Now we’re diving into the wildly imaginative, often ahead-of-their-time world of Japanese concept cars—a place where futuristic tech, anime-worthy styling, and performance wizardry collide. These ten Japanese concept cars never saw mass production, but they seriously could’ve changed the game.

Mazda RX-500 (1970)

• A mid-engine rotary-powered supercar with spaceship styling and rear lighting that changed color depending on acceleration or braking.

• Gullwing doors, outrageous styling, and pure ‘70s flair.

• One-off concept to celebrate Mazda’s 50th anniversary. Still turns heads today.
  
   

Nissan MID4 / MID4 II (1985–1987)

• Mid-engine AWD sports car with four-wheel steering and a DOHC V6.

• Previewed the tech used later in the R32 Skyline GT-R and Z32 300ZX.

• Nissan never produced it due to high cost—but the MID4 is now a cult legend.
  
   

Toyota Alessandro Volta (2004)

• A sleek hybrid supercar designed by Italdesign Giugiaro.

• AWD, V6 hybrid powertrain with 300kW and a 0–100 time under 4 seconds.

• Ahead of its time—imagine a Lexus LFA meets Prius.
  
  
   

Honda HP-X (1984)

• "Honda Pininfarina eXperimental" — mid-engined V6 sports car concept designed in Italy.

• The spiritual grandfather to the NSX.

• It laid the groundwork for Honda’s ambition to challenge Ferrari with a precision-engineered everyday supercar.
  
  
   

Yamaha OX99-11 (1992)

• A bonkers F1-powered supercar designed by Yamaha with input from German firm Baur.

• 3.5L V12, tandem seating (like a fighter jet!), and race-grade suspension.

• Cancelled due to the recession—only 3 prototypes exist. Worth millions now.
  
  
   

Mitsubishi HSR Series (1987–1997)

• A line of six progressively more futuristic concept cars exploring AI, aerodynamics, and hybrid tech.

• The 1991 HSR-II had active aero, 4WS, and computer-controlled systems—decades ahead of the game.

• Never produced, but laid tech foundations for later Mitsubishi innovations.
  
   

Toyota FT-HS (2007)

• A hybrid sports car concept that many considered a preview of the Toyota 86 or even a future Supra.

• Bold, edgy lines, removable roof, and performance hybrid drivetrain.

• Didn’t reach production—but its DNA is found in later Toyota sports cars.
  
   

Mazda Furai (2008)

• Rotary-powered Le Mans-style concept based on the Courage C65 chassis.

• Ran on ethanol, produced 450hp, and looked absolutely alien.

• Tragically destroyed in a fire during a Top Gear test drive in 2008.
  
   

Subaru B11S (2003)

• A sleek 4-door GT coupe with suicide doors and Subaru’s famed AWD turbo setup.

• Styled by Fuore Design and aimed to push Subaru upmarket.

• Never produced—though you can see its influence in later Legacy and WRX styling.
  
   

Nissan IDx Freeflow and NISMO (2013)

• Retro-modern coupes meant to echo the Datsun 510.

• The NISMO version was a crowd favorite—lightweight, RWD, and a manual box.

• Huge public support, but Nissan sadly dropped the project in favor of SUVs.