Nissan has revealed the BladeGlider concept ahead of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, an “exploratory” electric vehicle that previews an upcoming production car. Apparently inspired by the Delta Wing race car, the BladeGlider claims to be a revolutionary roadster with “road-hugging” downforce generating skills.
Performance figures have yet to be announced, but the BladeGlider features rear in-wheel electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries and a 30/70 front/rear weight distribution. The body sits on a chassis wrapped in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), while the interior boasts an aircraft-type steering wheel and state-of-the-art instrumentation that can display relief maps and atmospheric condition.
“BladeGlider was conceived around delivering a glider-like exhilaration that echoes its lightweight, downsized hyper-efficient aerodynamic form,” said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s senior vice president and chief creative officer. “This design is more than revolutionary; it’s transformational, applying our most advanced electric drive-train technology and racetrack-inspired styling in the service of a new dimension of shared driving pleasure.”
Well, we’re very anxious about this vehicle and the production car it will spawn, although we don’t find it “breathtakingly beautiful” as Nissan does. Well be back as soon as the Japanese automaker puts some actual figures on the table, because for now all we have is a press release that sounds more like a fairy tale with flying dragons and beautiful landscapes.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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