Nissan

NuVu: Nissan's compelling urban EV concept

By Noel McKeegan

18:38 October 7, 2008 PDT

Nissan has produced some very interesting concept cars in recent years – the Denki Cube, Pivo, Mixim and Pivo 2 just to name a few. Shown in Paris for the first time last weekend, the NuVu is a compact electric car specifically designed to make traveling comfortable in a gridlocked city. The idea is one of a moving urban oasis, with its own tree inside which provides shade for the interior, and generates solar energy via its ‘leaves.’ By-wire steering, unique 2+1 seating, a fast-charging Li-Ion battery system and a rear-mounted electric motor delivering a range of 125 kms and top speed of 120 km/h are among the key features of the Concept which, while not destined for production in its current form, is intended to showcase how a Nissan EV might look and what technology it might contain beyond 2010 when the company begins rolling-out electric cars in Japan and the US. Read More

Renault's all-electric Z.E. Concept Car

By Noel McKeegan

17:46 October 3, 2008 PDT

Renault has taken a holistic approach to energy saving with its latest concept car. Based on the new Kangoo be bop, the Z.E. (Zero Emission) Concept incorporates a number of innovations across all aspects of the vehicle to ensure optimum range is achieved from the lithium-ion battery powered 70kW (95hp) electric motor. These include the use of heat-reflective paint, acid green-tinted glass and air-insulated body panels designed to reduce reliance on energy-sapping climate control systems, along with roof-mounted solar panels, extensive use of LEDs and aerodynamic enhancements like the replacement of drag-producing exterior mirrors with low-energy cameras. There's also an on-board electric scooter that uses the car's charging system and provides an even greener option for short city trips. Read More

Electric Nissan to debut in 2010

By Loz Blain

03:27 August 14, 2008 PDT

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! Read More

Nissan's All-Around Collision Free prototype

By Noel McKeegan

08:48 August 7, 2008 PDT

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. Read More

ECO Pedal to reduce car fuel consumption

By Emily Clark

10:25 August 6, 2008 PDT

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. Read More

Major auto manufacturers commit to eco-friendly development

By Noel McKeegan

19:31 May 29, 2008 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s “Denki Cube” Electric Vehicle Concept

By Mike Hanlon

00:39 March 20, 2008 PDT

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. Read More

Infiniti EX37 luxury coupe crossover destined for Europe

By Noel McKeegan

19:54 March 9, 2008 PDT

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. Read More

FORUM: Nissan's advanced mini-van design concept

By Noel McKeegan

16:57 December 20, 2007 PST

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. Read More

Nissan to launch "Long Way Down" branded 4WDs

By Noel McKeegan

00:03 November 30, 2007 PST

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. Read More

Nissan adds new tent to outdoor accessory range

By Darren Quick

16:20 November 22, 2007 PST

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. Read More

No longer a Skyline: the 2008 Nissan GT-R a huge hit in Tokyo - UPDATED, NEW IMAGES

By Loz Blain

01:07 October 25, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s Intima concept revealed in the lead-up to Tokyo Auto Show

By Loz Blain

20:44 October 22, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s Round Box compact convertible

By Noel McKeegan

00:24 October 18, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s ingenious NV200 Van Concept

By Noel McKeegan

02:33 October 15, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Major companies reveal their visions for the cars of 2057

By Loz Blain

00:53 October 12, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan's Pivo 2 concept – your robotic automotive friend

By Mike Hanlon

19:52 October 7, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan's all-new Skyline Coupe

By Mike Hanlon

17:40 October 2, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s Mixim Concept Car in detail

By Mike Hanlon

12:23 September 12, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan’s stunning Mixim all-electric concept

By Mike Hanlon

09:09 August 29, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

New Nissan models to include real-time fuel efficiency gauge

By Noel McKeegan

20:54 August 21, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan boosts pedestrian protection

By Kyle Sherer

22:08 August 5, 2007 PDT

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. Read More

Nissan and NEC form new company to mass produce lithium-ion batteries for the global automotive community

By Mike Hanlon

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. Read More

Nissan Intelligent Transportation System moves to next phase of testing

By Mike Hanlon

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. Read More

The Nissan Bevel advanced design study for male empty-nesters

By Mike Hanlon

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. Read More