What's this then?
This is the Nissan IMx Concept, which has been revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show, and it's seriously futuristic.
How so?
Well, not only is it electric, but it can also drive itself (using a notional ultimate version of Nissan's ProPilot autonomous driving system), park itself, hook itself up to the mains and even decide if it can send some of its excess battery power bak to the grid at peak times. It has a completely minimalist interior, full of organic LED screens and allusions to classical Japanese paper houses, and the steering wheel folds away when you're not using it. Oh, and the artificially intelligent computer can not only detect your hand-waving gestures, it can even work out what you want from your eye movements.
Wow, that all sounds amazing!
Yup, it does. It's a shame it's all motor show froth, because this is actually the 2019 Leaf-based SUV, in concept form, and almost none of that will be making it to production in two years' time.
That's a shame.
Don't be disappointed, the bits that will make production are still good. It gets two electric motors for a combined 325hp and 700Nm of torque, and with all the batteries mounted low down, Nissan says that it will be hugely spacious and yet could redefine the SUV market when it comes to handling. Oh, and it should have a one-charge range of better than 370-miles too.
Anything else?
Yes, as you ask. Nissan has also brought along its new 'Canto' sound generator to the show. Designed for electric vehicles, it makes a pleasant noise when your EV is going slowly, so as to warn pedestrians that a car is coming towards them.
Nissan also confirmed that it will join the Formula E electric single seater racing series next year. It will replace sister firm Renault, which is going to concentrate on its Formula One efforts.
Neil Briscoe - 25 Oct 2017