Nissan's new concept car 'feels like flying'
Tokyo (AFP) Oct 8, 2009 Nissan unveiled Thursday a futuristic concept car that tilts to the side when going around bends to make drivers feel like they are gliding through the air. The zero-emission electric "Land Glider" seats two people -- one in the front and one in the back. Just 1.1 metres (3.6 feet) wide, it can easily squeeze into tight parking spaces and through narrow streets. "In the past a car used to move only in a two dimensional way but the Land Glider can move in a three dimensional way," said Nissan's Ryusuke Hayashi, who is overseeing the project. "Although you are driving on the road, you feel as if you are flying," he said at a preview of the car. Inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft, the four-wheel car has tilting wheels and moving fenders that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees. Special sensors calculate the best tilt for negotiating a corner. Instead of a steering wheel, it has airplane-style controls. With a cocoon-like cabin and a body designed to look like it is protected with armour, the Land Glider also aims to give motorists a sense of security. The vehicle will be on display at this month's Tokyo Motor Show -- which opens to the public from October 24 to November 4 -- along with the electric Leaf that Nissan plans to launch late next year. Japan's number three automaker will also display a chunky concept sports crossover, Qazana, that looks halfway between a tank and a beach buggy and aims to put some of the fun back into driving. Share This Article With Planet Earth
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Cars may one day mimic fish to avoid collisions Tokyo (AFP) Oct 1, 2009 Engineers in Japan say they are a step closer to developing technology they hope will cut the risk of car crashes -- by mimicking the behaviour of fish. The experts at Nissan Motor have been studying fish and the way they are able to swim in schools and avoid colliding with each other. The result is a robot that can travel in a group of up to seven, avoiding bumps by sharing information ... read more |
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