Tokyo

A good part of the exhibition space at the 2007 Tokyo auto show is devoted to motorcycles. Manufacturers such as Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda had some fascinating concept bikes on display, showing how they see the future of motorcycling. From big, high-tech concepts that look like they came straight out of Akira, to green and clean fuel-cell scooters, these bikes show off two-wheelers for every purpose. And there's even a four-wheel motorcycle in the mix.

Click here for photos of motorcycle concepts at the 2007 Tokyo auto show.

The latest version of the legendary Nissan GT-R comes to the U.S. next summer. This car hits 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, putting it in super-car territory. The GT-R looks tough and fast, and is powered by a 3.6-liter twin turbo V-6 mated to a twin clutch transmission.

BMW adds a hallowed model label to its 1-Series Coupe, along with carbon fiber components and a sport interior. The tii concept takes the 135i, which should already be an incredible performer, and tricks it out for the race track.

Audi's metroproject concept presages the Audi A1, set to begin production in 2009. This little car uses a hybrid powertrain, with a gas engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear wheels. It employs a unique removable smartphone-like device that works as the brains for the car's infotainment systems.

The Tesseract looks like two motorcycles bolted together. This four-wheeled bike, powered by a hybrid engine, employs a unique mechanism that lets it lean to the side when you go into a corner. At stops, it locks into an upright position.

Looking like a giant MP3 player mock-up, the SSC, or Suzuki Sharing Coach, is actually a transporter for two other Suzuki concept vehicles. The SSC can hold two Suzuki Pixys, little personal transporters. Are cars within cars the wave of the future?

Although none of these cars are likely to make it to production, they represent some of the most interesting, or, possibly, aberrant, ideas in automotive design. From the Nissan R.D/B.X, designed to let its occupants interact, to the Honda Puyo with its gel-covered body, these concepts are as wild as they come.

Click here for photos of wild concept cars at the 2007 Tokyo auto show.

At the 2007 Tokyo auto show, we found many concept cars that could be put into production today. These cars wouldn't look out of place on the road or in a mall parking lot. We've got photos of these ready for the road concepts, from the Volkswagen Space Up to the Toyota iQ.

Click here for photos of road-ready concept cars at the 2007 Tokyo auto show.

Good news for people prone to losing their car keys. Someday soon, all you'll need to start the engine will be the veins in your finger.

Japanese electronics giant Hitachi is bringing its finger vein authentication technology to steering wheels, fitting them with a biometric reader that only starts the engine for drivers with recognizable vein patterns.

Veins can also be used as switches for the car stereo and navigation system, reports Pink Tentacle, as well as to identify driver preferences, such as seat and mirror position or air conditioner setting.

Hitachi's system--already used in ATMs, computers and cardless payment systems… Read more