Tokyo 2009 Preview: Nissan unveils leaning Land Glider concept [w/VIDEO]
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Oct 7th 2009 at 1:39PM 
Nissan Land Glider Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Nissan is pulling out all the zero emission stops at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. In addition to the expected Leaf electric vehicle, the Japanese automaker will also be showing off a new concept called the Land Glider. Intended to be an urban runabout, the two-seat Land Glider is fully electric and is extremely narrow to ease congestion in dense city centers and make it easier to find suitable parking spots.
Inside the cockpit, the Land Glider's pilot sits front and center behind a suitably futuristic instrument cluster and a steering wheel that looks like twin joysticks. According to Nissan, the steering operations are computer controlled through a drive-by-wire arrangement, so there doesn't seem to be a direct connection between the steering wheel and the car's four contact patches.
Perhaps the most interesting bit Nissan pioneered with the Land Glider is the ability to lean into turns like a motorcycle. While this isn't an entirely new concept, it's a first for Nissan and the technology seems to be very well implemented in the Land Glider, as you can see in the video after the jump.
Gallery: Nissan Land Glider Concept
PRESS RELEASE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NISSAN EXHIBIT AT THE 2009 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW
YOKOHAMA (October 8, 2009) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, will present various show cars at the upcoming 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, including 'Leaf', an electric vehicle (EV) which is slated for global launch and volume production in late 2010, 'Land Glider', an EV concept car, and 'Qazana', which is an entirely new type of compact sport crossover, which made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Nissan will also showcase the new mini MPV "Roox", to be launched later this year.
Nissan's ultimate goal in the environmental field is zero-emission. With its aim to be a leader in this field, the Nissan exhibits will focus on concept cars including 'Leaf' and on the development of related technologies and battery-charging infrastructure, in an effort to communicate the company's commitment to consumers.
Nissan is also continuing to work on the internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, for the development of environment-friendly technology to improve fuel economy and reduce gas emission. In addition to EV, the Nissan exhibit will feature a wide range of models and technologies such as hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), clean diesel technology and next-generation X-TRONIC CVT.
Leaf
Overview of major concept cars and technologies to be exhibited are as follows.
Leaf
The world's first EV designed for large-scale volume production
* High-performance, zero-emission power train and platform take the 'joy of driving' to another dimension.
* A design that evokes a clean and intelligent image and a body that achieves optimal aerodynamics and wind noise characteristics are packaged into this innovative and original five-passenger, five-door hatchback.
* Has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge, which is sufficient for most daily needs.
* Features an advanced IT system that is specially designed for zero-emission mobility. Navigation screen supports the driver by displaying range autonomy areas and battery-charging spots with a touch of a button.
Land Glider
A new 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 centre of gravity by leaning provides a new, exciting sense of driving and a powerful, crisp ride.
Qazana
A whole new five-door compact sport crossover with innovative design
* Exterior and interior design inspired by images of beach buggies and motorcycles.
* Distinctive exterior features a large wheel arch that emphasises power and stability, high belt lines and a sporty upper body.
* The interior features a centre console that looks just like a fuel tank and seat of a motorcycle and a design that exposes the body framework.
* Combines sporty driving and environmental performance.
Roox
A super-spacious mini-sized vehicle that features a large interior space and dynamic design
* A comfortable interior space (interior height: 1365mm, interior length: 2085mm), one the largest for mini-sized vehicles, allows flexible seat arrangement.
* The sporty and sophisticated 'Highway Star' design exudes a strong presence that changes the image of mini-sized vehicles.
* To maximise the ease of getting in and out, a slide door (opening width: 580mm, opening height: 1230mm), which can be remotely controlled, and a rear step with low ground height are featured on both sides of the car.
NV200 Vanette Universal Design Taxi
A next generation Universal Design Taxi that pursues comfortable mobility for all customers
* Exterior design is readily identifiable as a taxi and also stylish.
* Will be officially introduced as the Universal Design Taxi by the end of 2010.
Next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The next-generation XTRONIC CVT is compact, lightweight and low-friction, and features an original structure
* Has achieved a world-best change gear ratio range of 7.3, which is more than 20% better compared to conventional CVT of the same class.
* Nissan's original, breakthrough design, which combines subtransmission, has succeeded in reducing total transmission length by 10% and weight by 13%.
* Unit efficiency has been improved by reducing friction by 30% through reduction of oil agitation resistance and others.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Trace 1:47PM (10/07/2009)
Totally need one of these. But please build it out of carbon fiber so I can bounce like a soccer ball when I get pummeled by a semi. Either way, beats the heck out of a motorcycle.
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MajorGeek 2:51PM (10/07/2009)
So many silly comments here, I don't know where to begin. Under 10k and you would be interested? Carbon fiber? Better then a motorcycle? Would give up motorcycles? And the always personal favorite "I would buy one" from people who have said they would buy numerous vehicles yet drive the same car for 5 years. No wonder car manufacturers are confused by what people want. Like the news said yesterday, people all hate their small vehicles for a reason. I own from Scooters to a Cadillac and don't see the appeal of this thing... ooooh it leans. Wow.
Tourian A5 4:23PM (10/07/2009)
It's a city car. For dense, congested cities. Like those in Japan or Europe, where no semis are doing 60mph.
Context, buddy, context.
Not the entire world looks like America, you know?
MajorGeek 5:16PM (10/07/2009)
I live in a fairly congested city in winter and have a mini, scooter and primary vehicle. I would not use this. Your ASSuming context. Failed.
Emceay 2:42PM (10/08/2009)
I would buy this if it were manufactured. I don't like large cars, I rarely drive with more than 2 people, my commute into D.C. is the same every day. If I want a motorcycle I'll buy one, but what I want a really small car that leans, the carver is dead so this is music to my ears.. I would definitely use this. Win.
Kooshball 1:48PM (10/07/2009)
wayyy nicer looking than the VentureOne... if the price was right i'd probably consider giving up riding bikes.
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dkmontgomery 1:54PM (10/07/2009)
Is it me, or does this remind anyone of the original Flying Feather..http://autopuzzles.com/FFeather1.jpg
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dukeisduke 1:55PM (10/07/2009)
It's just a new take on the GM Lean Machine concept, except with four wheels:
http://www.3wheelers.com/gmlean.html
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kaslings 1:56PM (10/07/2009)
ha! i was going to post the same thing with the same link. Wesley Snipes approves.
Rob 1:55PM (10/07/2009)
I would have named this car the Astro-Glide.
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Samurai Jack 2:43PM (10/07/2009)
I'm sure Nissan would have considered that if they wanted it to be mistaken for brand of personal lubricant. Still, the jokes about inserting yourself into traffic would have been priceless...
Evan 1:59PM (10/07/2009)
Here's what I don't get: If everyone starts driving these EVs in the city, where are they going to park them? Most people with downtown condos and apartments don't have a parking spot, and those that do already need it for their real car. Parking lots won't care if you are driving a Minior a BMW 740Li - they charge by the spot and that isn't going to change overnight.
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txdesign 2:07PM (10/07/2009)
You are looking at this from an American perspective. For others this might very well be their only car. Commuting and longer distances will be covered by a very efficient mass transit/rail system.
Kitko 2:01PM (10/07/2009)
Kind of like Piaggio MP3, construction wise, with a roof.
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MikeofLA 2:05PM (10/07/2009)
Damn! That thing is cool. Kind of like a modern tron bike. Make it fast, and I'll want one
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Redline 3:05PM (10/07/2009)
Hmmm... 'busa engine... turbo... *evil grin*
zamafir 2:12PM (10/07/2009)
awesome, build it and ill buy one.
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Ford Tang 2:17PM (10/07/2009)
So cool! The more I see it, the more cool it is. I wonder if you need to mount motorcycle tires on it. maybe 4 front motorcycle tires?
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Eric Bandholz 2:19PM (10/07/2009)
If they sell these for under $10k I would consider buying one.
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Snowdog 2:33PM (10/07/2009)
The Carver has been in production for years and doing it better with 3 wheels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZAPVKyHO2A
With three wheels the experience will be more motorcycle like with one wheel tilting under you in the front. While the carver was expensive, doing a 4 wheel tilter will be more complex and likely cost more.
Bad news. Carver recently went bankrupt.
Moderately good news: Venture/Pursu licensed the tech and might produce it someday for a much more affordable price than Carver. But who knows when/if.
http://www.flytheroad.com/
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