Tag Archives: nissan

Nissan’s interactive robots team up to make in-car parenting a breeze and favorite activity for babies onboard

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Experts suggest, going out with your fussy infant for a drive can lull them to sleep and smoothen their peace. But sitting in the car, facing the other way around in their chair, a child may not always be the happiest and you may not have all the control you desire. To your rescue, Japanese auto giant Nissan has designed cute robots that will make in-car parenting a breeze and a favorite activity for your tiny winy.

This is being made possible by Nissan through Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet. The automaker has collaborated with compatriot Akachan Honpo, a baby goods retailer, to make the Iruyo, furry babysitter. It comes built-in with a range of sensors and communication devices to ensure parents get an affordable toy robot they can safely have around their baby.

Designer: Nissan x Akachan Honpo

To cut the chase, Iruyo: The Intelligent Puppet is a moniker used for a set of two similar-looking state-of-the-art robotic companions that vary visually in their size and come in thoughtfully fashioned red and subtler pink and white colors. The little one, aptly called the Baby Iruyo, is designed to sit near the driver – essentially in the cup holder – while the elder Iruyo rests in the backseat, facing the child sitting in their chair.

Baby Iruyo is programmed to understand voice commands; guess, only in Japanese for now. So, when the child gets cranky in the backseat, the parent can speak some consoling commands such as “I’m here” or “play peek-a-boo” and the little Iruyo relays that to the Iruyo, facing the child, which then makes suitable gestures to keep the kid entertained.

Well, Iruyo is either avatar is only a concept for now, but already the highly researched companion robot has been found to be a preoccupying activity in 90 percent of babies. Half of this percentage of babies have even experienced mood enhancements with the robot by their side. This data is instigating the makers to continue with trials and general experience sessions. One such event is slated at the Akachan Honpo store in LaLaport Yokohama on February 10 and 11.

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Nissan Trail Mountain Rescue off-roader is built for tough rescue operations in the Italian alps

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Nissan has just revealed a specialized version of its X-Trail model, tailored for mountain rescue operations, that would mean the difference between life and death in inclement weather conditions. The robust Nissan X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle is equipped with the innovative e-4ORCE all-wheel drive powertrain, marking a significant step forward in the brand’s commitment to versatile and capable off-road vehicles.

The twin motor e-4ORCE system powering the heart of this X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle enhances the rig’s performance on challenging terrains, with exceptional grip management. The traction in just 1/10,000th of a second (1000 times faster than traditional systems), ensures optimal power delivery to each wheel, promoting stability and control, essential attributes for speedy mountain rescue missions. The system’s seamless integration into the X-Trail platform demonstrates the Japanese automotive giant’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of treading inhospitable terrain.

Designer: Nissan

The mountain-ready X-Trail will understandably catch the attention of automotive enthusiasts during its debut at the Italian ski resort of Cervinia. The vehicle’s robust design and purpose-built features make it an ideal choice for navigating the demanding landscapes associated with mountain rescue scenarios. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle is not just a visual spectacle; it boasts practical elements designed to aid rescue teams. The addition of tracks, replacing traditional wheels, enables the X-Trail to conquer snow-covered terrain with ease. This modification ensures the vehicle remains surefooted in challenging conditions. Loaded with additional gear including a stretcher, removing the rear seat, also ensures medical personnel can be on site for emergency care. The vehicle also comes with a siren, flashing light bar, powerful roof and hood lights, wider fenders, an enhanced front bumper with a winch and reinforced towing hooks. The footboards and a raised ride height make sure there is easy access in and out of the vehicle.

Nissan’s strategic collaboration with mountain rescue services underscores its commitment to leveraging its automotive expertise for the greater good. By tailoring the X-Trail to meet the specific needs of rescue teams, Nissan showcases its ability to adapt and innovate within the automotive landscape. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle’s unveiling will generate excitement among outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of reliable off-road solutions.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Nissan’s foray into specialized off-road applications reflects a broader trend of manufacturers catering to niche markets. The X-Trail Mountain Rescue vehicle not only serves as a testament to the brand’s engineering prowess but also highlights the brand’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of diverse user groups.

 

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Nissan Skyline Moist Tissue Box Looks Fast & Furious

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Styled after the late-90’s R-34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, this moist tissue holder is hands down the fastest-looking tissue box I’ve ever seen. Hopefully, it’s not so fast I can’t grab a tissue, though, or I will have to wipe my hands on my shirt.

An officially Nissan licensed product, the mini Skyline is available with Sonic Silver, Bayside Blue, and Black Pearl exterior paint and costs ¥6,600 (~$47) from Camshop.jp before shipping from Japan. So, it’s not exactly the cheapest tissue box. But can you really put a price on a tissue box that looks ready to speed off your coffee table and crash onto the floor?

The car measures a respectable 29cm x 11cm x 8cm (11.5″ x 4.5″ x 3″) and fits most standard-size boxes of moist tissues. The only thing that would make it better is if it produced engine revving or tire squealing noises whenever you pulled a tissue from it. They really should have made that a factory option.

[via TechEBlog]

Nissan Hyper Adventure concept lets you have an eco-friendly outdoor trip

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If you’re the type to go on adventurous trips but would also like to take care of the carbon footprint that you leave behind, you are lucky to live in an era where brands are also intentional about the products that they create. Having environment friendly products are now the norm if you want to score points with Mother Earth and with the eco-conscious market. The latest vehicle concept that Nissan unveiled seems to fit into this category.

Designer: Nissan

The Nissan Hyper Adventure is the second concept in the Electronic Vehicle category that they have announced and is specifically designed for those who want to go on eco-friendly outdoor adventures. The renders show a futuristic design for a vehicle that can survive going through a snowy mountain or the rainy trail in a rainforest. It is designed with the e-4ORCE all-wheel-control system so you can get to your destination safely. It also looks pretty spacious inside so you can drive comfortably and even use the vehicle as your shelter if you feel like going “camping” or sleeping outdoors.

The vehicle has a glass that integrates the roof and side windows as well as the flush surface of the back. It also has crampons or snow traction gears on the wheels and bumpers so it can drive through snowy areas. It also has a wide field of view since the instrument panel is connected to the bottom of the windshield. There is enough cargo space for things like tents, skis, and can even fit a kayak. The rear bench seat can be rotated 180 degrees so you can sit facing outside and it even has automatic extendable and retractable steps.

The Nissan Hyper Adventure comes with a large-capacity battery that can also become an energy source. It should be able to power the gadgets and equipment that you’ll use on your outdoor adventure. It also uses the V2X (vehicle-to-everything) capability so it can even power a house. It’s an interesting concept but we’ll have to wait if it becomes an actual vehicle.

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Nissan 20-23 concept is an electric hot hatch for city speed demons

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Making an electric car boxy without drifting away from the idea of lending it a futuristic look takes a special skill set. That’s what Nissan has achieved with its new Concept 20-23, designed to be a fun city electric car that you’d want to “drive every day in London,” as Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president for global design, put it.

He also emphasized the fact that the concept is inspired by the online racing world. To sum it up, the electric hatchback is the perfect intersection of modern city living, online gaming and zero-emission mobility. The car is a true reflection of the “Nissan Ambition 2030 target of introducing 27 electrified vehicles by the year 2030. THe Japanese automotive giant also plans to have solid-state batteries in all its EVs by 2028, thereby achieving a 65 percent reduction in the cost of energy storage.

Designer: Nissan

The electric hot hatch, crafted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nissan Design Europe, is fitted with an all-electric powertrain with the option to drive it in both urban and sporty modes. Formula-1 influence of the Concept 20-23 is evident as soon as you step inside via the scissor doors. White bucket seats and the square steering wheel mounted on a carbon fiber column indicate Nissan’s intent to pitch the EV to speed addicts. The minimalist interior enhances the concept’s distraction-free aesthetic, focused on just pushing the foot to the metal.

The aggressive aero styling radiates the sporty character of the concept amplified by the semi-circular dissected headlights and the taillights. Sporty elements like the huge rear lip spoiler, wide arches and the roof scoop feeding air add cool factor to the cute little sexy thing. If ever Mini Cooper would ever get some serious competition from an EV or any hatchback, this would be it.

For now, Nissan has no plans of pushing the Concept 20-23 into the production lines. However, we want to see this baby roll on the streets, given its killer sharp looks fused perfectly with the sumptuous contours where required. Hone its torque, gear ratios and power delivery capabilities, and motorheads have got a winning hatchback in proposition.

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With pop-up roof and kitchen in the boot, Nissan Townstar EV is your ticket to unforgettable escapades

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The automotive world has been buzzing with excitement at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon set to continue until Sunday, September 3. Amidst the spectacular displays, Nissan has unveiled its latest masterpiece: the Townstar EV station wagon with a remarkable camping conversion. This is the first time the fully electric vehicle has undergone a camping-friendly makeover.

Enter the future of family travel with the Nissan Townstar EV – fusion of practicality and eco-consciousness – now a captivating camping-ready drive, bound to redefine your outdoor experiences. Imagine embarking on a journey with a vehicle that’s not only stylish but also equipped for all your camping desires. The Townstar EV boasts an unmistakable charm, a departure from the traditional van aesthetic, to be one irresistible mini-camper.

Designer: Nissan

For this, the Townstar EV is topped with a pop-up roof from Maggiolina Airlander. The soft roof elegantly pops up high, transforming the space within into a cozy haven. With a simple crank, the tent effortlessly rises, revealing a sleeping area with a 130 x 210cm double bed inside. It’s surrounded by mesh windows that allow in gentle breeze, while zippered weatherproofing adds to comfort in all weather conditions. A thoughtfully designed interior with ceiling lamp adds a touch of convenience to your evenings under the stars.

The transformation doesn’t stop at this, it continues to the rear of the vehicle where Irmscher i-BOX kitchen module is installed. It can be easily removed if your camping adventure doesn’t require one.  Otherwise, for a multi-day camping experience, the kitchen comes with a dual-burner gas stove, mini fridge, sink, and a water canister. Beyond the alluring aesthetics and thoughtful conveniences, the camping version of the Nissan Townstar EV is equipped with 18-inch rims in a stylish cross design, coupled with all-weather tires.

It has a versatile 45 kWh battery that can charge with alternating current or direct current via the vehicle’s CCS connection. This means you can charge from 15 to 80 percent in an astonishingly brief 37 minutes, ensuring your adventures aren’t stalled by lengthy charging sessions. To top it off, the variant with a 22 kW charging system boasts an efficient heat pump that warms the vehicle interior, creating a cozy space when the weather outside turns gray. With this meticulous attention to comfort and sustainability, you can make the Nissan Townstar EV your ticket to unforgettable memories and thrilling escapades.

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Nissan unveils Max-Out sports convertible concept oozing out Tron Legacy elements

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Like other leading automotive manufacturers’ sustainability is at the top of Nissan’s agenda too. Reason enough for them to launch a series of vehicles at the Nissan Futures event in Yokohama, Japan from February 4th to March 1st.

Our attention however is focused on one right now, the Max-Out all-electric convertible roadster. This Tron-like sports car of the future was initially just a digital blueprint more than a year ago when initially revealed. Now, finally, the two-seater Nissan has come to life for good.

Designer: Nissan

The core idea behind its design is to feel one with the vehicle, bringing a sense of openness by offering a very “enhanced and dynamic” driving experience every time the driver hits the pedal. As far as looks go, the futuristic appeal in the form of a digital landscape is undeniable, but the retro elements balance out the overall personality. The wheels, headlights and taillight have an 80s sci-fi character, while the rectangular front section, side profile, and the interiors have a definitive future-forward design.

There’s a lot of neon blue and neon green used in the exterior and the interior to amplify that hypnotic digital landscape appeal further. The dashboard gets a wide digital screen for seamless multitasking, and the sporty yoke-like steering wheel makes me want to play Overture by Daft Punk and feel the muted electric motor of the Max-Out revving at full blast on a freeway.

That said Nissan hasn’t released any information about the powertrain, electric battery or the probable range of the convertible. Nor is there any word on when this ride will hit the production lines, if it ever does. The only thing marked down y Nissan is that they will create 23 electrified models by 2030 for motorheads – 15 of them will be fully electric. Also, they have a serious vision of a 50 percent electrification mix along with the Infinity brands in the ending phase of the decade.

So, we are looking at a probable situation where the elements of Max-Out will be in some way or another other implemented in a production version. Still, it is good to imagine we’ll have roofless electric cars with steering wheels and normal aesthetics – not something that’s straight out of a creative designer’s pipedreams!

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2022 Nissan Ariya EV Review

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Nissan has a rich history of game-changing cars. The mighty GT-R (R35) supercar could jump from zero to 60mph in 3 seconds and initially offered 480 hp for under $80,000 when it first launched in 2007. A year before that, the hugely popular Qashqai SUV redefined Nissan as a brand in Europe and elsewhere. Then in 2010, the firm launched its multiple award-winning Leaf, the world’s first production electric vehicle, and in so doing, reinvented the EV market as we know it.

Ariya will do well against its rivals

Now in 2022, the company will make another huge splash with its first-ever fully electric SUV, the all-new Ariya. And Yanko Design was one of the first to get behind the wheel of the 2-wheel drive version in Japan. It’s by far the most advanced car Nissan has ever made and will go head to head with the likes of the electric Tesla Model Y, Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX, Lexus RZ, and Audi e-tron. The question is: in an increasingly crowded market, does this EV have what it takes to catch the attention of potential buyers?

First impressions are very good. The Ariya looks well-proportioned, sporty, sharp, and unique. It is a huge leap forward from the Leaf. Its top version has a 91 kWh battery, a choice of two or four-wheel drive, has some innovative new tech, is great to drive, has a range of up to 310 miles, and boasts a starting price of around $47,000 for the two-wheel model.

Nissan’s design brief for this car was ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’ which allowed the design team to tap into key Japanese words to inspire their global design team to create the Ariya’s exterior, words like sleek, sharp, and seamless. The overall design is definitely futuristic, but the most appealing part of its exterior for me is the front grille, which looks like a traditional grille but packs some stand-out features. Nissan instead calls their grille a ‘shield,’ as it shields hi-tech cameras, radar, and sensors that assist with the car’s self-driving system and ACC.

The grille is now called a ‘shield’ and for good reason

“By replacing a conventional grille with a hi-tech shield, that has an innovative 3D texture, we have given the Ariya the ability to read the road ahead and visualize things the driver cannot see, making what is invisible, visible,” says Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for global design.

The new front-end design features a new interpretation of the brand’s signature V-motion grille or shield, a shape that will appear on many of Nissan’s other new models to be rolled out in the next few years. It certainly looks bold, eye-catching and futuristic and helps to give the Ariya a definite identity in the sea of electric crossovers flooding the market. According to Albaisa, creating the new shield was a challenge for designers. They had to test the thickness of the material used, the amount of metallic flakes mixed in with the paint, and the shield’s pattern. The shield employs the same polycarbonate material found on the car’s headlamps but is transformed into a single piece using a traditional Japanese pattern.

Compared to its rivals, the Ariya’s sleek proportions are kind on the optic nerves. Viewed from the side, the car’s high beltline and sharp down-sloping rear end make this crossover look like a coupe that’s been dropped onto an SUV, but with panache. I especially like the rear end as well with its beautifully contoured tailgate and brake light bar that goes right across the back of the car. The new Nissan badging is catchy and the roof spoiler is as aesthetically appealing as it is aerodynamically efficient. Wheel arches are blacked out as are the side sill areas to give the car a sleeker profile and this SUV comes standard with 19-inch wheels. 20-inches are optional.

Its Amazon Alexa feature is revolutionary

On the inside, the Ariya is just as trendsetting. Nissan’s interiors are normally ho-hum at the best of times, but this SUV is on another level. It’s chic, stylish, futuristic and boasts some great new tech. Similar to the BMW iX, the Ariya gets a twin-spoke steering wheel, a large wraparound touchscreen that encompasses two large displays and switches and buttons with minimalist design. The air-con switches below the central touchscreen are actually built-in to the dashboard and offer haptic feedback when touched, but that touch needs to be practiced to get the quickest response. The cabin materials, including the Nappa seat leather and suede on the dash and doors feels posh and luxurious. Interestingly, if you don’t want to have animal skins in your car, you can opt for a vegan interior. But then again, it’s not fully vegan, because no matter what trim you choose, you will always get a full leather covered steering wheel.

One feature that really impressed was the new ‘NissanConnect’ collaboration with ‘Amazon Alexa.’ Using the Alexa function, Nissan drivers can use voice commands to unlock or lock their vehicle remotely, honk the horn, turn up the heat, choose a destination, flash the lights or stop the motor. But what was most satisfying was being able to ask Alexa, who boasts access to literally millions of songs, to play your favorite hit tunes. Within five seconds of asking the system to play Hotel California, the Eagles had already played the opening chords. It also offers a wireless smartphone charger, USB and USB-C ports, plenty of storage and ample cupholders. Pushing a button on the center console automatically releases an electrically-deployable tray that could hold a laptop if needed. Also, if you’re not quite happy with the position of the front center armrest, you can easily shift it forward or backward just by pushing a switch on the side of the armrest.

Albaisa says that Nissan wanted to redefine the full driving experience, from approaching the vehicle to operating it, living with it and interacting with its new features. “With Ariya, we considered the meaning of omotenashi (meaning high level of hospitality) in the modern digital context. For example, when a driver walks up to the car, the Ariya seems to be welcoming you as it lights up it 20 LED lights inside the large grille logo together with the boomerang-styled daylight running lights. As the driver enters the car, all icons are blacked out, only the start button is pulsating waiting for the driver to engage the electric motor. When the button is pushed, all icons a switches gently come to life, including the colorful startup sequence on the graphic user interface.

The decision to stretch the wheelbase has paid off because the rear seats are roomy and conformable and can cater to three adults. Even with its huge battery pack under the floor, the low flat floor ensures the Ariya offers plenty of leg and headroom, and even with the panoramic sunroof, headroom is still acceptable. In the back you also get heated rear seats and USB ports but for whatever reason, the rear windows do not wind down completely, a sore point for some buyers. One other pet peeve some buyers may have is the fact that this car has no through loading from the rear seat to the luggage area, so you cannot push your snowboard or skis though the center armrest. Generating 466 liters of luggage space, the Ariya is just acceptable for a large SUV, especially when you compare the slightly smaller Volkswagen ID.4’s 543 liters. On the plus side, the Ariya has a special hidden compartment under the rear floor to store the luggage cover, a feature that many other SUVs forget.

The 2WD version will be followed by a more powerful 4WD model

Our test vehicle was the entry level ‘B6 limited’ model with 2 wheel drive and a 66 kWh battery pack that allows the car the accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. For EVs, this is by no means a quick acceleration time but is perfectly acceptable for a large electric SUV. However, the smaller battery pack does help keep the price down to around $47,000 in the U.S. or 5.4 million yen in Japan. Other versions including the  2 wheel drive ‘B9 limited’ version with the 91 kWh battery that will launch later this year with a gutsy 394-hp. The ‘B6 e-4orce’ (pronounced ‘e-force’) 4-wheel drive (66kWh) and the ‘B9 e-4orce’ 4WD model coming after that. In comparison to the B6’s sub-8 second 0-60 time, the more powerful B9 model is expected to sprint from 0-60 mph in around 5 seconds. That will make the Ariya as quick as a new 400-hp Nissan Z.

According to the global WLTP rating standard, our front wheel drive B6 limited with its 66 kWh battery pack has a range of 470 km in Japan or 300 miles in the U.S. The motor generates 218 hp and offers quick charging at a 50kW charger in 65 minutes or 45 minutes at a 90kW quick charger. Meanwhile, the 91 kWh models will develop upwards of 394-hp

Behind the wheel, the Ariya is a nice place to be. Your leather seats are supportive and comfortable and the expansive touchscreens provide all the information you’ll need to drive or entertain yourself. The drive selector lever moves forward and backward on the center armrest while the drive mode switches, embedded into the console panel provide instant haptic feedback, but do take some getting used to.

Low center of gravity resists rolling in the corners

As you’d expect the Ariya accelerates smoothly and effortlessly with enough power to move and merge seamlessly in traffic around town or cruise on a highway. Its ride is firm and sporty and resists rolling in the corners thanks to its floor-mounted battery packs and resulting low center of gravity. The steering is light and responsive with plenty of feedback coming through from the front wheels. On a twisty road the 1960-kg heavy Ariya performed surprisingly well and handled weight transfer with ease. Brake feel is also grippy while offering a natural

One thing you can’t complain about is the visibility. The low set dashboard and large windscreen provide the driver with an uninterrupted view ahead although the thickish crash-absorbing A-pillars are reminiscent of those found in many large SUVs today. The view out of the rearview mirror is not great thanks to the sloping roof and rear headrests which is why Nissan offer an optional rear-mounted camera that shows drivers exactly what’s happening behind the car. The rear pillar however does create a blindspot which means drivers must adapt by correctly setting their side mirrors and using that fancy rear camera.

The first thing I did when I merged into heavy traffic on the expressway near Tokyo was to set the Ariya’s Pro-Pilot cruise control to 70-mph. This engages steering assist and lane assist which means the car will not only accelerate and brake automatically depending on vehicle movements ahead, but it will also follow corners automatically. As it is the system works effortlessly and smoothly. But actually, the Ariya packs radar, camera, and sensor technology that will allow it to elevate to Level 3 driving when the law allows it.

The e-pedal is a special Nissan feature that allows drivers to cruise using just one pedal — the throttle. Accelerate in e-pedal function and the car will speed up, obviously, but ease up on the throttle and the car will automatically brake, and quite aggressively. This so-called regenerative braking helps to recharge the batteries while decelerating but does take some practice to brake smoothly in unison with traffic around you. For some reason, however, Nissan has removed the stop function so the car will always creep along, even when set to its most aggressive e-pedal region brake mode. That according to Nissan is to keep drivers alert, and it makes sense.

As you’d expect in an EV, the cabin is eerily quiet meaning that the only sounds you hear are some road or wind noise or Deep Purple’s ‘Highway Star’ on the Bose sound system that you’ve requested from Alexa.

Prices and Options

As we’ve mentioned above, the Ariya will be available in 4 different versions starting at around $47,000 for the 66 kWh 2-wheel drive B6 limited model. Prices for upcoming models are still sketchy but expect the fully specced 91 kWh 4WD B9 limited model to hover at around $55,000.

Owners can choose from 9 body colors including red, blue, light silver, gunmetal grey, copper, and white as well as mix and match with the same color or black roofs. Inside, buyers can choose from a selection of the entry-level black suede and faux leather or Nappa leather in black, grey, or blue-grey.

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Nissan’s hot ramen serving counter demonstrates no-lurch braking tech in Japanese style

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Nissan e-4ORCE Ramen Counter demonstrates the advanced technology set to make the Ariya crossover smooth and comfortable while braking in city traffic.

While driving at good speeds down the city road you need to stop for the red light, the cranky feeling of motion inside the car when the brakes are hit is not very pleasant. The passengers tilt abruptly forward and then backward as the vehicle comes to a standstill. Nissan wants to get over this irk of driving with their e-4ORCE twin motor all-wheel control technology to smoothly manage the braking performance. The tech is all set to debut in the 2023 Ariya electric crossover later this year, but for now, the Japanese automotive giant wants to show off this technology in its unique style.

Designer: Nissan

To demonstrate the level of comfort passengers and the driver will experience while braking, they’ve created an all-electric ramen robot server tray on wheels. Yes, the lip-smacking Japanese noodles served in a bowl are loaded on the miniature drivetrain with the tray on top, replicating the Ariya’s chassis. In the entertaining video released by Nissan, the motorized custom-built server tray delivers the hot bowl of ramen noodles to eager Japanese foodies sitting at the counter. Watch as the chef pours the delicacy into the bowl and places it on top of the tray which then smoothly rides on the countertop.

The absolute smoothness and stability of the technology ensure not even a single drop of the tasty staple is spilled. That’s exactly how the Ariya is going to come to a standstill under braking. According to Ryozo Hiraku, expert leader of Nissan’s powertrain and EV engineering division, the regenerative braking is managed on each of the axles to drastically reduce the pinch and dive. He added; “by taking advantage of e-4ORCE’s precise motor control response, we’re able to control vehicle motion as soon as the brakes are applied, giving all occupants – especially passengers – a stable, smooth ride.”

Nissan Ariya is currently up for reservation in the US at a starting price tag of $45,950 for the single motor trim. The AWD system-equipped version dubbed Platinum+ e-4ORCE will sell for $58,950.

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The Best of Tokyo Auto Salon 2022

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To really appreciate a car’s styling and market impact, you really have to see it—in the flesh. I mean, online car launches and briefings are good, but they cannot hope to substitute for the real thing. Seeing is believing, as they say, right? That’s why I made a beeline for the Tokyo Auto Salon last weekend— with my vaccinations, face mask, and hand sanitizer under my belt—to check out the latest offerings from the car industry.

But before we look at the highlights from the three-day Tokyo Auto Salon, we should first note that Japan’s biggest car customizing show has gained significant importance over the past few years thanks to the dwindling reputation of the more traditional Tokyo Motor Show as major foreign brands reallocate marketing budgets away from traditional motor shows, preferring to spend advertising money on brand-centric launches.

Tokyo Auto Salon is 70% customized cars and 30% new cars

On the global stage, the Auto Salon is one of the top customizing events behind America’s SEMA and Germany’s Essen shows. In the wake of the Tokyo Motor Show’s demise, the 40-year old Salon has taken on a double role—it’s a 70% world-class customizing and tuning show and 30% new car launch venue.

Spread across four cavernous halls at the massive Makuhari Messe complex some 30 minutes east of Tokyo, the 3-day Salon saw new cars and concepts debut from Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu as well as Japan premieres of the Lotus Emira and the Alpine A110 S.

As for the customizing specialists, all of Japan’s biggest names were there including HKS, Top Secret, Greddy, TOM’s, Blitz, Endless, Liberty Walk, Cusco, Autobacs, Varis, Rays and RE Amemiya among others.

To give you a flavor of what was on the salon floor, we’ve decided to focus on the highlights—so we chose our 3 best new car and concept debuts plus our 3 best-customized cars.

Three Best New Cars and Concepts

1. Nissan Z

By far the most anticipated unveiling at this year’s Auto Salon was the domestic premiere of the all-new Nissan Z, or the ‘Fairlady Z’ as it’s called in Japan. Expressing just how much this launch means to Nissan, the company’s CEO, Makoto Uchida joined champion Nissan Super GT500 racer Tsugio Matsuda, who collaborated with the car’s cockpit design, and pop star and race team principal Masahiko Kondo to give the Z the unveiling it deserved.

First launched in New York City in August last year, the Z boasts a silhouette that harks back to the original 240Z of 1969 while the tail light design draws inspiration from the rear combination lamps of the 300ZX of three decades ago. The huge rectangular grille first generated controversy when it debuted last year, but after seeing it in real life, I must say that the shape and size of the grille complement the dramatic exterior styling. However, to seemingly appease potential buyers wanting a slightly more subtle traditional front end, Nissan also unveiled the world premiere of the ‘Z Customized Proto’ concept.

Painted in bright orange, and fitted with orange 4-piston brake calipers and Dunlop tires adorned with bespoke ‘Nissan Z’ white lettering this Z was one of my personal favorites at the Salon.

Speaking with Nissan’s chief product specialist for the new Z (and the GT-R for that matter!), Hiroshi Tamura, I could quickly tell that this next-generation sports car was a labor of love for him and his team. As he explained its ‘retro-modern design’ and how the design team had leaned heavily on Z styling from the past 50 years, he also stressed that the car is a traditional rear-drive sports car that incorporates the latest state-of-the-art technologies.

Apart from its impressive 400-hp 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo matched to a 6-speed manual transmission (9-speed auto optional), the cockpit gets a new interpretation of the traditional Z-style three analog pod gauges set up on top of the instrument panel while the race car style shift-up indicator located directly above the tachometer will no doubt become a much talked about the feature when the car lands in showrooms later this year.

2. Toyota GR GT3 Concept

At the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) stand, the covers came off another Salon highlight. Arguably one of the most aggressive manufacturer concept cars to ever feature at Makuhari Messe, the GR GT3 Concept interestingly borrows nothing from the brand’s huge range of road-going vehicles, but instead, offers a driver-focused, track-only coupe concept at first, with, perhaps, production car aspirations further down the road. Whether the car is destined for Japan’s Super GT series is yet to be confirmed, but with that “GT3” reference, you’d expect as much.

With its extra-long nose, long wheelbase, straight beltline, sharp sleek front end, huge rear wing, and a rear brake light design that resembles that of the Porsche Taycan, the GR GT3 looks more than ready for the race track as is. One aspect of the car that stood out when viewed from the side is that its proportions almost mirror those of the gorgeous Mazda RX Vision concept of 2017.

Details are slim at present. Toyota officials made no reference to a powertrain in any way, but given the fact that the car has exhaust pipes, we can expect it to pack a hybrid powertrain, most probably a V6 married to a turbo and a plug-in hybrid system that would develop upwards of 600-hp.

According to Toyota, the GT3 concept follows a pattern initiated by the multiple award-winning GR Yaris hatchback. The company plans to commercialize motorsport models first, instead of taking road-going cars and modifying them for racing. Even if Toyota does not make a road-going version of the GT3 concept, we hope that signature design elements of this awesome-looking machine make their way into production cars.

Like Mazda’s RX Vision concept, which appeared in Gran Turismo, one definite possibility is that we will see this car feature in Polyphony Digital’s best-selling driving game in the not too distant future.




3. Subaru STI E-RA Concept

As I roamed the Subaru STI stand, I noticed a BRZ STI concept and a WRX concept, but then, plonked in an obscure corner of the stand, behind the fully electric Solterra STI Concept was one of the most radical Japanese cars I’ve ever seen—the Subaru STI E-RA Concept.

While the Nissan Z was the most anticipated car of the Salon, the STI E-RA Concept was the biggest surprise. It literally appeared out of nowhere. “We told no one about it, not even Subaru of America,” said a Subaru staffer. In the world of social media and instant news and leaked teaser images, it’s extremely refreshing to see something that you did not know existed suddenly appear.

Subaru Tecnica International developed this low-slung 1,072-hp electric race car for one purpose—to set a new lap record around Germany’s famed 13-mile long Nurburgring Nordschleife race track. Propelled by 4 powerful 200kW electric motors, one on each wheel, the E-RA (short for ‘Electric Record Attempt’) is hellbent on setting a time of ‘400 seconds,’ or 6 minutes 40 seconds, according to Hiroshi Mori, STI’s general manager who green-lighted the project.

So why attempt such a radical move now? “We are a little behind with our introduction of EVs, so we decided to up the ante and create an extreme study model, and set a lap time that will help us develop fast, efficient EV race and road cars for the future,” answers Mori.

As Mori so aptly pointed out, the record STI is chasing is not the 6:05 time set by the single-seater Volkswagen ID R, but a slightly more leisurely 6:40 time for twin-seater electric cars. That ‘400 second’ that STI is however targeting a time that would outperform the two-seat Chinese NIO EP9 electric supercar that posted a 6:45 in 2017. Everything about the E-RA, from its 197-inch long frame to its 79-inch wide carbon fiber body to its perfect aerodynamic profile, huge chin spoiler, massive rear wing, roof air intake and race car tuned diffuser, all scream ultra-performance.

According to Mori, the 60kWh battery powering the E-RA should last just one lap, providing just enough juice to set one lap time. “Hopefully a record lap time,” says Mori. STI will test the car in Japan this year before heading to Germany sometime in 2023 for the record-breaking attempt.

Honorable Mentions For New Cars and Concepts

Honda revealed its next-generation Civic Type R wearing a rare camouflage. From a distance, it just looks like a generic red, back, and white covering, but up close this camouflage is a tapestry of Type R logo designs from all of the past Civic and Integra Type R models. As for engine specs, Honda was remaining tight-lipped but we can expect it to generate over 320-hp and offer a manual transmission.

Over at Mitsubishi’s stand, it was great to see their motorsport and tuning arm ‘Ralliart’ making a comeback through their ‘Vision Ralliart Concept.’ Based on the latest Outlander, the modified SUV is finished in a matte black paint job and employs a bold, muscular body kit and rear diffuser, 22-inch wheels, and 6-piston calipers.

And who could ignore the domestic launch of the Lotus Emira First Edition? Distributed by LCI in Japan, this sexy-looking coupe is powered by a 400-hp, 3.5-liter supercharged V6 with either 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Three Best Customized Cars

1. Liberty Walk Aventador SVJ Carbon Fiber Body

Housed inside a high chain-link fence-enclosed stand that seemed inspired by a Mixed Martial Arts arena, the star of internationally-known customizer Liberty Walk’s display was a dark grey Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. And the customizing had nothing to do with its 770-hp V12 engine, which incidentally is how the car comes from the factory.

Arguably one of the most extreme customized cars at this year’s Auto Salon, this Aventador SVJ’s claim to fame is that it is covered in a totally new body kit made out of dry carbon fiber. Looking like a modern-day Batmobile, Liberty Walk engineers removed the car’s body, made bespoke carbon fiber molds of every part, and then replaced the standard body parts with the newly created lightweight carbon fiber pieces.

And the cost of this car? According to a spokesman, if you take a fully optioned SVJ’s costing around $700,000 and add the full dry carbon fiber (which is more expensive than wet carbon fiber) body kit fee of just over $200,000, and then add on a few extra options, you end up with a total price tag of just over $1 million. Given the quality of the work, I was not surprised to hear that Liberty Walk has customers in the U.S., Europe, and Brazil. The specialist customizer says that it will make around 20 of these body kits and nearly half have already been sold.

2. HKS Driving Performance GR86

As we’ve seen, the Tokyo Auto Salon does double as a stage to launch new manufacturer models and concepts. But it is still basically a customizing show and a big one at that. Without a doubt, the main base car for the vast majority of customizers and tuners is the recently launched second-generation Toyota GR86. At this year’s show, I counted no less than 30 heavily customized GR86s, but the one that stood out the most was the HKS GR86 which is no surprise given that HKS is one of the best known—domestically and internationally—customizers in Japan.

In Japan, customizing, racing and racecourse time attacks at the well-known Tsukuba Circuit go hand in hand, and this time was no different. Donning a startling triple color livery, the HKS GR86 has basically been race-prepped to challenge a sub-minute lap time around Tsukuba.

While the standard GR86 is fitted with a 230-hp 2.4-liter boxer engine, the HKS GR86 has a supercharger fitted that lifts power to a rumored 300-hp although HKS did not release this detail. But that’s not all. Fitted with a full battery of bespoke HKS modified parts that include a special lightweight body kit, HKS sports muffler, and exhaust system, a HKS heavy-duty clutch, an HKS oil cooler, and air filter, HKS Hipermax S sports suspension, Endless branded brakes, and Yokohama 18-inch wheels and Advan tires, the HKS GR86 knocked out a rather quick lap time of 1:01 making it the fastest GR86 around Tsukuba so far.




3. Pandem Widebody V8 GT-R ‘Hakosuka’

Saving the best till last. This heavily modified Nissan Skyline GT-R could just be our favorite customized car at this year’s salon. Notable customizer Trail Motor Apex Racing displayed a one-off ‘Pandem Widebody V8 Hakosuka’ (with ‘hako’ meaning boxy and ‘suka’ refers to Skyline) based on a 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Now while the ultra-wide blacked-out, flared fenders look totally bonkers, those fenders house oversized tires that are more than necessary for this orange beast. Why? As if those 8 suspicious pipes poking out of the hood don’t give the game away. That’s right, this first generation GT-R packs a thumping NASCAR-spec 5.7-liter V8 engine pumping out an incredible 1,145-hp through the rear wheels.

While the car cannot be driven on public roads, TMAR says they will be doing some testing in the near future with the goal of ‘racing it.’ However, exactly where and when they will race it is still under wraps.

Nissan only made 1,945 so-called ‘Hakosuka’ GT-Rs and word on the street is that around one-third of them survive today. Compared to the Pandem Widebody V8’s 1,145-hp, the original GT-R C10, which won multiple touring car races, was powered by a 2.0-liter straight-6 engine generating just 160-hp, but still considerable power for those days. Race versions of these cars today can fetch upwards of $300,000 due to their rarity and race-winning history. Just how much this one-off V8-fitted GT-R would cost is anyone’s guess.




Honorable Mentions For Customized Cars

Okay, so we’ve featured our three best new cars and three best-customized cars. But of the hundreds of other tuned models on display, these ones also impressed no end.

One of the long-time heroes of the Auto Salon is the legendary rotary engine tuner RE Amemiya. These guys normally modify Mazda rotary-powered RX-7s and RX-8s, but this year, the highlight of their stand was a specially prepared Ferrari Testarossa powered by a 4-rotor rotary engine, which incidentally is the same number of rotors that powered the Mazda 787B race car to victory in the 1991 Le Mans 24-hour race.

My jaw dropped when I saw the gold-colored ‘Rocky 3000GT’, which is actually a replica of a 1967 Toyota 2000GT, arguably Japan’s most beautiful sports car. However, in place of the original 2.0-liter straight-6, this 3000GT is powered by an inline-6 3.0-liter Toyota engine. The price on the 3000GT was unclear, but for reference, stock 2000GT’s have fetched auction prices of over $1 million recently.

We also liked the sensational-looking Impulse AE86, which is a tuned 1986 Toyota Sprinter Trueno Corolla AE86 that has huge flared fenders, a carbon fiber body kit, and a modified engine developing 200-hp. Finished in a stand-out red, white, and black paint combination, this is the model of car that hardcore drifters all over the world use for sliding sideways around race tracks.

Speaking of 86s, well-known customizers GReddy and Blitz also outdid themselves with customized versions of the new GR86 that would cause a real stir in the U.S., a place that has been screaming for more powerful turbocharged models. Tuned with bespoke turbochargers, intercoolers, aeroparts, and sports suspension, these cars would be generating over 300-hp.




And who could ignore the other three bright yellow concept cars on display at the Liberty Walk stand. The canary yellow Lamborghini Aventador, Chevrolet Corvette C8, and McLaren P1 all benefited from bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork and were the best-looking threesome of the show.

Meanwhile, the ‘Bad Taste Award’ went to a bright pink Toyota Crown with dark green seats, pink steering wheel, pink seatbelts, and Swarovski crystal beads pasted all over the Crown and Athlete G badges.

Conclusion

One reason for the continued success of the 40-year-old Tokyo Auto Salon is that it has a little of something for everyone. With its new car launches and over-the-top customized machines, it’s a smorgasbord of automotive titillation that never gets old. Bring on TAS 2023.

The post The Best of Tokyo Auto Salon 2022 first appeared on Yanko Design.