Nissan Land Glider Concept

Nissan has unveiled the Land Glider Concept, an original personal city commuter characterized by the ability to lean in corners, combined with a 1+1 seating layout and a width of just 1.1 meters. The powertrain adopts two rear electric motors.

Set to debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Land Glider Concept features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering - like a motorcycle - that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees.

The Land glider is powered by two electric motors in the rearcoupled with lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor.

The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be chargedcable-less at locations where the infrastructure exists.

The car-robotics style crash avoidance system integrate sensors mounted in the body that detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.

With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the design process.

"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project Design Director.

(Car Body Design's news)

Gran Turismo 5 and Koenigsegg CCX

Renault Kangoo Z.E. Concept

Unveiled at the 2009 Franfurt Motor Show, the Kangoo Z.E. Concept presents Renault's vision for a future electric vehicle targeted to urban environments and focused on minimizing energy consumption while offering good levels of comfort and practicality.

It is powered by a 70kW electric motor which delivers 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery.

The car range is 160 km, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h.

Energy consumption is minimized thanks to many energy optimization solutions, such as the advanced climate control system, aerodynamic design, heat-reflective paint, thermal insulation panels.

The battery recharging operation can be operated in two ways: a standard charge takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle, while a quick charge takes just 20 minutes and uses the same socket at bespoke charge stations.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are powered by the roof-mounted solar panels.

These cameras provide improved all- round visibility, which is especially practical when manoeuvring. The full-disc aluminium alloy wheels produce less drag, too, while the headlights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only long- lasting but also low consumers of energy.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides an indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets inside the vehicle. This lit display can be likened to the charge indicator of a cell phone.

The use of heat-reflective paint and bodywork featuring large surface areas reduces temperature fluctuations.

Indeed, the bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask and comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air in between.

Thermal insulation is further optimized thanks to specialtreatment of the glazed surfaces, meaning that less call is made of the climate control and heating systems which are big consumers of energy.

Solar panels positioned on the roof are employed to power a temperature regulation system inside the car. Keeping the cabin cool uses a significant amount of energy, but this system also permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained inside the cabin, even at a standstill or when parking, and avoids having to put the climate control system on boost when first getting in the car on a hot day.

(Car Body Design's news)

Gran Turismo 5 and Toyota FT-86 Concept

Toyota FT-86 Concept

The Toyota FT-86 Concept is a compact 4-seater coupé that aims at combining sporty performances with evironmental sustainability by adopting a compact and efficient gasoline engine.

it is powered by a 2 liter, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated unit, coupled with rear-wheel-drive, 6-speed manual transmission and ADVICS brakes.

In the name 'FT-86', the FT letters stand for Future Toyota, while the '86' recalls the AE86, a code that refers to a 2-doors and 3-doors lightweight coupe introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the 5th generation Corolla model line-up.

Created by Toyota Europe Design Development - also known as ED2 - the Toyota FT-86 Concept is 4,160mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,260mm high with a wheelbase of 2,570mm.

The aerodynamic design with styling cues borrowed from the company's latest concepts and a dynamic stance underlined by the'Flash Red' finish, which contains contrasting hints of blue.

The interior can accomodate four people and is characterized by an instrument panel with a gray and white base, gauges with red neon lights and digital displays, and a navigation system.

As key design elements, zippers integrated in the dashboard allow for a changeable appearance and evoke an image of interior lapping with minimal covering.

(Car Body Design's news)