nissan presents IMx zero emission self driving concept car at tokyo motor show

nissan’s ‘IMx’ is an all-electric crossover concept vehicle offering fully autonomous operation and a driving range of more than 600 kilometres (373 miles). unveiled at the 45th tokyo motor show, the innovative concept provides a glimpse into the future of nissan intelligent mobility, the japanese-automaker’s approach to changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated with society. it’s designed to strengthen the link between car and driver as a close, reliable partner that delivers a safer, more convenient and more enjoyable drive

all images © nissan 

nissan’s ‘IMx’ features a future version of ‘propilot’ at its core, that offers fully autonomous operation. when this drive mode is selected, the system stows the steering wheel inside the dashboard and reclines all seats, giving the driver more space and allowing the vehicle’s occupants to relax and enjoy their commute. when manual drive mode is selected, the vehicle returns the steering wheel and seats to their original position, seamlessly transferring control back to the driver.

the ‘IMx’ concept is propelled by a pair of high-output electric motors at the front and rear, giving it all-wheel-drive capability. they combine to produce 320 kW of power and an astounding 700 Nm of torque, sourced from a high-capacity battery which has been redesigned and re-engineered for increased energy density. this new battery supports a driving range of more than 600 km on a single charge, so occupants can enjoy an extended adventure without worrying about recharging.

after transporting its owner to the airport, the vehicle can park itself in a spot where the it can connect to the local power grid and act as a ‘virtual’ power plant by returning electricity to the grid, an extension of its vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-building features. once the owner returns, the car picks them up at the terminal and drive home. the whole process is carried out efficiently, with increased battery capacity and connected-car technologies, including seamless autonomous mobility.

the vehicle’s interior adheres to the basic concept of space that can be found in a traditional japanese house, suggesting a sense of openness. a panoramic oLED instrument panel displays a view of the external environment in the background. a separate, wood grain-patterned display, positioned below the instrument panel and wrapping around the interior door trims, gives occupants a subtle sense of the outside, similar to a shoji, a traditional japanese paper screen. the katanagare diagonal-pattern on the seats has been delicately etched with a laser cutter. the head rest – patterned like kumiki, a japanese interlocking wood puzzle – is made from silicon-material cushioning and a frame produced by a 3D printer.

artificial intelligence enables the driver to control the instrument panel with eye movements and hand gestures. this intuitive interface results in fewer physical controls and switches, making the cabin of the imx simple yet highly efficient and adding to its supreme comfort.