Nissan IMs Concept Re-Imagines Sedan As An Electric Crossover To Save It From Extinction


Sedans are increasingly threatened by crossovers, so Nissan has decided to combine the two body styles. The result is the IMs concept which has been unveiled in Detroit.


Billed as an “elevated sports sedan,” the IMs is a stylish electric crossover with sedan-like proportions. This makes the model relatively unique and it’s far more attractive than previous sedan-crossover mashups such as the Volvo S60 Cross Country.


A large part of this is due to clever design as the IMs has a mix of sharp lines and gently flowing surfaces. The front of the concept is dominated by a non-traditional ‘grille’ which is flanked by stylish lighting units and squared off vertical fins.


While the front isn’t the concept’s best angle, things get better as you move further back. Aft of the hood is a rakish windscreen and a sporty roof which is somewhat reminiscent of the 2019 Maxima. The concept also has a dynamic greenhouse, stylish bodywork and 22-inch wheels that are wrapped in high-performance rubber.


Despite appearances, the concept lacks a B-pillar and has suicide rear doors for easier entry and egress. Other notable features include hidden door handles, holographic taillights and a smoked glass roof with a gold geometric pattern.


The futuristic design continues in the cabin as drivers sit behind a compact steering wheel and find themselves looking at a digital instrument cluster. On either side are additional displays. The one of the left shows the time, temperature and remaining range, while the one of the right appears to serve double duty as an infotainment system and an entertainment system for the front passenger.


Another unique feature is the concept’s so-called “premier seat.” It’s a lounge-like chair that is created folding the two outer seat backs down.


On the performance front, the IMs has a 115 kWh battery that powers two electric motors. This gives the concept all-wheel drive as well as a combined output of 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque. Nissan declined to say how fast the IMs can accelerate, but the automaker said drivers can expect to travel approximately 380 miles (611 km) on a single charge.


While sport sedans are aimed enthusiasts who enjoy driving, the IMs has a fully autonomous driving mode. When the mode is selected, the steering wheel retracts to make the driver more comfortable. The concept’s head- and taillights also turn blue and a light “travels continuously from front-to-rear to notify pedestrians and other drivers of its autonomous status.”


Sticking with the technology theme, Nissan says the concept has their new Invisible-to-Visible technology that debuted at CES earlier this month. It allows drivers to see around corners, visualize upcoming traffic jams and even travel with digital companion in the form of a three-dimensional augmented-reality avatar.

carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more