Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Tokyo motor shows: past, present and future

By Tim Pollard Motor Shows 20 August 2009 09:30 As bets in this topsy-turvy, unpredictable industry go, it’s a banker: of all the motor shows on the global calendar, the Tokyo exhibit is always the barmiest. Although the Chinese shows are rising in importance – and amusement value –  there’s something peculiarly bonkers about the biannual Japanese bash held in downtown Tokyo. So strange is the exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City to westerners, that you don’t bat an eyelid at talking cars, vehicles with feelings, or cars designed for dogs.

Aptera hits a speed bump

While the streamlined, electric two-seat Aptera 2e may be one of the most efficient cars ever designed, the process of getting it to market is becoming a little less efficient. Original plans had the 2e going on sale this year, but the company said on Wednesday that the car will be available to consumers starting in 2010. No specific date was set.

Maserati Alfieri is a car Maserati MUST make: Geneva Motor Show

The Maserati Alfieri Concept looks a cracker Maserati has a proud history and, even though it makes some very appealing cars once more, it really doesn’t have a proper sports car in its range. But the Maserati Alfieri could change that. Named after Alfieri Maserati – one of the founders of Maserati – the Alfieri  is a beautifully clothed sports car based on a shortened Granturismo MC Stradale chassis taking its inspiration from Maserati’s history but using it not to create a pastiche of the past but a credible view of the future.