Nissan
IDS Concept
Nissan
Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled a concept vehicle that embodies Nissan's vision of the
future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015
- the Nissan IDS Concept.
After
leading the development and expansion of EV technology, Nissan once again
stands at the forefront of automotive technology. By integrating advanced
vehicle control and safety technologies with cutting-edge artificial
intelligence (AI), Nissan is among the leaders developing practical, real-world
applications of autonomous drive technology.
Nissan
Intelligent Driving is Nissan's concept of autonomous drive technology and
represents what Nissan believes next-generation vehicles should be.
"Nissan Intelligent Driving improves a driver's ability to see, think and
react. It compensates for human error, which causes more than 90 percent of all
car accidents. As a result, time spent behind the wheel is safer, cleaner, more
efficient and more fun. By
2020, expect to see Nissan Intelligent Driving technology deployed on cars in
cities around the world.
Two
interiors enable two ways for the driver to enjoy the experience. Even though
it is a hatchback, the Nissan IDS Concept's long wheelbase enables comfortable
seating space for four adults. But the cabin becomes even more spacious when
the driver selects Piloted Drive. In this mode, the steering wheel recedes into
the centre of the instrument panel and a large flat screen comes out. Various
driving-related operations are handled by AI, voice and gestures from the
driver. The interior, which comprises natural materials such as mesh leather,
is illuminated by soft light. All four seats rotate slightly inward,
facilitating easier conversation. It's like relaxing in a living room.
When
the driver selects Manual Drive, the roomy interior transforms to put the
driver in control. All seats face forward. The steering wheel, which takes
styling cues from reins for horse riding, appears along with driving meters and
a heads-up display that shows route and other driving information. Interior
lighting switches to blue, stimulating the ability to concentrate. Nissan's use
of hollow-structure A-pillars helps ensure excellent visibility by reducing
blind spots and also contributes to the feeling of open space.
The
transformation to Manual Drive can be carried out with ease through a switch
between the front seats called the PD Commander. This is the only control the
driver can physically operate when the car is in Piloted Drive: when the driver
is ready to take over driving, a physical action should initiate the change.
For
autonomous drive to be widely accepted, people need to fully trust the
technology. Through its innovative communication capabilities, the Nissan IDS
Concept promotes confidence and a sense of harmony for those outside the car as
well. Various exterior lights and displays convey to pedestrians and others the
car's awareness of its surroundings and signals its intentions. The car's
silver side body line, for example, is actually an LED that Nissan calls the
Intention Indicator. When pedestrians or cyclists are nearby, the strip shines
red, signalling that the car is aware of them. Another electronic display,
which faces outside from the instrument panel, can flash messages such as
"After you" to pedestrians. This natural, harmonious system of
communication signals a new future with cars.
The
height of the full carbon fibre body was constrained to 1,380 mm, sharply
minimising aerodynamic drag (Cd). Positioning the tyres close to the corners of
the body maximises interior space while enabling a wrap-around cabin design.
Nissan selected large-diameter wheels for high-performance and sportiness, but
used very thin 175-size tyres to minimise air and roll resistance. The wheels
have a layered design suggestive of thin fins that create tiny vortexes of air
flow on the wheel's surface. This design further contributes to smooth air
flow.
The
Nissan IDS Concept is fitted with a high-capacity 60 kWh battery, and thanks to
its outstanding aerodynamics, low stance, flowing form and reduced weight due
to its full-carbon-fibre body, the vehicle is designed to also meet the need to
drive long distances. Other technologies on the Nissan IDS Concept include
Piloted Park that can be operated by smartphone or tablet, and wireless
charging technologies. Through these, the driver can leave parking and charging
to the car.
In
order for our car-based society to be sustainable, complex issues ranging from
sustainable energy supplies to climate change, air pollution and traffic safety
must be addressed. At Nissan, we have set zero fatalities and zero emissions as
aspirational targets in our mission to help create a sustainable car-based
society. Nissan
believes that the Nissan IDS Concept will evolve into a leading innovation for
next generation mobility and our quest for making these "two zeroes"
a reality.
Featuring
Nissan's most advanced safety, driving-control and EV technology - all taken to
a new level by AI - the Nissan IDS Concept is a compelling showcase of a
promising future.