DURING our recent trip to Japan for the #NissanA2Z Media Tour 2016, motoring journalists from several countries from the Asia and Oceania region undertook a series of immersions to get a better understanding of Nissan’s various cutting-edge technologies and smart solutions.
At different sites we connected with Nissan’s future vision for their consumers and, more important, received critical information from their top executives.
Intelligent mobility
For Nissan, the idea of intelligent mobility is not just a vision for the future. It’s also about delivering technologies that matters to customers today. There are three pillars, such as intelligent driving for safety, control, and comfort; intelligent power for more power, yet clean and efficient; and the Intelligent integration by conveniently linking their cars and the wider society. “Soon we’ll introduce several intelligent-driving safety technologies in your [Asia and Oceana] region. This includes the “Around View Monitor” for emergency braking, active engine control, active ride control and active trace control. Cars, such as the NOTE (a five-door hatchback), will be introduced very soon in the region and will have some of the key technologies in the entry level segment,” Nissan Global Sales and Marketing Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci said.
In the case of intelligent driving, its core technology is Nissan’s autonomous drive technology—the ProPilot. The main benefit of this function is to reduce driver’s workload on heavy traffic and long trips. For one, it allows an adequate distance from the preceding vehicle by maintaining a preset speed between 30-100 kilometer per hour. Aside from that, it also controls the steering to maintain position inside the lane as it constantly regulates both the accelerator and brake pedals. The system utilizes a high-definition mono camera to transmit signals while the driver can see critical status on the information screen. Currently, they’ve launched this technology for single-lane control, which allows the car to the drive on highways. But in the near future, the technology will further enhance up until full utilization in the urban traffic situation. For now, Nissan incorporated this feature in their all-new Serena in Japan, which is the leader in the minivan segment.
As for the intelligent power, Nissan developed diverse applications of electronic-vehicles (EV) technologies. One is the full-electric powertrain for the LEAF model, which sold over 240,000 units since 2010. With absolutely zero emission and noise pollution, the smooth and strong acceleration is derived from the e-powertrain. Another breakthrough is the Nissan’s latest EV technology “e-power”. Currently fitted in the NOTE hatchback, it is the world’s first series hybrid in the compact segment. Combined components are gasoline engine, power generator, inverter and a motor. In a nutshell, wheels are completely driven by an electric motor. Unlike the conventional hybrid systems, which generate power from both gasoline engines and battery, the “e-power” only utilizes the small engine to continuously charge the battery, which powers the electric motor. And because of this breakthrough, domestic sales in Japan have reached more than 15,700 units, making the Nissan NOTE the best-selling car in Japan that month.
And last, the intelligent integration. Nissan perceives EVs as not just for driving but also a way to help power upgrades—this is Nissan’s holistic approach to zero emission. “In order to promote this intelligent integration, we cannot just do it by ourselves, we need partners to reinforce our vision,” Schillaci said. In Europe Nissan partnered with multinational power providers, such as Enel and Eton. “So in conclusion, we have built a solid foundation for Nissan intelligent mobility. But again, this is not just a foundation for Nissan’s future. This vision is also taking shape for our customers today. Nissan mobility will give customers more confidence, which will make them more connected and it will make driving even more exciting,” Schillaci concluded.
Behind the wheel
The entire group went to the Nissan’s private test track—the GranDrive. The main objective was to finally experience the dynamics of the technologies. The course simulated urban-like streets to feel the closest scenario driving in the Metro. The NOTE hatch with “e-power” series hybrid was the first to be tested. Toggling from three different drive modes, the engine response duplicates the output from a standalone petrol engine on normal setting. But as you engage the eco or sport mode, the deceleration feel becomes more evident and even greater than the conventional engine braking—reducing the frequency of switching between pedals. On the stretch, the torque is remarkably progressive and validated the ability of the electric motor to transfer power to the wheels instantly. Next was the full electric-powered LEAF model. It’s amazing how the absence of any mechanical reverberations made it smooth for the vehicle to drive. Not to mention, how the control panels just light up on start-up and that you’re ready to go. As you step on the accelerator, it remarkably produces enough power to pick up the speed minus the noise from a revving motor. Above all, it’s absolutely “zero emission”! Last and perhaps the most engaging, we tested the Serena minivan with the ProPilot technology. On the onset, we engaged the function and preset the speed to test the proximity sensing. Impressively, the brake automatically applies to maintain the ideal distance in front. Moreover, you’ll absolutely feel the steering actively controls and maneuvers dynamically while keeping the vehicle inside the lane. But the moment it senses the absence of your hands on the wheel, it signals a warning sound. As for the speed control, the vehicle adheres whenever you adjust the pace. And all the critical functions status is visible in the information screen.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino