Nissan reveals BladeGlider prototype

In conjunction with the Olympics, Nissan has unveiled the working prototype of its futuristic BladeGlider vehicle, combining zero emissions with high-performance.

Nissan brought several BladeGlider vehicles, developed from concept cars first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2013, to the Olympic Games in Rio. Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s president and chief executive — and himself also a Brazilian — said: “Nissan believes enthusiasts should look forward to a zero-emission future and BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It’s the electric vehicle for car-lovers.”The demonstration models feature an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability.It has “high-waisted”, rear-hinged dihedral doors and the open roof is reinforced with an integrated roll-over protection structure. The company claims this provides the exhilaration of an open-topped race car with the safety of a coupé.

Power is 100% electric and the maximum speed of the demonstration models is in excess of 190km/h, with 0-100km/h taking less than five seconds. The rear-wheel drive system is provided by two 130kW electric motors - one for each wheel. Power is supplied by a five module lithium-ion 220kW battery.