Cool Hunting

The 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City from 26 October-11 November. In preparation, the big Japanese automakers have begun rolling out some of their futuristic concept cars. If it's any indication of what's to come, we're excited to see what else is in store. Here are our two favorites so far.

More of a personal transportation device than automobile, Toyota's new i-Real makes the Segway look like an old Saturn. A futuristic wheelchair of sorts, the i-Real builds on the previous i-Swing model producing a faster (tops out at 20mph), more agile and more energy efficient prototype. All of the three-wheeler's controls are located close to the armrests and the wheels can extend, reclining the passenger for high speeds or contracting inwards for more maneuverability.

via Electro Plankton

Toyota's main Japanese competition, Honda, might have one-upped them on the concept front with the Puyo. Instead of traditional aluminum or sheet metal, Honda uses a strong but flexible gel-like material that is supposedly safer in collisions. I love the scissor wing doors that open up and out and the back-lit headlights. Even better, the Puyo can turn 360º in place and is completely transparent from the "belt line" offering better visibility. With no right angles or corners, it is a smooth, cute design and, powered by a fuel-cell, it's environmentally friendly too. A minimalist pod-like interior and joystick steering cement its place in the future.

via Jalopnik.