Nissan Reveals New Concepts for Tokyo

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will present five new concept cars at the upcoming 2003 Tokyo Motor Show next week: the Fuga, a next generation midsize sport sedan; the Serenity, a "multipurpose saloon" along the same lines as Renault's Vel Satis; Redigo, a compact, open-roof crossover; a next generation compact in the form of the Renault Megane-based C-Note; and the three-seat Effis fuel-cell commuter car.

Continuing styling themes seen in the Nissan Teana and Skyline sedans, the Fuga combines a sporty exterior and luxurious, roomy interior. Developed on the rwd FR L Platform (FM Package), underpinning the acclaimed Skyline and 350Z, the Fuga is expected to provide a preview of future replacements for the Cedric/Gloria twins and the Infiniti M45. Challenging the next generation Toyota Aristo (Lexus GS 300), Nissan claims interior spaciousness surpasses all other sedans in this class. Fuga's tall overall height provides ample headroom beneath the Skyview^® roof, and legroom is expanded for rear-seat occupants. The interior's overall tone is unified in Japanese imagery and a modern design. Simplified Human-machine interfaces (HMI) are located in the middle of the center console. Control switches mounted on the steering wheel reduce the driver's workload substantially while providing multifunctionality.

With a "Japanese DNA" design theme, Serenity projects a refined tranquility characteristic of Japanese culture. For example, side windows have a distinctive shape reminiscent of a folding fan and the front mask suggests Kabuki facial make-up. The interior is inspired by Japanese elements such as ink paintings, cherry blossoms and wave-like patterns. Ergonomically designed, stress-free seats provide comfortable interior roominess. Based on the concept of “neutral posture,” the seats recline to disperse a seated occupant's body pressure so as to avoid putting any strain on the lower back. Human-machine interfaces (HMI) and cutting-edge Information Technologies include the 4 HMI concept that facilitates stress-free, centralized control and the “Horizontal Meter Unit” for optimal and timely presentation of information to the driver.

A new-sensation open-roof car for active young people to enjoy the thrill of open-air cruising. The "center slot-in roof," with glass roof panels that slide under motor power, creates a feeling of openness. The uniquely shaped "twin cluster" displays driving and entertainment information in a rugged, frills interior. "e-Memo," a rewritable memory chip with a display function, offers Information Technology entertainment. A sound system including speakers with good directionality enables all four occupants to enjoy high-quality music. Redigo is equipped with Nissan's unique compact e·4WD system designed for maximum ease of use in everyday driving.

Nissan's proposal for a new "compact car with superior quality", C-Note packs an array of comfort features into its compact body. Ample headroom, sufficient legroom and roomy seats provide class-leading interior comfort. The comfortable interior, finished in a bright beige color, complements the attention paid to the execution of the fine details in the dashboard and seats.

The tiny Effis fuel-cell vehicle uses a multiconfigurable arrangement of the instrument panel and seats to secure comfortable seating space for three occupants plus enough room for one more person within three-meter overall length. Nissan's unique new Super Motor combines two electric motors in one unit with two output shafts, both of which can be controlled independently, allowing two units to drive all four wheels independently. The underfloor compact lithium-ion battery with its thin, space-saving design achieves a smaller size and a lighter weight that benefits a city commuter car. Weight-reduction technologies are displayed in the extensive application of aluminum and plastic to the body and the injection-molded front seats.