Nissan’s New Mi EV Concept Has 380 Miles of Range
The Nissan IMs, unveiled today at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, is a new type of car – an "elevated sports sedan" that takes advantage of the packaging, platform and powertrain technology developed through Nissan Intelligent Mobility.
Closer to a sedan than a crossover, the IMs is defined by its pure electric-vehicle identity, with the battery located under the body, elevating cabin height. Its stretched interior space, a result of the vehicle's extended wheelbase, features unique "2+1+2" seating architecture with pivoting front seats and a rear seat that either offers three-across seating, or, once the slim rear outboard seats are folded, an indulgent "Premier Seat" in the rear center.
In autonomous driving mode, it features completely hands-free operation, whereas in manual driving mode, it delivers the high-performance driving experience of an advanced electric vehicle.
The IMs' electric powertrain consists of dual electric motors (front and rear) and a fast charging 115kWh battery that generates 483 horsepower (360 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Capable of traveling an estimated 380 miles on a single charge, the IMs is on the same playing field with its gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of range.
The powertrain utilizes an all-wheel-drive system. Thanks to an air suspension that adapts to different driving situations, the IMs provides a smooth ride and flat cornering characteristics.
In autonomous driving mode, the steering wheel retracts and the front seats pivot inward to face the innovative rear seating arrangement, characterized by the special "Premier Seat."
The IM has a glass roof, thin pillars, super-flush side glass and handle-less doors. The B-pillar-less design allows the rear doors to open rearward, creating an unobstructed view of, and access to, the cabin. With no traditional center console, the interior feels even more spacious at first glance, as well as when inside.
Completing the IMs' sense of duality is the advanced graphic user interface. In manual driving mode, the interface is both flexible for upgrades and simple in design, including a minimal number of switches and controls.
The interface's design and logic, combined with full autonomous driving technology, allows the driver to fully experience the performance provided by the IMs' all-wheel-drive electric powertrain.
The large instrument panel with four compact screens follows a horizontal information architecture that enhances the interior space. The layout has been fine-tuned to follow the natural movements of the eye. Directly in front of the driver, unobstructed by the retractable steering wheel, is a "layered" instrument cluster, in which the primary layer provides only critical information to let the driver focus on operating the vehicle without unnecessary distractions. The second layer offers additional information when needed.
Another key feature, the "interior sensing platform," uses sensors and cameras to monitor the driver's condition. It interprets facial expressions and body posture to determine if the driver is unable to continue driving. Active in both manual and autonomous drive modes, the platform will bring the IMs to a safe, controlled stop if the driver is incapacitated.
The opportunity to "see the invisible" is made possible with Omni-Sensing technology, recently announced by Nissan at the CES trade show. The IMs is connected to real-world sensing information, which is gathered and reflected from the virtual world, and displayed before the driver and passenger's eyes for a rich mixed-reality experience. People will also be able to connect with each other through the virtual world and Omni-Sensing.
For example, the technology can help drivers see the around corners, visualize precise information about traffic jams – including causes – and determine alternative routes for a stress-free journey. Drivers may even enjoy the company of a "passenger" from the virtual world in the form of a three-dimensional augmented-reality avatar inside the car.
Nissan IMs concept key dimensions and specifications
| Concept: | Hhigh-tech performance, all-wheel-drive electric vehicle concept with advanced proportions, packaging and design; 2 front, 1 rear "Premier Seat," 2 rear outboard seats |
| Nissan Intelligent Mobility features: | Dynamic EV acceleration; autonomous driving mode; "Invisible-to-Visible" augmented reality display with avatar |
| Drive configuration: | Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, dedicated electric vehicle platform with low battery pack positioning and elevated ride height |
| Powertrain: | Dual electric motors (front and rear) with 483 horsepower (360 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) torque |
| Battery: | 115 kWh battery with 380-mile estimated range |
| Wheels/Tires: | Unique 22 x 10-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with custom Michelin 255/40R22 performance tires |
| Suspension: | Air suspension that adapts to the road type and driving mode |
| Wheelbase: | 114 inches (2900 mm) |
| Length: | 190 inches (4845 mm) |
| Height: | 59 inches (1500 mm) |
| Width: | 74 inches (1900 mm) |
| Exterior: | Progressive proportions with sporty premium design; techno Vmotion lighting signature; deep door section, advanced aerodynamics with no front grille; B-pillar-less 4-door body with reverse-opening rear doors for easy interior access; super-thin roof structure and pillars; AD sensor integration; wing cameras; holographic-style rear tail lamps |
| Interior: | Premium lounge interior with "grand area;" Zero Gravity driver's command seat; unique "Premier Seat" with ottoman (rear center seating position); adaptive display and controller; super-thin instrument panel; retractable steering wheel; integrated and adaptive information display with two-layer floating screen; front seat inner rotation |
| Graphic user interface: | Seamless, simple graphic user interface; four compact screens with horizontal information architecture; customizable virtual- reality avatar |
