Nissan's new creation has everything you can ask for in a concept: a high-performance electric powertrain, augmented reality, autonomous capability, and a wild design.
Debuting at the Detroit auto show, the Nissan IMs concept is neither a sedan nor a crossover, although Nissan says it's closer to the former. Nissan calls it an "elevated sports sedan." It has unusual proportions, and since there is no B-pillar, it has reverse-opening rear doors that make it easier to enter. The flush lighting, invisible door handles, and wing cameras replacing traditional outside mirrors contribute to a low drag coefficient.
Debuting at the Detroit auto show, the Nissan IMs concept is neither a sedan nor a crossover, although Nissan says it's closer to the former. Nissan calls it an "elevated sports sedan." It has unusual proportions, and since there is no B-pillar, it has reverse-opening rear doors that make it easier to enter. The flush lighting, invisible door handles, and wing cameras replacing traditional outside mirrors contribute to a low drag coefficient.
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Although it's not immediately apparent, Nissan has given the concept a lunar theme, saying the roofline is inspired by the shape of the moon. Gold-colored accents on the roof rails hints at "the ring of moonlight created by an eclipse." The model receives a paint job that evokes an imaginary material on the moon, according to Nissan. Inside, dark fabrics set apart with light streaks are meant to suggest moonlight and shadow.
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On its glass roof, a geometric graphic pattern inspired by the traditional Japanese Asanoha pattern is printed in gold. Other standout details on the exterior include 22-inch wheels, super flush side windows, and holographic-style rear tail lamps.
If it weren't just a concept, drivers could choose whether to put the car in manual or autonomous mode. When in autonomous mode, blinking blue lights notify the outside world of its autonomous status. The interior has also been outfitted accordingly. The steering wheel retracts in autonomous mode, and the front seats pivot to face the rear seats for a living room-style effect. There's no center console to get in the way of the open seating area. Rear seating is reconfigurable. There are three seats, but the rear outboard seats can be folded to reveal one "Premier" center seat.
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Inside the cabin, drivers will encounter a large screen with multiple layers. Sensors and cameras monitor a driver's facial expressions and body posture to determine if he or she is fit to drive. If the car senses the driver is not capable of operating the vehicle, the IMs will bring itself to a safe stop. The model also features Nissan's "Invisible-to-Visible" technology first seen at CES. This augmented reality technology helps drivers see around corners, visualize traffic jam information, and even welcome a "passenger" from the virtual world.
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Under the sheetmetal, the Nissan IMs concept carries two electric motors, one at the front and another at the rear for a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup. With the help of a 115-kilowatt-hour battery, the system makes 483 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated at a healthy 380 miles. To improve the ride, the model is equipped with an air suspension.
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