Nissan to Debut Smart Rearview Mirror at Geneva

by Eric Weiner of www.automobilenews.com

The ever-expanding range of new technology for cars will take one more step forward at the 2014 Geneva auto show, where Nissan will reveal its Smart rearview mirror. While we’ve seen technology such as auto-dimming rearview mirrors before, the Nissan Smart rearview mirror combines a traditional mirror with an integrated LCD monitor that projects an unobstructed view via a rear-mounted camera.

One of the major advantages of the new technology is that the camera offers a wide-angle view of the car’s rear without any obstructions or obfuscation. Like current rearview cameras, the system makes backing up or seeing to the rear no problem if there are tall rear passengers or luggage blocking the rear glass, or if the rear window is very small. The 1.3 megapixel camera also automatically compensates for glare or bright headlights.

Most importantly, users can switch between a traditional mirror and the LCD display (which are layered on top of one another) at the touch of a button. This functionality will ultimately eliminate the need for rear-view camera display to run through the center stack infotainment system. Consequently, it opens the possibility for Nissan to offer a rear-view camera without also needing to package in a costly navigation or infotainment display.

"Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions," said Nissan chief planning officer and executive vice president Andy Palmer in a statement. "It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because Smart rearview mirror is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We'll have the flexibility to create new shapes, and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency."

Nissan will utilize the new rear-camera technology in the ZEOD RC racer, which is scheduled to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. If the new Smart rearview mirror does make it possible for designers to create more aerodynamic shapes without the need for such a large rear glass, it could very well change the look of Nissan vehicles moving forward.

After Nissan introduces the Smart rearview mirror at the 2014 Geneva auto show, the automaker will make the technology available as a dealer option in the Japanese market beginning this spring. It will become available globally in 2015.

Source;

http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/geneva/2014/1402-nissan-debuts-smart-rearview-camera-2014-geneva/

Nissan Terra FCEV ConceptNissan Terra FCEV Crossover Previewed Ahead of Paris Motor Show Debut

Nissan Terra FCEV Crossover Previewed Ahead of Paris Motor Show Debut

by Ben Timmins of www.motortrend.com

Nissan has revealed details about a Paris Motor Show concept that combines the style of a Juke, the running gear from the Leaf and Pivo, and seats at least partially inspired by the McLaren F1. It's called the Terra, a fuel-cell-powered crossover.

Nissan is previewing the Terra before its Paris Motor Show reveal later this month, suggesting that it represents the next generation of Nissan fuel cell vehicles. The car, which is about 1-2 inches larger than the current Nissan Juke in every exterior dimension, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack, which generates electricity for a driveline essentially ripped straight from the battery-electric Nissan Leaf. But to give the Terra off-road (or all-weather) chops, Nissan installed an in-wheel motor in each of the rear wheels, making the Terra an all-wheel-drive vehicle. As with all in-wheel motor setups, giving the Terra torque vectoring - like what's offered in the all-wheel drive Juke -- is as simple as sending a little more electricityto an outside wheel motor in a corner.

Nissan also says that the in-wheel motors allow the Terra to have powered rear wheels with a completely flat floor. That flat floor should come in handy, as Nissan envisioned the Terra as something of an urban/suburban runabout, a car that can handle all-weather situations but isn't intended for true off-roading. Still, the flat floor and hatchback should make it easy to carry things like bikes or kayaks.

On the inside, the Terra is typical concept car flight of fancy, boasting both an unusual seating configuration and futuristic driver controls. The front seats are mounted front and center, while the rear seats face forward but are placed more outboard, allowing the passengers to have a unique - and largely unobstructed -- forward view. Instead of using keys or remotes, the Terra is controlled by an iPad-like tablet, which turns the car on when once driver docks it behind the steering wheel.

Conceptual touches aside, the Terra does represent some realistic strides towards commercializing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Nissan claims that its new hydrogen fuel cell setup costs some 83 percent less than before, mostly because engineers quartered the amount of precious metals used in the system. The in-wheel motors are updated versions of the ones already used on the Pivo concepts (there have been three so far).

Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/paris/2012/1209_2012_paris_nissan_terra_fcev_crossover/

Nissan planning to offer wireless charging for its upcoming EVs

Now, this sounds cool....
Not only is Nissan developing a wireless charging bay, it also hopes to one day let electric cars charge as they are driven over a series of plates installed into the surface of designated lanes on the roads and highways, The Guardian reports.

The wireless charging system borrows from the concept of inductive charging, similar to the electromagnetic field technology used to charge an electric toothbrush. Nissan’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) electric car is able to charge in a compatible parking bay without the use of wires. Referring to its plan to put plates on the road, Nissan says that it still doesn’t know the costs, the length of the designated lane, nor how long the car has to be on the lane for the battery to be recharged. David Bott, director of innovation programs at the Technology Strategy Board, said that what’s likely to happen is that at night the electric cars will be plugged while during the day, the cars will be using inductive recharging. Nissan’s ZEV is a five-seater family-sized car with a top speed of 90mph and a battery range of around 100 miles. It is set to go on sale in the US and Japan next year, before arriving in the UK and the rest of Europe by 2012. Pricing has not been announced yet.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/nissan-planning-to-offer-wireless-charging-for-its-upcoming-evs/