2009 Tokyo Auto Show Preview: Production Lexus LF-A Supercar, Toyota-Subaru Sedan To Debut

TOKYO — Right on the heels of the announcement that the 2010 British Auto Show is off comes news today from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association that the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, slated for late October this year, will be shortened by four days. But at least it's still on — and Toyota will make an extra effort to help stimulate the show-going public, a source tells Inside Line.

Some excitement will be generated by the fact that Toyota's new president, Akio Toyoda, will be taking over in June. Sure to be more interesting to the show-going public is this tidbit: The production version of the 600-horsepower V10-powered Lexus LF-A supercar, our source says, will not make its debut in Frankfurt but instead will be unveiled in Tokyo.

Another highlight of the Toyota stand will be the reveal of a project rumored to have been put on hold — the Toyota-Subaru jointly developed rear-wheel-drive coupe that employs an Impreza platform and drivetrain. To improve mileage and emissions of the current normally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine, Toyota has developed a unique head unit for the boxer power plant, said to generate around 220 horsepower. Toyota will also display a full range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as well as the latest EV and battery technology.

JAMA made the painful decision to cut short the 41st Tokyo Auto Show in large part because of a growing number of no-shows. In addition to the U.S. Big Three, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Lamborghini, Hino Motors, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Fuso (trucks and buses) and Nissan Diesel have all announced that unprecedented economic conditions are forcing them to cancel their participation.

As the financial crisis continues, this list is expected to grow. Chinese and Korean carmakers will also stay away. That is why JAMA, which earlier this year seriously considered canceling the show altogether, has also decided to downsize the area used from the normal four halls to possibly two at Chiba prefecture's Makuhari Messe site, one hour east of Tokyo.

Originally scheduled to run from October 23 to November 8, the show's new closing date will be November 4.

Inside Line says: At this rate, the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show is sounding more like the "Toyota Auto Show with Friends." — Peter Lyon, Correspondent