Autoblog

Click above to high-res gallery of the Nissan Cube

All-electric vehicles are on their way, and Nissan plans to be a player with an all-electric vehicle on the market in Japan and the U.S. by 2010 for fleet customers and 2012 for everyone else. While the automaker has been testing a system that uses a lithium-ion battery pack in its boxy Cube runabout (above), it's not known if the Cube will get the electric drivetrain when it goes on sale in the U.S. Regardless, Nissan plans to preview its electric intentions in two weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show with an all-electric concept car. Details are scarce, but it's said to have a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. While it's true that most people drive less than 100 miles per day, a top speed of just 75 mph seems especially limiting. Apparently passing on the freeway is not an option on this car. We'll be on hand in New York to catch this EV concept's debut, so stay tuned.


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

click image for high-res gallery of the Nissan FORUM Concept

Next month in Detroit, Nissan will show the world the FORUM, a minivan design study that probably hints at styling cues and features being considered for whatever's destined to replace the Quest. After reading Nissan's hyperbolic press release (it's pasted after the jump), one might think the FORUM is single-handedly capable of restoring the American nuclear family dynamic through its feature set alone. Seriously, there's a line in there that calls the vehicle a "unique family 'togetherness' space." I have one of those, too: it's called a house.

The FORUM's most touted features are its trackless doors, b-pillar-less construction, and swiveling 2nd row Turntable Seating. The doors utilize a new patented hinge that allows for sliders without the unsightly track line on the bodywork. That, combined with the elimination of the b-pillar, allows the side of the van to be opened wide for easy access when the front door is also open. In reality, the pillarless construction is probably just there to better show off the concept's interior, which is highlighted by a motorized, swiveling second row seat that can be rotated 90 degrees to look out the side of the van, or 180 degrees to face the third row passengers.

Other interesting features include a small built-in microwave sized just right for popcorn, wireless tv monitors, an audio muting/intercom setup called "Time Out," second and third row surveillance cameras "Kids' Cams" and the around-view parking assistance system introduced on the Infiniti EX35. Is it the ultimate family pod? Well no, since the concept has no engine. Nissan says a clean diesel would be a natural fit for it if it were to arrive in the marketplace, though.

UPDATE: High-res images of the Nissan FORUM Concept's live reveal added to gallery.

[Source: Nissan]