Nissan's new concept car 'feels like flying' (w/ Video)
October 8, 2009
An employee of Japan's auto giant Nissan demonstrates the new concept vehicle, the "Land Glider", a tandem-ride ultra light-weight electric vehicle with a narrow body at the company's design center at Atsugi city in Kanagawa prefecture, suburban Tokyo. The car shifts its centre of gravity whilst turning by leaning like a motorcycle.
Nissan unveiled Thursday a futuristic concept car that tilts to the side when going around bends to make drivers feel like they are gliding through the air.
The zero-emission electric "Land Glider" seats two people -- one in the front and one in the back.
Just 1.1 metres (3.6 feet) wide, it can easily squeeze into tight parking spaces and through narrow streets.
"In the past a car used to move only in a two dimensional way but the Land Glider can move in a three dimensional way," said Nissan's Ryusuke Hayashi, who is overseeing the project.
"Although you are driving on the road, you feel as if you are flying," he said at a preview of the car.
Inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft, the four-wheel car has tilting wheels and moving fenders that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees. Special sensors calculate the best tilt for negotiating a corner.
Instead of a steering wheel, it has airplane-style controls. With a cocoon-like cabin and a body designed to look like it is protected with armour, the Land Glider also aims to give motorists a sense of security.
The vehicle will be on display at this month's Tokyo Motor Show -- which opens to the public from October 24 to November 4 -- along with the electric Leaf that Nissan plans to launch late next year.
Japan's number three automaker will also display a chunky concept sports crossover, Qazana, that looks halfway between a tank and a beach buggy and aims to put some of the fun back into driving.
(c) 2009 AFP
Oct 06, 2009 |
not rated yet |
0
As a racing enthusiast, I think this could be made to work; it gives a bit more of the stability that four wheels offers with the agility of two wheels; the way the sporting rules are going, i'm wondering if somebody tries this!? The four wheels and the electronics obviously adds the weight two wheels doesn't; but, with increasing materials abilities and smaller electronics, who knows, maybe we could see this out on the racetracks sooner than later!
-Pretty much the same concept-
http://www.atvsty...r-review
The sideways forces generated when cornering are painful if you have lumbar support issues, and this would nicely solve that problem.
Does it know to tilt less during slow turns or will it toss you out of your seat? Neat concept but I'll bet it costs a fortune to make it work properly. Why not just buy a motorcycle or, even better, a lightweight airplane that can ACTUALLY fly?