Tokyo Nissan Says New Land Glider Concept cars...

Just Another Design Study...

Concepts, Electric Vehicles, Japan, Nissan, Nissan Concepts, Tokyo Motor Show |

Perhaps the most interesting fact about Nissan's Tokyo Motor Show-bound Land Glider concept car is the that the Japanese automaker says that the two-seater electric model "should not be regarded as a mere design study" and that it "gives a clear direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities." Then again, "clear direction" could be translated in many different ways...

In any case, the ultra slim Land Glider measures just 3,100 mm in length, 1,100mm in width and 1,415mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,180mm and can seat two passengers in a tandem layout.

The four wheeler concept is driven by two electric motors in the rear that are powered by lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor. The concept features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering - just like a motorcycle. The company claims that the vehicle can tilt through corners up to an angle of 17 degrees.

All of this is done automatically as the Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the tilt angle necessary to "negotiate" a corner.

Other highlights include a car-robotics style crash avoidance system that utilizes special sensors mounted in the body to detect other vehicles or obstacles and steer the Land Glider away from them.