With the Tokyo Motor Show underway, we expected to see some of the latest additions and upgrades in the auto industry, but we weren't prepared for Nissan's newest IMx concept.
The Nissan IMx concept is a fully electric crossover, and it's set to hit the market as early as 2020.
It'll first start out as an electric vehicle on the new EV platform, then reemerge with fully autonomous driving functionality just two short years later.
Nissan sources say that it's engineered to offer a driving range of 372 miles when fully charged, which is over double the Leaf's current range of 150 miles. The IMx has two electric motors—one on each axle—that enable all-wheel drive and render a combined 430 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
A high-capacity battery is also included, and Nissan said that it could be capable of wireless recharging.
When it comes to the autonomous driving aspect, Nissan plans to implement the IMx with its pioneering ProPilot technology. This innovation lets you choose between a fully autonomous or manual driving mode, which lets the driver control the car.
The 2018 Rogue, when equipped with the Premium Package, is actually the first Nissan model to receive a version of this engineering, ProPilot Assist. Its purpose is to simply help make driving easier, however, not provide autonomous driving.
So, how does autonomous driving even work? The Nissan IMx emits a 360-degree sensor field that is made possible by the integration of 12 cameras, six laser scanners, nine radar sensors and 16 sonar sensors.
These sensors contain the intelligence to identify a number of objects, including pedestrians, cars, traffic lights and parking spaces. Other drivers and passersby will be able to know when the Nissan IMx is operating in autonomous mode by the illumination of blue lights that wrap around the edge of the roof.
It creates intelligent mobility unheard of in mass produced cars.
This crossover concept vehicle is all about futuristic design, with elements such as suicide doors and winged seats as main attractions. Its fastback silhouette is adorned with elongated headlights and taillights, sharp lines and front and rear vents. When engaged in autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts and the seats recline to create a comfortable interior for all riders.
An interactive OLED panoramic instrument panel spans the cabin, while hand gestures and eye movements—in place of buttons and knobs—let you navigate numerous vehicle functions.
Don't be fooled, though. While labeled as a future version of a concept car, the IMx's program design director, Taisuke Nakamura, said, "This is not a dream concept car. This is something that can be realized in the near future."
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