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THE
veritable stars of the 40th Tokyo Motor Show—the all-new
GT-R and the futuristic PIVO 2—were not the only new and
exciting ideas that Nissan Motor Ltd. (Japan) unveiled
for car models of the future in the recent event held in
Chiba City, Japan.
Also
unveiled at the show was the RoundBox (RD/BX)—the
youth-oriented compact convertible that provides
passengers with sensation of speed and exhilaration; the
Intima—a new-generation salon for people with a
sophisticated and discerning eye for beauty who enjoy
spending time in a refined elegance and comfort whether
traveling alone or with a partner; and the NV200, a
smart business tool of the new generation for active
professionals.
The
Nissan Round Box is a futuristic compact convertible
that features an environment-friendly turbocharged
direct injection gasoline engine mated to Nissan’s
advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable
Transmission).
The
Round Box’s design mixes a variety of design elements,
from the open upper cabin area to the rugged lower
body—a combination that evokes a sporty yet relaxed
feeling, as well as a sense of substance. The tires are
placed at each corner to maximize interior room, enhance
stability and to help create its unique “wide-open”
look. The open-air feeling is enhanced by a
three-section removable roof panel, which can be stowed
away in Round Box’s ample truck. Contributing to the
shared sensation of speed are the unique “road surface
windows,” small glass panels placed close to the ground
on both sides of the Round Box.
The most
striking aspect of the Round Box interior is the seating
area—with front bucket and rear bench seats designed to
provide support with a sense of relaxation. The
comfortable bench-style seat cushions create a sense of
oneness with adjacent passengers, as well as front
seatbacks that are separated to facilitate easy
communication between all occupants. There’s also an
innovative, interactive “Play Catch” system, which
allows the driver and passengers including those in the
rear seat to share entertainment and driving
information. The system utilizes a large touch-screen
display positioned in the center of the vehicle and an
additional monitor located in the center of the
instrument panel.
Developed by a joint design team from Nissan Japan and
the United Kingdom, the NV200 is a radical, futuristic
but entirely practical new concept vehicle for all
manner of different customers.
From the
outside, NV200 is the epitome of a modern van. It sits
on a long 2,820-mm wheelbase and is 1,840-mm tall,
providing a practical, roomy load space. At the heart of
NV200 is a patented sliding cargo pod, which is divided
into a number of separate areas into which different
pieces of equipment can be stored. The pod is latched
inside the shell of the load area when the van is being
driven. Upon arrival at its destination, it slides out
rearwards to allow easy access to the storage zones. The
pod is deployed manually with the aid of hydraulic rams,
and sits securely on integrated ‘drop-down’ legs when
fully extended. As the pod is withdrawn from the van,
the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office
and IT dock. A computer table drops down from the side
of the van to reveal two LCD screens upon which images
can be edited. The front passenger seat swivels
backwards on a single curved rail to face the table.
The end
of the pod facing the inside of the van has hanging
space for dry clothes. It also houses a small
refrigerator, drop down sink unit and first-aid kit. The
NV200’s tanks hold enough water to supply a shower,
fitted on the outside of the pod.
Power
for the computer, shower, ‘fridge and other electrical
fixtures comes from a small generator housed within the
van. This, in turn, is charged by solar panels situated
on the roof of the pod. When the pod is deployed, the
solar panels are directly exposed to daylight. NV200
also features an environment-friendly clean diesel
engine. It is equipped with a number of safety systems
based on Nissan’s Safety Shield concept, including Back
View Monitor and Distance Control Assist System.
The
Intima—Nissan’s “modern living concept” for car
interiors—combines attractive design, hospitality,
relaxation and high quality with high levels of
functionality and advanced technology. It also features
a quiet, efficient, environment-friendly V6 clean diesel
engine.
Intima’s
front passenger’s seat swivels approximately 80 degrees
to the outside as if to welcome and escort a passenger
into the car and ample legroom is provided in both the
front and rear seats for passenger comfort. Its large
glass roof enables all passengers to enjoy a wide
outward view, enhancing the feeling of a comfortable,
relaxing drive. |
