2017 Nissan Leaf previewed 28 | 10 | 2015
NISSAN HAS HINTED strongly at how the new generation Leaf will look, by unveiling its IDS Concept, a four-seat hatchback — which shows off the future of autonomous technology — at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Depending on whether the driver selects the conventional manual driving mode, or the 'piloted' mode built in via its on-board artificial intelligence, it has two different cabin configurations.
The IDS Concept has a low roof height (1380mm) to reduce frontal area and improve aerodynamics, and runs on thin, big-diameter, aerodynamically designed wheels with 175 section tyres to minimise both air and rolling resistance. Nissan has removed weight from the car by making the body carbonfibre.
According to Nissan engineers, the manufacturer has improved all aspects of the car's electric powertrain — motors, batteries and inverters.
Though no specific details have been released, Nissan highlights that the combination of aerodynamics, lightness and a new, high-capacity 60kWh battery will allow the IDS Concept to "drive long distances".
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Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn explained and the IDS concept, and the Leaf which it will turn into, will pioneer Nissan Intelligent Drive. Switchable between Pilot and Manual modes, Pilot does everything — seeing traffic and connecting to other connected cars — while Manual gives the driver control but maintains the surveillance of the Pilot technology in the background for safety.
Nissan plans to roll out self-driving technology across 'multiple vehicles' by 2020. The Intelligent Drive system is said to be capable of imitating the driver’s own driving style while in autonomous mode, reflecting cornering, braking and accelerating styles.
While it is in Manual mode, it monitors the road and aims to assist the driver if evasive action is necessary.
In Piloted mode, the car aims to make the atmosphere more relaxed in the cabin. The steering wheel recedes into the centre of the instrument panel and a flat screen comes out. The seats all turn slightly towards one another, too, to make conversation that bit easier.
It's worth highlighting that the IDS concept will not turn into the new Leaf completely. What the new Leaf — which is due in 2017 — will adopt are the low roof line, Nissan's new aerodynamic approach, skinny tyres and low-drag wheels, the window lines, and the careful design of underbody.
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Jim McGill