700 pounds lighter than its predecessor, showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
Hyundai N x Mini GT RS 01T
Continuing the theme of cutting-edge customization, Hyundai presented the Hyundai N x Mini GT RS 01T, a fully functioning 1:1 scale model developed in collaboration with Mini GT. This track-car concept highlights the tuning potential of performance EVs with its striking design elements, including a massive front splitter, a colossal rear wing, and muscular front and rear fenders to accommodate thick 12.0-inch-width tires. The Monster N will also be available in a miniature 1:64 scale version, appealing to car enthusiasts of all ages.
Toyota GR Yaris M Concept
Toyota captured the imagination of attendees with the GR Yaris M Concept, featuring a turbocharged 400-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine placed in the rear of a front-wheel-drive Yaris subcompact. This bold move hints at a potential new fourth-generation MR2 and showcases the G16e three-cylinder engine from the GR Corolla, known as the G20, in a mid-rear configuration. With excitement building for the next mid-engine sports car from Toyota, fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this dynamic lineup.
Personal Touch: Brett Berk’s Journey
Amidst the high-octane excitement of the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, Brett Berk, a former preschool teacher turned youth and family researcher, found himself captivated by the intersection of creativity and engineering on display. As a contributing editor for renowned publications such as Car and Driver and Road & Track, Berk has spent years exploring the evolving landscape of the automotive industry. His unique perspective, informed by a diverse background and a passion for storytelling, allows him to bring a fresh lens to the world of cars and design. From the sleek lines of the Honda Prelude Prototype to the extravagant flair of the Garson DAD Auto Accessories Glitter SLs, Berk’s experiences at the Auto Salon highlight the artistry and innovation that continue to define the future of automotive technology.
Garson DAD Auto Accessories Glitter SLs
For those seeking a touch of opulence and extravagance, the Garson DAD Auto Accessories booth dazzled visitors with a pair of vintage Benz roadsters adorned in glittering crystals. A testament to the artistry and creativity of automotive customization, these dazzling creations celebrated their crystal anniversary in style. From the shimmering exterior to the luxurious fur seat covers, the Garson DAD Auto Accessories Glitter SLs embody the spirit of individuality and creativity that defines the Tokyo Auto Salon experience.
Cal’s Motor Havana
Rounding out the showcase of automotive ingenuity was Cal’s Motor Havana, a customized iteration of the Toyota Raize that defied convention and redefined the concept of a JDM crossover. Inspired by the vibrancy and spirit of California, Cal’s Motor Havana transformed the once-anodyne vehicle into a bold statement of style and performance. With a nod to the rich heritage of automotive customization, this unique creation stood out as a testament to the limitless possibilities of design and innovation in the automotive world.