Nissan is going to unveil its new Mixim Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The Mixim is a fully electric vehicle that is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery pack that drives two electric "Super Motors".
Nissan describes the Mixim as a vehicle for people that are addicted to their computers and the internet.
The car features gullwing doors and 1+2 seating. The two electric motors drive each axle independently, so essentially the electric vehicle is also an AWD vehicle. The concept is almost twelve feet long, six feet wide and four and a half feet tall. In addition to its "different" styling and packaging, the Mixim also features full internet access and an interior that is designed for gamers.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Mixim Concept Car
The Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers.
Powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor' electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive.
Mixim takes the most up-to-date electric vehicle (EV) technology and clothes it in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance unexpected from an electric vehicle.
Diamond-shaped styling cues feature inside and out, notably on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the front LED driving lights, while an upper triangular side window links the gentle slope of the roof with the dramatic angular slash that runs through the centre of the doors. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk area behind the three seats. An occasional fourth seat is also housed behind the front seat module.
Sitting on a 2530mm wheelbase, Mixim is 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high, the Mixim is shorter and lower than Micra, though slightly wider. It weighs just 950kg.
Despite being a concept car with no guarantee of being turned into a series production model, Mixim's development is in line with the Nissan Green Program, the company's publicly stated desire to create a more sustainable mobile society.
Throughout the show, the Mixim will be driving from a low stage via a ramp to an elevated display platform on the Nissan stand.
Comments (25)
Well, if Honda won't build a true CRX, maybe Nissan will.
Posted by Payton Byrd | August 30, 2007 12:21 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 12:21
Ok, I'll take one. Now all Nissan has to do is actually make it.
Posted by Suijin | August 30, 2007 1:07 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 13:07
Its ugly but I do like a few of the designs/features
Posted by Scott | August 30, 2007 1:33 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 13:33
It definitely has an out of the box design to it. It looks like something from the future. With one of these cars you probably wouldn't have a problem locating your car in a Walmart parking lot.
Posted by CS | August 30, 2007 2:18 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 14:18
Testosterone-riddled neo post-pubescent boys will be saving up their minimum-wage paychecks for this one. Where else can you be the starship captain, with a crew of two behind you? Personally, it looks like it would be hard to see outside. No matter, we'll just blast our way through the traffic! Any bets on high the insurance rates would be with this car if it goes into production?
Posted by NoCaDrummer | August 30, 2007 2:24 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 14:24
zOMG it's like they hacked my brain and stole some of the design concepts for my dream car. 3seater center driver config, 2door hatchback, lambo doors (although hopefully they use a more traditional and functional door swing for the final product), dual electric all-wheel-drive... *drool*.
It needs better visibility and uh... crash support? It doesn't look like there is anything to stop it from folding in half and squishing the driver. Also... hybrid, fuel cell, solar panels? You could tuck a small fuel cell in there somewhere to give more range along with photo-voltaic film to make sure you don't get stranded somewhere.
I just hope it's not too expensive if they ever do make one. A nice base model perhaps?
Posted by Flasher702 | August 30, 2007 3:13 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 15:13
I agree with Flasher702. my dream car is a 3 seater electric. when you drive and sit center that's a great view.
I'd buy it if it was $30,000 or so(US dollars).
sweet!
Posted by tk | August 30, 2007 5:50 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 17:50
I'm a gamer, and I think this is an unattractive, idiotic, and limited design. A true hybrid would be better, something that still drives the wheels exclusively with the electric motor(s), but has the capability to charge the battery while driving. Think GM's Volt concept. Much better range and no down time required.
Further, why would you intentionally deprive yourself of an additional seat? Its wasted space. Hardly green to waste space. If you want to be in front alone, in control, and fast, buy a motorcycle. Did I mention they get good fuel economy?
Posted by Alexvrb | August 30, 2007 6:11 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 18:11
I play games but there is no way in hell I'd ever buy this.
Posted by Bobdole | August 30, 2007 7:14 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 19:14
If it had some guns mounted on it I might buy it.
Posted by dave | August 30, 2007 7:50 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 19:50
Yeah, it would have to be <$30k for me to seriously consider buying it either.
@Alexvrb
I uh... don't think you really looked at the seat config. There's no room for any more seats in that car. The car is small. It's putting 3 seats in the same amount of space that a normal config would only have 2 seats. That's 50% more seating than a 2seater and 60% as much seating as a compact 2door 5seater while still being a smaller car AND giving huge leg room to everyone AND not infringing on trunk space AND giving the best possible view to the driver. Also, it's potentially 3 bucket seats, no benches. You've been driving 1950s era designed cars too long, think outside the box a bit.
Posted by Flasher702 | August 30, 2007 8:58 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 20:58
those kite shapes on the door and bumpers are sweet. They remind me of....
just kidding they're lame.
Posted by yoga | August 30, 2007 9:44 PM
Posted on August 30, 2007 21:44
Now that is one UGLY car. I hope they get the styling department to fix it before it starts to ship. Ugly, ugly, ugly.
Posted by QEFX | August 31, 2007 2:15 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 02:15
One word "Horrible"
Posted by EdTam | August 31, 2007 5:06 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 05:06
Where are the cup holders? Where are you supposed to put your laptop?
Posted by Deathsman | August 31, 2007 6:16 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 06:16
I like the interior, the dashboard looks great... but the outside... is really awfull, but if they can change it's appearence, than i believe it will be a different aproach to the auto industry... u got to inovate... :P
Posted by V3ctorPT | August 31, 2007 7:55 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 07:55
You guys do know what a *concept* car is, right? They make them look like the most hideously futuristic thing possible, then they seen how far they need to dull it down to get a good balance between 'new looking' and 'fugly'. As for crash safety, again this is something of NO concern in a concept. These things will never see the street.
Posted by joebob | August 31, 2007 10:28 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 10:28
I am not young or a game player (unless you count my inner child and he is demanding one). I think it is really cool. I think one could fit a (or two?) fuel cell in it to extend the range. I really like the styling. If they decide to make it, I hope it is not too far from the original design. I would buy one for about $20,000.00.
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | August 31, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:06
I like it. Especially that it is fully electric and not hybrid. We need to get off of our gasoline addiction all together.
I live in AZ. If I put solar cells on this thing it would never need recharging given the few miles I usually drive and all the sun here. 3 spaces is more than enough for me too. I just have 1 kid. Also nearly all the cars on the road only have one person in.
So all you guys complaining about the looks..
Would you rather have yet another boring-looking conventional-shape thing on the road or this?
Posted by Niz | August 31, 2007 11:17 AM
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:17
Judging by the roof line, it doesn't look as though the passengers will have any head-room.
Posted by jake | August 31, 2007 1:12 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 13:12
Does anyone else wonder why this electric vehicle needs air intakes?
Posted by Intakes | August 31, 2007 1:59 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 13:59
Air intakes are for the electric motor to cool down, to provide air to the passengers and keep the batteries from over heating.
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | August 31, 2007 2:26 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 14:26
@Intakes:
Electric motors generate heat, too.
Posted by Payton Byrd | August 31, 2007 5:20 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 17:20
Intakes: Think of them as "speed holes" (old Simpsons reference).
Flasher: If it was a hair bigger in the front it would be a 4 seater no problem. That's NOT why they centrally located the driver seat. They did it because that's how you generally play games, front-and-center and in control. It has little do to with optimal space usage, because a very slightly different config would do two front buckets just like the back. But that would ruin their concept.
"It's putting 3 seats in the same amount of space that a normal config would only have 2 seats."
What? If it was strictly a 2-seater it could be even smaller, because you could yank out the front seat, keep two buckets, and shrink it further. However that is again ruining the purpose, which I understand is central driver placement. I just happen to think that central driver placement is ridiculous.
As others have said though, its just a concept. But we're allowed to judge concepts, too. I've seen some really good concepts, and I've seen a lot of bad ones. This one is radical, and mostly terrible.
Posted by Alexvrb | August 31, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on August 31, 2007 18:42
Very interesting. Better make it plain rear wheel drive. Make the batteries regenerate during braking and through solar panels, and you got the perfect city car.
Posted by Pakos M | September 11, 2007 4:18 AM
Posted on September 11, 2007 04:18