Back in 2013, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn expressed the automakers plans to have a fully autonomous car in its lineup BY 2020. The company has moved a step closer to their goal by unveiling the Nissan IDS concept during the recent Tokyo Auto Show.

The model reveals Nissan’s future design which carries along a cutting edge technology. Far from what many believed, this is not a preview of a second-generation Nissan Leaf. The automaker says it AI software will, in fact, communicate as if it’s an attentive partner; this is meant to improve the safety and comfort of driving.

The Nissan IDS concept whose initials stand for Intelligent Driving takes us to a whole new era of vehicles that learn and adapt to different road conditions and driving styles. The Nissan IDS features a Piloted Drive autonomous mode, whose software imitates the driver’s own style using information from
various sensors and cameras.

NISSAN IDS EXTERIOR
Driving range of EVs is directly dependant on the battery; however, the aerodynamics also plays an important role. In cognizant of this, Nissan has incorporated its most advanced aerodynamics technology in designing the Nissan IDS concept.

The IDS will be made of the full carbon-fiber body with a constrained height of 138 cm, tires are placed close to the corners of the body to maximize interior space as well as enable a wrap-around cabin design. It will ride on large-diameter wheels fitted with very thin 175-size tires in order to keep air and roll resistance down. Its grille features an icicle pattern ideal for an EV. Its grille pattern appears transparent and is shaped like a stack of ice blocks.


The vehicle further features various exterior displays and lights that communicate with pedestrians and the environment; they help signal its intentions. Its silver body is a LED referred to as Intention Indicator whose strip shines red when pedestrians are nearby signaling the car’s awareness of their presence. The instrument panel also features an electronic display that flashes messages to outsiders. With this
harmonious and natural system of communication, Nissan has taken us to a whole new future in the automobile industry.

NISSAN IDS INTERIOR
The automaker has a “together we ride’ phrase for its interior styling. As such, the interior comes in two designs to choose from. The driver can either choose a piloted Drive or Manual Drive. The hatchback interior accommodates 4 passengers but with the Piloted Drive mode on, the interior space expands even
further to create more room. When this mode is selected, the steering wheel recedes into the instrument panel and a large screen pops up in its place. The AI then takes over most of the driving-related operations with occasional input from the driver through gestures and voice commands.

The interior is excellently illuminated by LED light and its four seats can rotate inward to enable easier conversation which turns the cabin to a mini-living room. The interior will be upholstered in mesh leather and other quality material.


On the other hand, with the manual mode, the interior transforms and the driver takes control. All seats face forward and the steering wheel and other meters and displays reappear. Interior lighting also switches to blue. The automaker has used hollow-structure A-pillars which enhance visibility by reducing
blind spots. Switching between the Manual and Piloted Drive is done via a switch mounted between the front seats. This switch is the only physical control operable by the driver during Piloted Drive mode. Its Piloted Park feature will amuse many people; it involves parking your car via your Smartphone or
tablet. The vehicle will also feature wireless charging.

DRIVE-TRAIN
The automaker has a zero emission strategy which is centered on EVs. Nissan thus continues to pursue EV technologies like motors, batteries and inverters to help the company produce cars that match or surpass the conventional fuel-powered cars.

To signal a further advancement in this area, the IDS will be powered by a high-capacity 60 kWh battery with an estimated 200-mile driving range. Little information about this engine has been availed so keep it here for more information as soon as we have it.

PRICE AND RELEASE DATE
Since this is a concept car, there are no prices or release date. However, if the model goes to production, we will be the first to inform you, so keep checking this page.

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