nissan bladeglider 3-seater electric vehicle debuts in rio

nissan has unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic ‘bladeglider’ vehicle, combining zero-emissions technologies with high-performance in a revolutionary sports car design. the electric vehicles, developed from concept cars first shown at the tokyo auto show in 2013, have arrived in rio, brazil to symbolize future technologies that will combine intelligent mobility, environmentally-friendly impact and sports-car driving capabilities.

advanced full-electric battery powertrain delivers stunning performance and dynamic handling

carlos ghosn, president and CEO of the japanese automaker said, ‘these prototypes epitomise nissan’s drive to expand its intelligent mobility strategy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and bladeglider is a perfect demonstration of that. it’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers.’

zero-emission driving with central driving position and two passenger seats behind

the debut of the ‘bladeglider’ prototypes forms part of nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles and new automotive technologies including autonomous drive systems and connectivity. the car manufacturer already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the ‘leaf’, and is pioneering intelligent mobility systems that will be deployed in a range of vehicles over coming years.

the rear form of the vehicle is is characterized by two elegant tail lamps

nissan’s vision was for an agile, efficient EV that would provide new dimensions of driving fun and excitement — a car that would ‘glide’, thanks to the near-silent performance of its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape. after two years of work on design, engineering and development, the ‘bladeglider’ has evolved further into an exciting, real-life study into the potential of advanced EV performance. the sporty electric vehicle epitomizes intelligent mobility, a philosophy to make its cars more exciting by redefining how they are driven, powered and then integrated into society.

rear-hinged dihedral doors enhance the dynamic aesthetics

the demonstration models feature an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability. high-waisted, rear-hinged dihedral doors provide a dramatic entry and exit to the cabin. the open roof of is reinforced with an integrated roll-over protection structure, providing the exhilaration of an open-topped race car with the safety of a coupé.

the intgrated roll-over protection structure implements safety

wheel-mounted controls for ‘bladeglider’s’ systems feed into an advanced display showing speed, state of battery charge, regeneration mode and torque map. flanking the central display are two screens, with the images of rear-view cameras mounted just behind the front wheels. an alternative to door-mounted mirrors, this dual screen design improves aerodynamic efficiency. the driver sits in a novel arrowhead formation slightly in front of two passengers, who enjoy extended legroom. the view for all occupants is panoramic, thanks to the seamless cockpit windscreen.

the driver sits in a novel arrowhead formation in front of two passengers

power is 100 percent electric, with exceptional powertrain performance delivered by nissan’s technical partner for the project, uk-based williams advanced engineering. maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190km/h, with 0-100km/h taking less than 5 seconds. the rear wheels’ drive is powered by two 130kw electric motors – one for each wheel. the system features torque vectoring, controlling the torque delivered to the driven wheels, improving handling even further. with torque vectoring, if the car starts to understeer, it automatically sends more torque to the outside wheel to restore the handling balance. the system has three settings — off, agile and drift mode. power is supplied by a high performance five module lithium-ion 220kw battery. bespoke cooling systems have been developed for both the battery and the motors.

rear wheels are separately driven by two 130kw electric motors

the interior of the ‘bladeglider’ reflects the vehicles’ sporting intentions, with four point safety harnesses for each occupant. the seats hug the sides and legs of the driver and passengers, offering exceptional support. the seats are trimmed in a highly tactile blend of fabric and epoxy resin coating, resulting in a tough and grippy material that has the effect of comfortably adhering occupants securely in place.

two screens surround the central display, showing rear-view cameras mounted behind the front wheels

there are two colour trims – cyber green and stealth orange. these colours are used for the upper portions of the seat back, and framed with a silver reflective material to create an eye-catching, sporty look. the base of the seats are in black, patterned material, with a band of green and orange trim framing the cushion.

stealth orange or cyber green is used for the upper portions of the seat back

two ‘bladegliders’ will be presented in rio de janeiro in august. one will be on static display in rio while the second will be offering dynamic rides.