Nissan Motor Co., Ltd unveiled the working prototype of its cutting-edge BladeGlider vehicle, a zero-emissions high-performance 3-seater EV or Electric Vehicle.
As we all know, Nissan already sells the world’s highest-volume zero-emission car, the family-friendly LEAF, and with the BladeGlider they want to show the performance capabilities of their EVs. Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer, NissanNissan Motor Co., Ltd., said: “It’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers.”
The name comes from the car’s nature to ‘glide’, thanks to the near-silent performance of its electric powertrain and aerodynamic shape. The demo models feature an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability. Although, I must say that having a narrow front track is is opposite to the current philosophy of having a larger front track especially in performance vehicles.
The high-waisted, rear-hinged dihedral doors provide a dramatic entry and exit to the cabin. The open roof of BladeGlider is reinforced with an integrated roll-over protection structure, providing the ambiance of an open-topped race car with the safety of a coupé.
The BladeGlider’s wheel-mounted control 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 the aerodynamic efficiency of BladeGlider. The driver sits in 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.
Power is 100 percent electric, and the powertain has been sourced from UK-based Williams Advanced Engineering. Maximum speed of the demo models is in excess of 190km/h, with 0-100km/h taking less than 5 seconds. The rear wheels’ drive is provided by two 130kW electric motors – one for each wheel. Power is supplied by a high performance five module lithium-ion 220kWh battery and bespoke cooling systems have been developed for both the battery and the motors.
The system features 911-style torque vectoring, which improves handling by automatically sends more torque to the outside wheel to restore the handling balance. The torque vectoring systems has three settings: off, agile and drift mode, which is new for this kind of system.
The interior of the BladeGlider comes equipped with 4-point safety harnesses for each occupant and the seats are trimmed in a blend of fabric and epoxy resin coating, that is designed to be resilient and grippy.
There are two colour trims – Cyber Green and Stealth Orange – which go on the upper portions of the seat back, and framed with a silver reflective material. The base of the seats are in black, patterned material, with a band of green and orange trim framing the cushion.
Two BladeGliders are on display in Rio de Janeiro. One will be on static display in Rio while the second will be offering dynamic rides to media and VIPs.
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BladeGlider Specifications |
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Top speed |
>190km/h (115mph)* |
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Acceleration 0-100km/h (62mph) |
< 5 seconds* |
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Power |
200kW (268hp) |
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707Nm |
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Weight |
1300kg |
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Length |
4300mm |
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Width |
1850mm |
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Height |
1300mm |
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Wheelbase |
2800mm |
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