The 1989 Tokyo Motor Show turned out to be rich in novelties: Honda NSX, Suzuki Cappuccino , Subaru Alcyone SVX were presented here..
However, according to the Chicago Tribune, visitors called two other cars show stoppers. In a newspaper for November 19, 1989, it was written: "The most interesting, in terms of design, cars of the show were the Nissan Neo-X and Mitsubishi HSR-II - prototypes that give an idea of what the cars of the 21st century will look like."
The Nissan Neo-X was a concept executive sedan with a neoclassical design. Simple lines, a short overhang in the front and a large one in the back, a voluminous dome of the roof that slopes smoothly towards the stern. Vehicle length is 4.9m, width - 1.87m.
As befits a large limousine, the car was equipped with a large engine. In the case of the Neo-X, it was a 4.5-liter V8 producing 270hp. The estimated maximum speed was 250km/h, but the dynamic characteristics, such as the acceleration time to 100km/h, were not announced even at the level of theories. However, everything was on the level here - the Neo-X received 4-wheel drive.
Moreover, the car had a fully steerable chassis (like the Nissan Skyline GT-R). Of course, a manual transmission is not required for a futuristic flagship sedan (a five-speed automatic is installed here). But what such a car, according to Nissan engineers, definitely needed a powerful computer that monitors the operation of all systems of the car: engine, transmission, air suspension, steering and brakes.
Based on the data obtained, the Neo-X computer adjusted the electronic systems in real time for the most efficient and comfortable movement. But this was far from all the electronics of the car. Infrared cameras were integrated into the front bumper of the car to track the distance to the vehicles in front. If the distance became critically small, an alarm was triggered.
The Neo-X also had a head-up display, a holographic instrument panel, and a touch-sensitive center display (with a cathode ray tube!) - all very much reminiscent of a modern Tesla.
The central screen could display climate control settings, a navigator, as well as a picture from a night vision camera.
For the comfort of passengers in the concept, four bucket seats were responsible, which had the function of automatically pumping the side rollers. And here they used "smart glasses" - almost like in Maybach: at the push of a button, the light transmission of the side windows was reduced, replacing the traditional tinting or curtains.
It was an interesting concept that earned praises from visitors to the 1989 Tokyo Auto Show and most of the world's media outlets.