Autoblog

Click image for photo gallery

Nissan is following up its 2005 journey into weirdness, the Nissan PIVO concept, with an updated version that'll be on display in Tokyo. The innovatively-named, Isetta-doored PIVO 2 is a shaplier and more colorful take on its rotating-cabin predecessor, and this time around, the PIVO 2's driver gets some company in the form of the "Robotic Agent," a disembodied monkey head on the instrument panel that speaks English and Japanese and is able to help out with things like directions.

Compact Lithium Ion batteries power in-wheel motors, and the PIVO 2's wheels themselves rotate 90 degrees as well. Tight parking spot? Turn the passenger compartment sideways, turn the wheels, and slide right in or out. Then aim the cabin in the direction you want to go, straighten the wheels, and you're off, chatting with Robot Monkey Friend all the way. Welcome to Japan.

Our Tokyo team will attempt to befriend the Robotic Agent when they meet it in person next month. Hit the "Read" link for Nissan's public preview site.

UPDATE: Video after the jump!

[Source: NISSAN]

Click images for high-res gallery

The Tonkalicious Suzuki X-HEAD is already one of our favorite Tokyo '07 concepts, and not one of us has laid eyes on it in the metal. We hear the 4x4's a dash over 12 feet long and is powered by a 1372cc engine, but that's about it. For the rest, it seems we'll have to wait. The new batch of photos we've obtained shows us that the plucky pickup can carry at least one dirt bike in back and that its bedsides flip down to reveal additional storage compartments. The matte charcoal tailgate matches the grillework, which receives the same finish. Inside, the "X" theme is carried through in the yellow portions of the seats (which do not look comfortable) and the shape of the harnesses. The letter "X" is so prevalent, we half expect to see this thing in the motor pool at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. We'll bring you full coverage from Tokyo later in the month.

[Source: Suzuki]

Click image to enlarge

In addition to the numerous concepts we've shown you from Suzuki, the automaker will be unveiling a new JDM tall wagon, the Palette. With a wheelbase 40mm longer than the best-selling Wagon R, the Palette offers a little more comfort and a good dose of practicality thanks to a flat floor and dual sliders. Creature comforts such as Bluetooth, an MP3 player jack, and automatic A/C are also a given for Suzuki's new family runabout.

UPDATE: English-language press release added

[Sources: Suzuki, Autoblog Spanish]