11/9/10

2007 Nissan Mixim Concept

Cars Mania Blog
Auto Car | 2007 Nissan Mixim Concept | The Mixim concept car is a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers. Powered by Nissan's 'Super Motor' electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries, Mixim has unusually rapid performance combined with a usefully extended range. One Super Motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle, giving Mixim all-wheel drive.

Mixim takes the most up-to-date electric vehicle (EV) technology and clothes it in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape. Its wraparound windscreen, inspired by the visor of a crash helmet, dominates the profile while the swept back windscreen, flowing roofline and sharply truncated rear hints at sporting performance unexpected from an electric vehicle. Diamond-shaped styling cues feature inside and out, notably on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the front LED driving lights, while an upper triangular side window links the gentle slope of the roof with the dramatic angular slash that runs through the centre of the doors. The rear hatch opens to reveal a large trunk area behind the three seats.

An occasional fourth seat is also housed behind the front seat module. Sitting on a 2530mm wheelbase, Mixim is 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high, the Mixim is shorter and lower than Micra, though slightly wider. It weighs just 950kgs. Despite being a concept car with no guarantee of being turned into a series production model, Mixim's development is in line with the Nissan Green Program, the company's publicly stated desire to create a more sustainable mobile society. Throughout the show, the Mixim will be driving from a low stage via a ramp to an elevated display platform on the Nissan stand.

t’s the technology beneath the car’s bodywork, however, that really sets this Nissan apart. The Mixim has two electric motors, one for the front and another for the rear.

The Japanese firm has modified each motor’s design to have twin out-put shafts which can operate independently of each other. So, as with other combustion engine-powered four-wheel-drive cars, when one wheel is spinning needlessly, power to it can be automatically cut without affecting the other wheels.

When combined, the two motors kick out an impressive 100kW – that’s equivalent to 134bhp from a petrol engine. However, basic numbers simply don’t do this car justice. There’s plenty of urge when you press the throttle. And because electric engines deliver all their torque at the same time, the newcomer’s acceleration from standstill is pretty strong, with an estimated 0-60mph sprint time of just under 10.5 seconds.

Helping the performance figures is the fact that the Mixim tips the scales at a featherweight 950kg, which not only improves straight-line speed, but braking ability, too. Of course, because this car is electric, there’s no sound apart from a milk float-like whirr. But that’s in perfect keeping with the amazing interior.

Source : www.autofans.us

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