il3ana: Nissan Concepts

Showing posts with label Nissan Concepts. Show all posts

Shhh….Nissan’s Radical Leaf Nismo RC Coupe Racecar Filmed on the Track

If there is one thing we don’t like about electric sports cars (we emphasize ‘sports’) in general, it is the lack of engine sounds, you know, the banging thunder of a brawny V8 or the symphony of a finely tuned straight six. Sure EVs may be just as fast as any gasoline-powered model but when it comes to aural pleasure, you might as well be listening to your electric shaver…

Take a look at the following video of the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC racer, which was filmed during a test session, after the break and you’ll see what we mean. And if you disagree, feel free to voice your opinion in the comments section.

There has been a lot of conversation lately about electric cars and racing, with some even talking about introducing the technology into the F1 stage. Nissan, on its part, has a lot to gain in terms of awareness given the brands focus on the development of dedicated electric vehicles like the Leaf.

With this in mind, the Japanese carmaker developed a purpose-built prototype racer loosely based on the production Leaf that will receive its first public outing at the 2011 New York International Auto Show . Compared to the production model, the Lead NISMO RC (for Racing Competition), does away with the rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, while gaining a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter.

Nissan unveiled a new design study called Compact Sport Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The prototype three-door hatchback is the work of Nissan's global design center in Japan and the brand's Beijing design studio in China. According to the Japanese automaker, the Compact Sport Concept is designed “for young customers in emerging countries”.

Despite the lack of information, it appears that the aggressively styled concept is loosely based on the Micra, as it borrows several elements from Nissan's supermini including the headlight and the two-part grille designs. The hot hatch sports a heavily-sculpted bodywork, with bulged wheel arches, massive bumpers and a windshield that wraps around the center part of the roof.

One by one, automakers are revealing their plans for the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show. This time we have news from Nissan and its luxury division Infiniti. Starting with Nissan, the Japanese firm will debut a “new compact sedan” and a “new, zero emission motorsports concept”. While we have don’t have any information yet on the concept study, from what we know, the compact sedan will be the next generation of the Versa that was teased in an official sketch back in late 2010.

At the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2011 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association), to be held from January 14 to 16, Nissan, together with Autech Japan and its in-house NISMO performance division, will premiere a total of nine vehicles.

Highlights will include the zero-emission LEAF Aero Style Concept equipped with a futuristic looking bodykit and matching alloy wheel designs, and a special version of the Juke fitted with exterior accessories designed for the European and North American market models.

Autech Japan will showcase three vehicles, including the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept, which is the JDM version of the N.A. Quest minivan, the customized Serena Rider and the March-Based Bolero (Micra for those outside Japan).

Finally, NISMO will present its new production race car, the GT-R RC, alongside the tuned 355HP Fairlady Z (370Z) and the GT-R racecar that competed in the 2010 SUPER GT series.

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Nissan Ellure Concept: Video, Plus Live Photos from LA Show Floor

We've already covered the Nissan Ellure Concept, so you've probably seen our gallery consisting of 55 pictures. However, those images don't do it justice. The swooping lines and sharp edges are not so evident, neither is the balance between the boomerang-themed headlamps and aggressive front grille. But fear not, even if you don't make it to the LA Show, you can get a better view of the Ellure through the video (and the live shots) we have added after the jump.

By Csaba Daradics

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LA Show 2010: Nissan's Ellure Sedan Targets Sophisticated Female Eco-Rebels [52 Photos]

Besides dropping its Murano CrossCabriolet at this year's LA Auto Show, Nissan has also brought the Ellure concept. Nissan says the Ellure represents Nissan's commitment to the sedan segment, but not any particular upcoming model. If anything, take this as a 4-door design exercise that's "an ideal fit for the needs of its [potential] projected owners, women in their '30s and '40s with a sense of sophistication and rebellion."

The Ellure gets its "aerodynamic" on thanks to an underbody pan, covered 21-inch wheels covered with clear plates, and those sinuous curves. Also, the grille is inspired by a formal samurai coat, or Kamishino, while the rear takes cues from the Torii gates found on Shinto shrines (Nissan/Infiniti has been really good lately about integrating Japanese culture into their designs, don't you think?).

Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior VP and Chief Creative Officer, says, "Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We've used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle."

The "Molten" interior, which houses a floating center console, incorporates lines from the concept's exterior to help fuse passenger and passer-by experiences. Also, there is a full wraparound treatment from front to back that starts with the dashboard and moves around the "lounge-like" rear seat. Eco-materials are used throughout, too, like chrome-free "eco-tanned" leather on the dash and eco-suede on the front seats (ultra-suede in back, playa).

The powertrain is "conceived" as a 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder engine connected to a 25 kW electric motor driving the front wheels through an Xtronic continuously variable transmission.

Anyone else think this is what the next Sentra should look like? It better, because otherwise Hyundai's Elantra is going to own the compact segment on looks alone.

By Phil Alex

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