Nissan has already confirmed that it’s working on a new electric SUV and now we have our first preview with the debut of the Nissan IMx concept, which is debuting this week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The IMx concept features a fully electric powertrain that can travel up to 372 miles on a single charge – much further than the new Nissan Leaf.
While the IMx concept will easily grab your attention with its long driving range, Nissan also says that the concept “provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan’s approach to changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated with society.” The IMx concept is a fully autonomous concept that uses a future version of ProPILOT. When ProPILOT drive mode is selected, the system stows the steering wheel inside the dashboard and reclines all seats, giving the driver more space to relax. When Manual drive mode is selected, the vehicle returns the steering wheel and seats to their original position.
The IMx concept is based on a new EV platform with a pair of high-output electric motors at the front and rear, giving it all-wheel-drive capability. They combine to produce 429 horsepower and an 516 lb-ft. of torque.
While the IMx concept has the ability to drive autonomously while the driver and passengers are in the vehicle, it can also drive on its own without any passengers inside. For example once the driver gets to a destination, the IMx can park itself in a spot. It can also find a spot to connect to the local power grid and act as a “virtual” power plant by returning electricity to the grid, an extension of its vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-building features. Once the owner is ready to leave, the IMx can pick them up and drive home.
When the driver is at the wheel, artificial intelligence enables the driver to control the instrument panel with eye movements and hand gestures.
Source: Nissan
