Nissan
Electric Nissan to debut in 2010
August 12, 2008 What will the electric car ownership experience be like? Nissan has given us a glimpse of what early adopters are letting themselves in for - rather than bundling expensive, consumable battery packs into the price of the car, Nissan plans to sell its 2010 mass-market battery-electric car for around the same price as a standard petrol car, and lease the battery pack to the buyer on a monthly fee. And the battery lease plus electricity charges should still end up cheaper than a petrol bill. Don't worry, it won't look anything like the test vehicle pictured!
Nissan's All-Around Collision Free prototype
Image Gallery (4 images)
Nissan has unveiled an "All-Around Collision Free" system that rolls two new safety technologies in with those already developed under its Safety Shield program. The new additions are a Side Collision Prevention (SCP), which assists the driver when changing lanes, and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP), which automatically sounds a warning and applies the brakes if a collision is imminent during a reversing maneuver.
ECO Pedal to reduce car fuel consumption
Image Gallery (2 images)
With rising petrol prices and a focus on climate change, the automotive industry is looking to pioneer new methods of fuel consumption, both in terms of developing new propulsion systems and making existing technology more efficient. News on the latter approach comes from Nissan, which has unveiled technology designed to help drivers use less fuel by using an "eco-pedal" system that resists excess pressure being applied to the accelerator.
Major auto manufacturers commit to eco-friendly development
Image Gallery (4 images)
Two separate announcements from the automotive world this week have given further impetus to the growth of energy efficient vehicles. Volkswagen has teamed up with Sanyo to develop high-performance lithium-ion based storage systems for use in its hybrid diesel and electric-drive systems and the ongoing Renault-Nissan Alliance has resulted in the Scenic ZEV H2 - a prototype based on a Renault Grand Scenic which features Nissan’s in-house developed fuel cell stack, high-pressure hydrogen storage tank and compact lithium-ion batteries that will be shown in Barcelona in June.
Nissan’s “Denki Cube” Electric Vehicle Concept
Image Gallery (19 images)
March 20, 2008 The 2008 New York International Auto Show kicks off today and one of the main attractions is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept. The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept was created to promote Nissan’s environmental efforts but also serves as a preview as Nissan plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube in the United States and Canada in 2009.
Infiniti EX37 luxury coupe crossover destined for Europe
Image Gallery (7 images)
March 10, 2008 Well recognized in North America after two decades in the market, Nissan's luxury auto brand Infiniti is gearing up for entry into Europe with a presentation at the Geneva Auto Show spearheaded by the new EX37 luxury coupe crossover. Looking to blend coupé style with four-wheel drive crossover versatility, the Infiniti EX37 is powered by a 3.7-litre, twin cam V6 that puts out over 300 horses and 350Nm of torque via a seven-speed automatic transmission and intelligent four-wheel drive system. Among the standout technology features is an Around View Monitor system that takes rear-view parking assistance to a new level, using a series of cameras positioned all around the vehicle to provide a bird’s eye view of the vehicle on the in-car monitor.
FORUM: Nissan's advanced mini-van design concept
Image Gallery (15 images)
December 21, 2007 In a further exploration of the theme of automobile as communal space displayed by the Round Box Concept shown in Tokyo this year, Nissan will unveil its FORUM concept at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The FORUM integrates a number of design features and communications technologies aimed at creating a family-friendly environment including trackless sliding side doors, the elimination of traditional B-pillars, versatile second row "Turntable Seating", an advanced Bose® Media System, multi-camera external monitoring, a built-in microwave and a "Kids Cam" monitoring system which allows adults to keep an eye on back seat mayhem via 2nd and 3rd row cameras mounted in the headliner and connected to the main instrument panel LCD display.
Nissan to launch "Long Way Down" branded 4WDs
Image Gallery (4 images)
November 30, 2007 Nissan has announced plans for special versions of both the Navara Pickup and Patrol 4x4 to mark the company's involvement with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's "Long Way Down" expedition - a 15,000 mile motorcycle trek from John O'Groats at the Northern tip of Scotland to Cape Town in South Africa.
Nissan adds new tent to outdoor accessory range
Image Gallery (4 images)
November 23, 2007 Nissan has released a second dedicated tent designed to fit onto the rear of any Pathfinder, Murano, new X-TRAIL or QASHQAI. The tent attaches onto the rear of the vehicle with the use of adjustable straps and an elasticated sleeve, which fits over the complete rear-end of the vehicle and provides enough room for the tailgate to be opened up into the tent living area. Inside, the living area measures 3 meters x 3 meters to accommodate up to four adults, six if you include the back of the vehicle, and with over 2 meters in height at the peak of the dome there is plenty of standing room.
No longer a Skyline: the 2008 Nissan GT-R a huge hit in Tokyo - UPDATED, NEW IMAGES
Image Gallery (63 images)
October 25, 2007 Perhaps the biggest buzz we’ve seen yet at the Tokyo Auto Show has been around the official launch of the new Nissan GT-R performance car, which packs a 3.8 litre, 480-horsepower twin-turbo engine, electronically adjustable suspension, shift and stability control modes, and the world’s first independent twin-axle 4WD. Looking sharp, the GT-R is clearly aimed at the Porsche 911 Turbo, which it has apparently beaten around both the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca in racetrack testing.
Nissan’s Intima concept revealed in the lead-up to Tokyo Auto Show
Image Gallery (19 images)
Perhaps the least outrageous of the Japanese concepts to be unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show – and thus the most likely to directly influence a production model, Nissan’s Intima concept saloon lays out the company’s definition of modern luxury. Slick exterior looks sit well with a glass-roofed interior that’s designed to soothe its occupants in an aesthetic sense as much as physically. Wide-angle barn doors on the driver and passenger sides give exceptionally easy access, and they’ve even included an 80-degree swiveling motorised passenger seat to assist the elderly or disabled in a comfortable and dignified entry and exit.
Nissan’s Round Box compact convertible
Image Gallery (21 images)
October 18, 2007 Another preview from the Nissan stable ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Round Box is takes open-air motoring in a different direction through its emphasis on the car as a social environment. The Round Box features turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine mated to Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and a raft of enhanced safety features, but it is the design elements – both inside and out which set the vehicle apart. Passengers can share the sensation of speed with the driver through “road surface windows” positioned close to the ground on both sides and two large touchscreens, coupled with a unique seating design, encourage greater communication between those on board.
Nissan’s ingenious NV200 Van Concept
Image Gallery (19 images)
One of the challenges in writing stories for an emerging technology magazine is to avoid continuously using the word ingenious, but the NV200 to be shown by Nissan at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show is exactly that. The shell of a vehicle is by necessity an exoskeleton, which means that access to van-like vehicles is typically from the inside, but this new design takes a totally different approach. Combining a mobile office and van in one unique package, designers have incorporated a sliding removable pod that makes the NV200 one out of the box – literally – and although inspired by the very specific requirements of one customer, the basic concept has serious potential for all manner of different applications.
Major companies reveal their visions for the cars of 2057
Image Gallery (29 images)
As part of the LA Auto Show Design Challenge, several major manufacturers have submitted blue-sky design concepts showing where they feel automotive design will go in the next 50 years. From Nissan's friendly family assistant to Mercedes’ liquid-metal convertible and Toyota's pollution-chewing roller/strider, the submissions are an exciting and thought-provoking look at where the next half a century will take us in personal and family mobility.
Nissan's Pivo 2 concept – your robotic automotive friend
Image Gallery (9 images)
October 8, 2007 Nissan’s Pivo concept was the most popular concept car of all time on this site, so we’re expecting a similar reaction to the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced compact Lithium-ion batteries, Pivo 2 employs ‘by-wire’ technologies for braking and steering and features a 360 degree turning cabin and 90 degree turning wheels that makes reversing a thing of the past. The second generation Pivo also uses a Robotic Agent to create a unique owner-vehicle relationship that is akin to that of a friend.
Nissan's all-new Skyline Coupe
Image Gallery (37 images)
October 3, 2007 Nissan has introduced its all-new Skyline coupe in Japan, and the specification, design and driving performance of the new grand touring coupe put it in a category normally reserved for machinery with a price tag several factors greater than the Skyline Coupe 370 GT Type SP which goes on sale in Japan for less than US$40,000.
Nissan’s Mixim Concept Car in detail
Image Gallery (26 images)
September 13, 2007 According to Nissan research, teenagers have fallen out of love with the car – they see it as an oily, noisy throwback to the last century. Rather than drive across town to meet friends, they live in a virtual world where the internet is their vehicle of choice. Nissan, however, believes the Mixim show concept will ‘refresh’ their opinions. The futuristic electric coupe concept has a central driving position, a cloverleaf ‘three plus one’ seating layout, scissor doors, an F1-style wheel and controls, lightweight construction and plenty of power … and it’s all electric. Click here to see more highlights from the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.
Nissan’s stunning Mixim all-electric concept
Image Gallery (6 images)
August 29, 2007 At this year’s 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, Nissan will be showing its Mixim Concept Car - a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers.
New Nissan models to include real-time fuel efficiency gauge
Image Gallery (3 images)
August 22, 2007 Nissan has announced that all future models will be equipped with a new type of fuel efficiency gauge designed to give drivers more information on how their driving style directly relates to fuel economy.
Nissan boosts pedestrian protection
Image Gallery (2 images)
August 6, 2007 Every year an estimated 780,000 pedestrians die worldwide in automobile accidents – that’s 65% of total automobile related fatalities. This tragic level of pedestrian injuries affects the GDP of countries by 1-3% and exceeds malnutrition, war, and liver cancer as an international cause of death. With a forecast of 60 million further injuries and six million deaths over the next decade in developing countries, car manufacturers like Nissan are investing in ways to curb this trend such as the “pop-up hood” - a safety measure to be introduced for the first time in the the Skyline coupe scheduled for release in Japan this year.
Nissan and NEC form new company to mass produce lithium-ion batteries for the global automotive community
Image Gallery (8 images)
April 16, 2007 The evolution towards cleaner powertrains will see the proliferation of a wider mix of electric-powered vehicles including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles. Accordingly, it is significant that Nissan Motor Company, NEC Corporation, and its subsidiary, NEC TOKIN, have signed an agreement to establish a joint-venture company – Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) – to focus on lithium-ion battery business for wide-scale automotive application by 2009.The establishment of AESC demonstrates that both Nissan and NEC firmly believe that lithium-ion battery technology will become an important energy-source in achieving a sustainable mobile society. Both companies are confident that there will be a ready and growing market for lithium-ion batteries in the next decade and beyond.
Nissan Intelligent Transportation System moves to next phase of testing
Image Gallery (8 images)
March 15, 2007 Nissan’s intelligent transportation system (ITS) project, which employs vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to enable synchronized communication between vehicles and traffic light signals, is about to begin the next test-phase. Nissan is installing the advanced traffic signal infrastructure within its Nissan Technical Center in Kanagawa to collect real-world vehicle data from several hundred employee cars participating in the project. The new advanced traffic system is designed to reduce accidents as well as ease traffic congestion, leading to improved on-the-road fuel consumption.
The Nissan Bevel advanced design study for male empty-nesters
Image Gallery (3 images)
January 8, 2007 Nissan’s latest concept car, the Bevel Concept is a dynamic, multi-purpose vehicle designed for an increasingly common target user - male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service. Bevel offers unique, function-inspired asymmetrical styling, a high-utility three-zone interior and technology ranging from glass roof-mounted solar panels to drive-by-wire steering, throttle and braking.
NISSAN electric vehicle for the elderly
Image Gallery (6 images)
October 25, 2006 The world’s largest Electric Vehicle symposium, the 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition (EVS22), opened this week in Yokohama, Japan. First EV off the rank was Nissan with a line-up led by the X-TRAIL FCV 2005 (pictured top left). Nissan has a long EV association, having built its first electric car, the Tama EV (bottom right), in 1947 and the world’s first lithium-ion battery powered vehicle, the Prairie Joy Electric Vehicle, in 1996. Two interesting EV concepts on the Nissan stand were the Hypermini (top right – an ultra-small two-seater 100 km/h urban commuter with an aluminium space-frame, neodymium magnetic synchronous traction motor and high-performance lithium-ion batteries with a 115km range) and the Micro UV. The Micro (bottom left) is almost a story in itself, as it was developed by Nissan subsidiary Autech under the sponsorship of NEDO (the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization established by the Japanese government in 1980 to develop new oil-alternative energy technologies) specifically for Japan’s aging population. With the increase numbers of elderly drivers, this ultra-small electric vehicle is fitted with an active interface technology to support drivers with failing motor-ability and response-time that may impair their driving capability.
Nissan test advanced road traffic system aimed at reducing accidents and easing congestion
Image Gallery (13 images)
September 18, 2006 Nissan is set to begin testing an intelligent transportation system in Japan that allows vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to help reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion. The system uses information obtained from nearby vehicles and roadside optical beacons to wirelessly alert drivers to potential danger from approaching vehicles. It also provides drivers with fastest-route information with Nissan’s probe server collecting city –wide traffic data from the mobile phones of Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation service subscribers, taxi services, and vehicle data collected by mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo. This information is then sent to the driver’s navigation screen where it is displayed as real-time maps showing the traffic flow and density. Screen shots and diagrams here.
Nissan Qashqai Crossover to go into production
Image Gallery (6 images)
September 7, 2006 Nissan yesterday presented for the first time its new Compact Crossover for Europe, the QASHQAI at an event hosted in Paris by Carlos Ghosn, Nissan's President and CEO. Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the QASHQAI (pronounced "cash - kai") is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales starting in February 2007. It will cater for those car buyers who want a more dynamic design than that offered by a traditional C-segment car, but who are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV.
Nissan and Marc Ecko forge partnership
Image Gallery (5 images)
September 1, 2006 Nissan North America has teamed up with lifestyle fashion superstar Marc Ecko to create what’s being billed as a “unique strategic partnership blending the world of fashion and automotive design.” The announcement was made at the MAGIC men's apparel and accessories trade show in Las Vegas and the partnership will allow each brand to retain their individuality while expanding their audience and reach. To celebrate the partnership, Ecko will modify two of Nissan's most popular SUVs - the Nissan Pathfinder and Nissan Armada - giving each a hip, new design inspired by his clothing lines. The two one-of-a-kind vehicles will be displayed at events across the country following a special unveiling in October in New York.
Nissan GT-S Concept
Image Gallery (7 images)
July 1, 2006 British Nissan development engineers working in their spare time have transformed a 350Z into a highly tuned ‘Saturday Special’. Called the GT-S, the supercharged super coupe is a performance-focused version of Nissan’s acclaimed ‘Z-‘car’ and is designed to appeal to enthusiastic 350Z owners who simply want more. Its first public outing will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (7-9 July) as an official Nissan-sanctioned entry in the hill climb, a sign the company is giving the GT-S concept serious consideration. Using a Novidem supercharger, power has increased by more than 25 per cent from 300PS to 382PS, while torque rises from 353 Nm to a heady 425Nm. Performance gains include a one second cut in the benchmark 0-60mph time (5.8 seconds for the standard 350Z) with 2.5 seconds slashed from the 0-100mph time.
Nissan GT-R to sell in North America
Image Gallery (13 images)
April 15, 2006 Nissan has announced the next generation of its iconic Japanese-only GT-R performance car will be available in North America as a Nissan model, consistent with its global branding. The GT-R, which previewed in concept form as the GT-R PROTO (see extensive image library here), has not previously been offered for sale in North America. The production GT-R will debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in Fall 2007, followed by the U.S. and Canada in Spring 2008. More details on the GT-R launch will be available at a later date but inside we have all the details of the GT-R PROTO first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001.
Nissan design contest for vehicle interiors of 2015
Image Gallery (3 images)
March 31, 2006 There’s something about student design that sets it apart from the realities of the real world – it’s refreshing, and inspiring and a reminder that the human being is evolving and improving as education adapts to the new age. We’re always happy to run the best in student design, so feel free to contact us if you think you have something worthwhile. Here we present the winning entries in a design challenge set by Nissan as part of its global sponsorship activities .
Nissan announces Distance Control Assist System
Image Gallery (3 images)
March 16, 2006 Nissan has announced details of a new Distance Control Assist System, an electronic system that helps drivers control the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front. The system is able to determine the distance to the car in front, as well as the relative speed of both cars, using a radar sensor in the front bumper. If the driver releases the accelerator pedal or is not pressing the accelerator pedal, the system automatically applies the brakes. If the system determines that braking is required, an indicator will appear on the instrument panel and a buzzer will sound simultaneously. The accelerator pedal then automatically moves upwards to assist the driver in switching to the brakes. The new system is especially useful in heavy traffic when frequent braking is required.
Nissan Terranaut concept for explorers (with built-in computer console)
Image Gallery (4 images)
February 1, 2006 Nissan Europe will present a bold concept at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. The Nissan Terranaut is a 4x4 vehicle which is intended for explorers and those customers with a spirit of adventure who want to travel to the extreme corners of the globe. The Terranaut was conceived to serve as a mobile working environment for scientists, geologists, archaeologists or other adventurers who travel to the most challenging environments on the planet either for their work – or pleasure. Its cabin is designed to accommodate three people – a driver, a passenger and, in the rear, where a scientist or specialist is well served with a computer console, as well as communication and analysis equipment to support them in their work.
Nissan URGE: sports car for the video game generation
Image Gallery (20 images)
December 30, 2005 The “Echo Boomer” generation was born between roughly 1976 and 1996. The offspring of the “baby boomers”, the generation is a demographic echo of the post-war baby boom and will become the largest generation of young people since their famous trend-setting parents. Like their parents, they will have massive impact on entire segments of the economy as they age, and will become the next dominant generation. The “echo boomers” make up roughly a third of the US population, and numbers and mindset of this generation are currently being evaluated as they mature into full-blown consumers. It’s the first generation to have spent its entire life playing video games, and it is just about to take to the roads. By 2012, nearly all 87 million of them will be of driving age and they will be looking for much more from a car than simple transportation – entertainment, a social space, personalisation and flexibility. It seems fitting that one of the key sources of inspiration for the dramatic new Nissan URGE concept, a spare, technology-heavy, performance-oriented sports car design exercise, would be found online – in the results of an Internet survey of approximately 2,000 young car and gaming enthusiasts. Asked what they would ideally want in a car, the top responses were “performance” and “technology”.
Nissan develops self-repairing paint
Image Gallery (3 images)
December 3, 2005 Nissan has developed the world’s first clear paint that repairs scratches on painted car surfaces, including scratches from car-washing machines, off-road driving and fingernails. “Scratch Guard Coat” contains a newly developed high elastic resin that helps prevent scratches from affecting the inner layers of a car’s painted surface. With “Scratch Guard Coat” a car’s scratched surface will return to its original state anywhere from one day to a week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch.
Nissan to unveil the GT-R PROTO
Image Gallery (10 images)
October 19, 2005 At the 35th Tokyo Motor Show in 2001, Nissan unveiled the GT-R Concept, confirming that the GT-R legend would be continued into the 21st century. Then, at the 37th Tokyo Motor Show in 2003, Nissan announced the next-generation GT-R would be rolled out in 2007. Now with the launch of the production model just two years away, the development of the new GT-R has moved ahead again with the reveal of the GT-R PROTO.
