Top 5 Japanese Cars Coming To The 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

Over the past several weeks, we’ve kept a steady pulse on the automotive blogosphere to keep you updated on the most exciting Japanese cars slated to make an appearance next week at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. As the first major auto show of the season, most of the well-known Japanese automakers are bringing out the big guns, so to speak. Since there are so many different cars and concepts to keep track of, we figured that today we’d review the most important ones to keep an eye out for when the veils come off in a few days.

So, without further ado, here are the top 5 new Japanese cars or concepts you won’t want to miss out on next week in Frankfurt.

1. Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept (powertrain only)

It feels like we’ve already talked the Yaris Hybrid-R nearly to death, but the hybrid hot hatch seems really cool and I think the whole automotive world is waiting to learn more. While we won’t see the full-fledged concept in Frankfurt, we’ll get an in-the-metal look at the intricate mechanical components that allow the Hybrid-R its jaw-dropping 420 hp total output.

2. Lexus LF-NX Concept

We thought (hoped) it might’ve been the Lexus RC coupe at first, but the LF-NX Concept looks cool enough to assuage our dashed hopes and expectations. Basically, the LF-NX is Lexus’ aim at a smaller luxury compact crossover to compete with the BMW X1, the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. This class of vehicle has historically been most appealing in European markets, which would explain the Frankfurt reveal. When Lexus pulls off the veil next week, we’re hoping to learn more about the powertrain and performance, as well as get a more comprehensive feel for the crossover’s aggressive design.

3. Nissan Rogue

Okay, we’ve covered the biggest Japanese car maker, what about the second largest?

From Nissan, we get a cryptic teaser for the next Nissan Rogue, which is 7-years stagnant in its current iteration. Nissan has been much less forthcoming than Toyota with details for their new CUV, but we know that it will be coming out in dealerships sometime next year, so we can expect a near production-ready model in Frankfurt.

4. Infiniti Q30 Concept

From Nissan’s luxury arm, Infiniti, we get the Q30 Concept, which is both similar to and different from the Lexus LF-NX. Where Lexus is looking to target a very specific market segment, Infiniti is looking to capture widespread appeal. How? By combining three different body styles into a single vehicle… If you think that the above-pictured concept looks like a coupe mashed up with a crossover and a hatchback, then congratulations! You’ve pinpointed Infiniti’s advanced marketing strategy.

In all seriousness, though, the Q30 Concept looks very drivable; it’s sleek, aggressive, contemporary, and the large wheels make it look like it has a good ride. Like the new Nissan Rogue, we don’t know much else about the Q30. Specifically, we’ll be paying close attention to the premium compact’s technical specs when the veil is pulled in Frankfurt.

5. Honda Civic Tourer

Honda and its luxury arm, Acura, together have the least fanfare surrounding their reveals for the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. From Honda we’re expecting the new Civic Tourer, which will go on sale in Europe early next year. The spacious wagon will almost certainly sell very well, but there’s no getting around the sheer plainness of the vehicle. So, while we’ll be keeping an eye out for more details in Frankfurt, we won’t be doing so on the edge of our collective seat.

As far as we know, Acura is simply bringing a slightly revised NSX Concept, which we’ve seen multiple times before.

Well, that just about wraps it up. Those are the top five Japanese cars to keep an eye out for next week during the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Doors open Tuesday morning, September 10th, so stay tuned until then for more automotive news and entertainment. In the meantime, thanks for reading!