| Concept Car Preview | Tokyo Motor Show | Nissan Pivo 2 |
The Japanese are good at taking principles of car design to unparalleled levels of ambiguity, and so, not to be out done by arch rivals at this year's
Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has given us another take on its original Pivo concept. Called the Pivo 2, it builds upon the distinctive design of the original as well as taking new steps forward in vehicle manoeuvrability.
Where brain power was left uncalled upon for a new name, the car giant chose instead to put the juice to use into making the wheels capable of pivoting 90-degrees thanks to in-wheel 3D motors. Coupled with a cabin capable of spinning a full 360-degrees, parking has never been so easy, whilst the Pivo 2's design also negates the need for a reverse gear. The concept runs on lithium-ion batteries, which mean zero emissions and a distinct lack of engine rumble; the braking and steering are additionally done by-wire.
This would be all well and good on its own, but unfortunately for the Pivo 2 - less so for us of course - is that the tiny bubble car will have to share the stand with the new and highly anticipated GT-R. Having already done the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb and lapped the Nurburgring supposedly quicker than a Porsche 911 Turbo, it will be the first time the car will have been seen uncensored, in full production form. Rumours suggest Nissan will use its new 3.7-litre V6, which when turbocharged should produce around 450bhp. Competing with the likes of Mitsubishi, Nissan is said to be fitting the GT-R with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel.
The Car Enthusiast will bring you all the details from Tokyo later this month.
Kyle Molyneux - 8 Oct 2007