Tokyo 2013: Nissan BladeGlider – set to soar, one day

A quick recap and some live photos of the Nissan BladeGlider concept that made its debut in Tokyo. The radical vehicle isn’t just something that’s set to remain a mere design study – the automaker says that mid-engine, rear wheel-drive concept is an exploratory prototype of an upcoming production vehicle.

With its narrow front and wide rear track, the BladeGlider’s profile resembles more “swept wing” aircraft than car from a top-down view. The 3-seater has the driver placed centre-forward, with passengers sitting at the longitudinal centre of gravity to maintain the car’s balance at all times. The centre-driving setting also enhances the driver’s sensatory experience, with a near-360 degree view.

 

The BladeGlider is powered by two in-board electric motors driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped with 285/35 tyres. The fronts, meanwhile, are skinny 100/80 profile units. The car’s lithium-ion battery modules are mounted low and towards the rear to enhance stability and handling.

When the BladeGlider matures into a production car, it could well be the first Nissan to utilise in-wheel motors – these will not only provide rear-wheel propulsion with independent motor management but also contribute to freedom of upper body design and aid more space-efficient packaging. Wonder if the series vehicle will look anywhere close to this.