Nissan Autonomously Drives, Sings & Demos Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

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Nissan made many annoucements and demonstrations at the Tokyo Motor Show. It demonstrated autonomous driving, introduced the IMx Concept vehicle and “Canto” singing sound for electric vehicles.

Autonomous Driving Tech Demo

Nissan today demonstrated a prototype of its most advanced autonomous driving technology, planned for real-world use from 2020, on public roads in Tokyo.

Nissan Motor Corp. tested the next-generation ProPILOT technology on a modified INFINITI Q50 sports sedan. The technology enables the vehicle to operate autonomously on urban roads and freeways, beginning when the driver selects a destination using the navigation system, until arrival.

The prototype’s artificial intelligence uses input from 12 sonars, 12 cameras, nine millimeter-wave radars, six laser scanners and a high-definition map to analyze complex scenarios in real time and navigate smoothly through challenging city conditions – such as crossing busy intersections. These hardware upgrades, along with software improvements, also ensure smooth transitions when encountering obstacles in the road. This results in a human-like driving feel that gives passengers.

Nissan IMx Concept with ProPILOT

The Nissan IMx is an all-electric crossover concept vehicle offering fully autonomous operation and a driving range of more than 600 kilometers (372 miles). The innovative concept vehicle provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan’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.

The primary goal in designing the IMx was to ensure that it appropriately expressed the pure, clean nature of electric vehicles. The front face of the IMx is highlighted by Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, which blends smoothly into the hood. The vehicle’s silhouette is defined by a roofline that flows smoothly from front to rear. The fluid surfaces and the absence of a gap between the hood and front windshield give the IMx its aerodynamic profile.

The distinctively shaped front fenders start from the edges of the V- motion grille and overlap the sporty side panels of the IMx in a layer-like fashion. This overlapping feature keeps the air flowing over the body panel constant, resulting in low drag, and expresses the lightweight character of electric vehicles.

The glass roof provides a sense of openness to the cabin, and its darker tone gives the sense that the roofline is lower than it actually is, enhancing the sporty, aerodynamic appearance. Also, the layered pearl- white body panels express lightness and agility. These simple graphics and details, based on functionality, provide an aesthetically pleasing contrast to the clean, flowing lines of the body and introduce a new design direction for electric vehicles.

At the core of the Nissan IMx concept vehicle is the evolution of ProPILOT. Already featured in the new Nissan LEAF, the system has been developed further to offer fully autonomous driving that requires no human intervention. The IMx explores the design direction of fully autonomous vehicles in the near future.

The IMx takes the ProPILOT technology offered on the new Nissan LEAF a step further, by offering fully autonomous driving with no human intervention.

With the newest autonomous and AI technologies, the driver can opt for fully autonomous driving by selecting ProPILOT Drive (PD mode). The system stows the steering wheel inside the dashboard and automatically reclines the front and rear seats, allowing the vehicle’s occupants to relax and enjoy their commute. The panoramic, curved display above the dashboard and the wood grain-patterned LCD display become a private entertainment center, allowing occupants to enjoy the scenery outside, watch a music video or even video chat with someone remotely, making full use of their time while traveling to their destination. When Manual Drive (MD mode) is selected, the steering wheel and seats return to their original positions, allowing the driver to take back control. The IMx offers the joy of driving and the pleasure of travel to both driver and passengers.

The Human Machine Interface of the IMx is very simple. The switch from PD mode to MD mode, and vice versa, can only be done by using the PD Commander, located on the center console and steering switch. The displays and infotainment system can be controlled by gestures and eye movements. Intuitive controls and a voice command system allow drivers to focus on driving, allowing them to access various information in a smart, easy and safe manner.

 

EV Expansion in 2020

Beginning in 2020, Nissan will introduce new, dedicated electric vehicle platforms as it expands its EV model lineup. These platforms will boast truly efficient packaging, with all the mechanical components taking up minimal space, which in turn allows for an extraordinarily large cabin designed to provide maximum comfort for the vehicle’s occupants. Despite the presence of a large-capacity battery, the IMx platform has a flat floor, resulting in a cavernous interior. Also, thanks to Nissan’s vast experience with the Nissan LEAF and other electric models, the IMx boasts the handling prowess of a high-performance car. The new platform’s highly rigid nature translates to an excellent on-road feel, while the low center of gravity enhances the vehicle’s dynamic qualities, giving it a sharper turning response and enhancing overall agility.

Powering the IMx is a pair of high-output electric motors placed at the front and rear of the vehicle, giving the vehicle all-wheel-drive capability. The motors combine to produce 320 kW of power and an astounding 700 Nm of torque, making the vehicle a powerful, yet quiet crossover. A new high-capacity battery, redesigned with increased energy density, results in a driving range of more than 600 kilometers on a single charge. This allows occupants to enjoy sporty driving without worrying about recharging the battery.

With the excellent, straight-line performance and unrivaled agility, the IMx delivers an elevated level of driving excitement for all who sit behind the wheel.

Becoming part of the social infrastructure: Nissan Intelligent Integration

Along with electrification and vehicle intelligence, to achieve sustainable mobility, it’s essential for cars to become part of the social infrastructure. The IMx was engineered to establish unrivaled convenience and social integration by combining autonomous technology with connected-car technology and leveraging the vehicle’s high-capacity batteries to create a new role for cars.

For example, the IMx has the ability to autonomously drive to the airport and park on its own, then pick up the owner when he or she returns from their trip. During that time, the IMx can perform tasks autonomously that were unimaginable until recently. The IMx’s battery can be charged wirelessly, without the need of a cable.

The IMx canThe IMx willautomatically share its power using vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to- building systems when it’s parked inside or near a building. It can also link to the local power grid. The high-capacity battery can then help stabilize electrical power frequency and act as a virtual power plant, contributing to the efficient use of renewable energy and energy management.

Bell Canto Sound of the Future

Not only did Nissan debut a new concept vehicle at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show — it also surprised the crowd with the introduction of “Canto,” the future sound of Nissan’s electrified vehicles.

“Canto” is derived from Latin for “I sing.” The sound varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating or backing up. The sound is activated at speeds of up to 20 to 30 kph, depending on marketplace requirements.

“Canto” is derived from Latin for “I sing.” The sound varies in tone and pitch depending on whether the vehicle is accelerating, decelerating or backing up. The sound is activated at speeds of up to 20 to 30 kph, depending on marketplace requirements.

 

https://youtu.be/pAtLfDToQBQ