Nissan showcased an all-new zero-emission concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. Called the Nissan IMx, it is an all-electric crossover with fully autonomous technology and a driving range of more than 600kilometers.
The Nissan IMx zero-emission concept is based on Nissan's new EV platform. The same platform underpins the recently unveiled second-gen Leaf. It allows the floor to be completely flat while the centre of gravity is maintained low thus lending better handling dynamics. Powering the show car is a pair of electric motors both at the front and rear. The combined output is 320kW of power and an astounding 700Nm of turning force. The high-density battery lends a range of more than 600kilometres on a single charge, says the Yokohama-based carmaker. Nissan also showcased their new Nissan Intelligent Integration and the Seamless Autonomous Mobility with the IMx concept car.
The IMx looks futuristic and somewhat similar to the 2015 Gripz Concept. There are large suicidal doors, sleek headlamps, floating roof and large funky wheels. The Japanese carmaker’s new V-Motion design philosophy is also present. The vermillion accent colour, contrasting with the pearl white-coloured body, is inspired by uramasari, which describes the beauty and extravagance found on the inside of the traditional Japanese kimonos.
The cabin is minimalistic with all the contemporary design elements in a proper concept fashion. The cabin work has been majorly inspired by the Japanese traditions. For instance, the dashboard gets a wooden grain pattern similar to a shoji, a traditional Japanese paper screen. There is a katanagare diagonal pattern on the seats while the headrest gets a kumiki, a Japanese interlocking wood puzzle.
The IMx concept also gives us a glimpse of the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility. It demonstrates the prowess of Nissan’s ProPilot. The fully autonomous tech is capable of stowing the steering wheel into the dashboard and recline all the seats for a commute without any driver’s intervention. Nissan showcased their Artificial Intelligence as well with the IMx. It enables the driver to control the instrument panel with eye movements and hand gestures. This feature can be seen in the future Nissan products as well.
The IMx gives us a glimpse of the upcoming Leaf-based all-electric SUV that Nissan plans to reveal in a couple of years.
