Nissan unveils BladeGlider EV working prototype
Staff
General Automotive electric vehicle NissanThe BladeGlider was designed to feel as if it is gliding due to its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape.
Nissan has unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic Nissan BladeGlider vehicle.
The automaker has spent the last couple of years focusing on developing zero-emissions vehicles and currently offers the Leaf. However, it is also looking to implement new technologies including autonomous drive systems and connectivity in future designs.
Nissan designed the BladeGlider to feel as if it is gliding thanks to the near-silent performance of its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape.
The automaker spent two years of work on design, engineering and development, and now the BladeGlider shows real-world potential. The demonstration models feature an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability.
High-waisted, rear-hinged dihedral doors provide a dramatic entry and exit to the cabin. The open roof of Nissan BladeGlider is reinforced with an integrated roll-over protection structure, providing the exhilaration of an open-topped race car with the safety of a coupe.
Wheel-mounted controls feed into an advanced display showing speed, state of battery charge, regeneration mode and torque map. Flanking the central display are two screens, with the images of rear-view cameras mounted just behind the front wheels. An alternative to door-mounted mirrors, this dual screen design improves the aerodynamic efficiency of Nissan BladeGlider.
The driver sits in arrowhead formation slightly in front of two passengers. The view for all occupants is panoramic thanks to the seamless cockpit windscreen.
Power is 100 percent electric and supplied by a high performance, five module lithium-ion 220kW battery. Maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190km/h*, with 0-100km/h taking less than five seconds*. The rear wheels’ drive is provided by two 130kW electric motors – one for each wheel.
The system features torque vectoring, controlling the torque delivered to the driven wheels, improving the handling even further. With torque vectoring, if the car starts to understeer, it automatically sends more torque to the outside wheel to restore the handling balance.
Two Nissan BladeGliders were presented in Rio de Janeiro in August.
