Futuristic EV Heads List of Nissan’s Tokyo Debuts

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan spreads its wings with the release of the first images of its BladeGlider concept, a futuristic electric vehicle that looks like a bird and seats three people: the driver up front and center, flanked by two passengers in the rear.

The Tokyo Motor Show concept is powered by a pair of in-wheel motors at the rear, each fueled by a lithium-ion battery.

Nissan says the concept is a “prototype of an upcoming production vehicle that demonstrates the innovation and excitement of the Nissan brand and Nissan's leadership in zero-emissions mobility.”

Also headed for the Tokyo show is the DAYZ Roox, the second model in Nissan’s DAYZ minicar series. The boxy little car, equipped with the automaker’s around-view monitor and featuring automatic sliding doors, is scheduled to go on sale in early 2014.

A remodeled Teana also will bow. It is powered by a new 2.5L QR engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and will hit the Japan market by March. The Teana features the latest in Nissan safety technology, including an around-view monitor with moving-object detection, active trace control and blindspot and lane-departure warning systems.

The Elgrand 250 makes its debut, as well, targeted for domestic sale in January. The Highway Star Premium version of Nissan’s popular minivan features a new front fascia, more luxurious interior and an array of advanced safety features, including around-view monitor and active adaptive front lighting.

A slightly upgraded Note also will debut at the show. It gets Nissan’s around-view monitor with moving-object detection, along with brake-assist and lane-departure warning systems. Sales launch in December.

The best-selling Serena minivan gets some exterior tweaks and adds advanced safety technologies, including brake-assist and lane-departure warning.