If the rebranded Japan Mobility Show gives us a stage by virtue of new cars being launched, then Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is the expressive theatre performance carried out on it, as those cars and modified and their performance amplified to keep the soul fuelled. TAS 2026 runs from 9-11 January and here are 6
A number of carmakers will be on hand to display some of their performance models to showcase the potential they possess in terms of aftermarket support. While this list is not definitive, we would wager a bet that these machines will pop up come this Friday morning.
1. Subaru WRX STI
It is a good thing we didn’t hold our breaths waiting for the new Subaru WRX STI because our skin would have turned a shade of World Rally Blue. Subaru is definitely keeping a surprise up its sleeves at TAS and all the teasers point towards a successor to the WRX STI.
Discontinued in 2021, the model looks set for a comeback with the teasers throwing glimpses of what appears to a current-gen WRX with STI badges and a manual gearbox. Last year, Subaru dropped the Performance-B STI concept; a bewinged, widebody hatchback worthy of carrying the STI name. Will the distinctive rumbling idle, gravel-spitting monster finally return to production?
2. Toyota MR2
Toyota’s teaser is much vaguer, being based on a faux text conversation with chairman Akio Toyoda’s racing alter ego, Morizo, on X. Lacking any visuals, the textual post discusses a new midship two-seater that Toyoda is hoping will be ready for TAS.
A new MR2 Mk4 was first teased during a 2024 anime (click here, 0:47 second mark), further fuelled by the GR Yaris M Concept that plonked the new G20E 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mid-ship behind the driver. As the GR line-up continues to grow, some prime real estate is opening up for a moderately-priced, mid-engined sports car, exactly along the mould of the previous MR2 and MR-S. While nothing is confirmed, Carscoops reported that Toyota has trademarked the “GR MR2” and “GR MR-S” names so there’s that.
3. Mitsubishi Pajero
This is a long shot but another legendary nameplate slated for a reveal at TAS is the Mitsubishi Pajero. A brief peek at the end of a video celebrating its Ralliart victory in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) showed a clear silhouette of a boxy SUV.
Though lurking in the shadows of sunset, the mystery SUV sports angular, upright lines with a tall hood and boxy cabin. Even the DRLs are vertical LED units mimicking Mitsubishi’s current design language. Some playing around with photo editing further makes clear side steps and a higher ride height similar to riding on a ladder frame.
It will likely ride on the platform underpinning the Triton and Pajero Sport with a rear-based 4WD system and live rear axle. Imagine the Destinator on steroids to picture its looks.
4. Nissan Z manual
File this under ‘confirmed’ as Nissan has stated it will reveal the Nissan Z Nismo with a proper manual at TAS. When the Z Nismo was first launched, enthusiast lost their collective stools as it was automatic only. Nissan has addressed that glaring omission and has even updated the Z Nismo for 2026.
Upgrades are limited to minor changes for the coupe’s aerodynamics with no word if the automatic Z’s 420 PS and 520 Nm will be bumped up but we would not bet on it. Still, three pedals on a driver-focused sports car is a win on any given day.
Aside from the Z, Nissan will also be pulling the covers off a generically named Nismo Concept Model that looks to be Note with Super GT-inspired styling.
5. Civic RS hybrid with S+ Shift
The Honda Civic e:HEV RS is no stranger to the Malaysian market. However, Honda will be introducing a “prototype” of the variant at TAS with a nifty little upgrade in the form of the Prelude’s S+ Shift technology. The apostrophes are used because we would bet our mothers that this will be entering production.
Considering that the Prelude is essentially a Civic RS coupe, the simulated gearbox tech trickling down was a question of ‘if’ and not ‘when.’ Instead of the paddle shifters currently adjusting the level of regeneration, S+ Shift will simulate gear shifts by altering torque outputs in the electric motor.
6. Daihatsu Hijet Truck PTO Dump Daihatsumei
A small homage, pun intended, to Japan’s Dekotora culture, or ‘decorated truck,’ the Daihatsu Hijet Truck PTO Dump is the epitome of TAS. Layers of chrome, enough lighting to be seen from space and custom graphic livery makes this kei truck hard to miss.
For the full carnival treatment, every possible inch of space has been fitted with extra lights, including 14 round taillights as well as the wheels, side panels, front bumper and roof. The bed is a family tree for the model’s lineage with hand-drawn illustrations of every Hijet generation to date.