Land Glider
Anew proposal for urban mobility that can be enabled by zero-emission car
The Land Glider has a potential to become a new means of transportation in urban
areas; its linear acceleration and the narrow body, which only an ultra-compact,
ultra lightweight EV can achieve, will help reduce traffic congestion and
promote effective use of parking space.
Shift of the center of gravity by leaning provides a new, exciting sense of
driving and a powerful, crisp ride.
Is it a Car or a Motorcycle?
Land Glider leans into a totally new driving experience
Nissan's planning and design team were given a challenge: to explore new forms
of zero emissions mobility that redefined existing segments. The result was a
radical new vehicle that combines the company's vision for future urban mobility
with Nissan's great driving heritage.
In creating the Land Glider concept, Nissan planners and designers have
conceived a totally new form of personal zero-emissions mobility that combines
clever, new driving experiences, all in the one compact, 4-wheeled package.
With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near
future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the
design process.
While the agility, thrills and freedom of bikes inspired the designers and
engineers, an extra spice was added to the mix. Tandem architecture became the
obvious choice. A unique two-seater, cocoon-like structure sitting on a zero
emission powertrain. With fourwheel stability and a sense of safety that
originates from a tilting cabin, the Land Glider will appeal to both two- and
four-wheel driving enthusiasts.
Targeted at city dwellers of all generations, the Land Glider is a serious
motoring statement of the new era of mobility that Nissan intends to lead.
Cocoon in the Shell
"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be
protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project
Design Director. "And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the
four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of
Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Land Glider exudes a clean,
friendly attitude."
The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the
canopy of a glider, while its unique 'tilt' setup employs a special leaning
function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering
at angles. In developing the Land Glider, Nissan designers have created a
two-seater that offers the sense of security of a cocoon, but delivers real
driving pleasure.
Corner and lean
Described as a 'personal city commuter,' the Land Glider features
steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering - like a motorcycle - that
enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees. Able to turn
sharply at nearly any speed, the Land Glider employs sensors for vehicle speed,
steering angle and yaw rate to instantly calculate the level of lean required to
negotiate a corner. All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean
accordingly. By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing
vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.
Driven rear electric motors
With drive coming from two electric motors in the rear powered by lithium-ion
batteries mounted beneath the floor, the zero-emissions Land Glider is quick off
the mark. The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be
charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service
station. This system enables vehicles to be charged wirelessly at locations
where the infrastructure exists.
Colision Avoidance
To ensure maximum safety whilst driving, engineers have fitted a car-robotics
style crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other
vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system
directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.*
Whilst Land Glider is a concept car created for the Tokyo Motor Show. It should
not be regarded as a mere design study. This leaning machine gives a clear
direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested
cities...a clue of what Nissan means by new era of mobility.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 3,100
Overall Width (mm) 1,100
Overall Height (mm) 1,415
Wheelbase (mm) 2,180
Seating Capacity 2
Source URL: http://automotivetrendnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/tokyo-motor-show-nissan-land-glider.html
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