See the weird things with wheels here? This, dear reader, is the Nissan BladeGlider Concept and it is not exactly new. In fact, the manufacturer first presented it at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.
Three years since then, the Nissan BladeGlider returns as a fully functional prototype, as you can see in the following video. Developed with the help of Williams Advanced Engineering, this weird contraption uses many Formula 1-inspired solutions for its pure electric powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis.
Two units were manufactured at Williams’ stomping ground of Grove, Oxfordshire, one of which will be on static display at the Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro. The other will be used for media and VIP rides in the second-most populous municipality in Brazil.
Regarding design, the weirdness of this three-seat prototype can be explained by a little rectangular sticker affixed to the rear end, which reads “Inspired by DeltaWing.” Yup, the DeltaWing that failed miserably in all the 29 races it had been entered. Speaking of the rear end, would you look at those BMW i8-inspired taillights?
Criticism aside, the electric motors provide the rear wheels with up to 200 kW (268 horsepower) and 521 lb-ft (707 Nm) of torque. Top speed? In excess of 115 mph (190 km/h). Acceleration? Less than 5 seconds to 62 mph (100 km/h). Another important stat is the curb weight. At 2,866 pounds (1,300 kilograms), this thing is almost as heavy as a BMW i3 with the range extender.
According to the Japanese automaker who gave us the Leaf, the BladeGlider is “combining zero-emissions with high-performance in a revolutionary sports car design.” That’s a bit baffling, if I'm honest. The thing is, the industry is looking forward to making green technologies exciting, and so is Nissan.
Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive officer at Nissan, explains: “These prototypes epitomize Nissan’s drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility philosophy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that."
"It’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers,” concluded Ghosn.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News