Nissan ESFLOW

MANILA, Philippines — The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show gave me a glimpse into what the future has in store for us when it comes to transportation, and things are indeed looking up. Automobile enthusiasts who value the joy of driving and are worried that motoring will become a dull endeavor because of the need to save fuel need not worry. It is true that the times are indeed changing. In fact, the shift toward alternative means of propulsion has already begun. But this doesn’t mean that the cars that we will be driving in the future won’t be any fun.

Japan is committed to manufacturing and will always be. With the emerging markets in China and India, there is a need for transportation to adapt to the changing global condition. With cars as an integral part of daily life, and with the number of car owners growing every day, it only makes sense that the automobile should evolve with the times. It is only natural that Japan takes the lead when it comes to addressing current problems and rethinking the role of cars within society.

Nissan presented its solutions during the show. Because it had one of the largest display stands, the attendees sure paid attention. And when CEO Carlos Ghosn took the stage, everybody listened to his forecasts. He stressed being prepared for anything, be it a natural disaster (like the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last year) or a financial crisis. He is also confident that zero-emission vehicles are viable, his proof being the Nissan Leaf which is selling well in First World markets. And of course, he also presented Nissan’s lineup of fantastic concept cars.

ESFLOW

This concept is an exercise in creating an electric vehicle that looks, handles, and performs like a sports car. Power is delivered to the rear wheels, with an electric motor on each side. The car’s lithium-ion batteries (like what are used on the Leaf) are mounted very low to aid in weight distribution. At full throttle the Esflow should be able to hit 100kph in under five seconds, and travel over 240kms on one full charge.

This car was designed to be a fully electric sports car. Its composite body and aluminum chassis (with an incorporated roll cage) work hand in hand to make every drive engaging. Both motors communicate with each other to ensure that torque is optimized should there be a loss of traction. The wraparound windshield provides an unobstructed view, similar to what is found on fighter jets. Driving up a mountain road can be done with ease, and during the drive down, regenerative braking will be used to harness the potential energy of gravity’s pull. The spirit of the Esflow concept was obviously inspired by the GT-R.

TOWNPOD

Here’s a cool concept targeted at entrepreneurs of the future. The Townpod comes with a single platform that can be tailored for the owner’s needs. This is its most important characteristic, as only its owners know what car best suits them. It is a light commercial vehicle with a long and flat floor, a sliding rear seat, and rear hinged doors. Hauling cargo, or using the Townpod as a utility van or delivery vehicle is possible with minimal fuss. Configuring it is as easy as pushing a button.

All of its navigation functions can be controlled through the use of the owner’s mobile phone, via Bluetooth. The Townpod is a do-it-all EV, but with graceful lines for aerodynamic efficiency.

PIVO 3

When the Pivo first appeared in 2005, it pushed the envelope of what a car could be. The rotating cabin of the first Pivo sparked the imagination, and the concept was a catalyst for the creation of even more concepts within Nissan.

The Pivo 3 is a more realistic version of the first Pivo. It now has electric motors in each wheel, and although the cabin no longer rotates, the Pivo 3’s four-wheel steering handles maneuvering in small spaces quite easily. Actually, the Pivo 3 can make a U-turn in a space that is only four meters wide, and its minimum turning radius is only two meters.

The plan is also for the Pivo 3 to park itself in specially equipped parking lots, and be summoned by the owner through his smart phone and GPS positioning. The Pivo 3 is also a full EV.

These concepts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Nissan has in store for us in the future. With cars like these over the horizon, it is safe to say that every need and want will be addressed. Car enthusiasts need not fret. If anything, cars of the future will have us smiling.