We already knew that Nissan will unveil a Leaf Nismo concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, but that's not the only surprise the automaker has in store. It will also showcase what looks like an electric concept crossover.
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In a new video, Nissan teases the rounded crossover with a radically sloped roofline. The concept "embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility," which represents the automaker's goal toward zero emissions and zero road fatalities. Essentially, that translates to electric vehicles and autonomous cars.
The teaser doesn't come as much of a shock. Last month,Autocarreported on Nissan's plans to showcase a crossover EV at the Tokyo show. According to the report, Nissan wants to offer a range of electric vehicles based on the platform of the all-new Leaf.
Nissan design boss Alfonso Albaisa said the crossover EV will be "a little bigger" than the Qashqai, known as the Rogue Sport here in the U.S. It should go on sale globally in 2019, saysAutocar. In addition to an SUV, an electric sedan is also likely at some point.
Judging from what we can tell in the teaser video, it looks like the crossover concept was conceived with autonomous driving features in mind. By 2020, the automaker plans to have autonomous technologies in a range of vehicles. It has already introduced ProPilot Assist, a feature that helps drivers steer, accelerate, and brake in single-lane highway driving. Over the next few years, Nissan will add more capabilities, including autonomous lane changing and city intersections.
Nissan's concept crossover will debut October 25 ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show.
Source: Nissan
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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