Nissan jumps on hybrid bandwagon
'We'll make our own hybrid by 2010'
Nissan Pivo concept: electrically powered
In its "Green Programme 2010" initiative, which it announced earlier this week, the company said it'll develop powertrains that support the development of a so-called “three-litre car” -- a car that will travel 100 kilometres using three litres of petrol, about 80mpg. The company reckons it can do this by 2010.
How will it do that? Nissan said it'll "invest substantially in all aspects of electric vehicle technology", leading with the development of a hybrid
vehicle with a 2010 launch target. In 2007, Nissan is to introduce its first hybrid car – the US market Altima sedan – which uses a hybrid system developed by Toyota.
Yet only just over a year ago, Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn said that customers demand for hybrid cars was “anecdotal” and that he wasn't convinced people consumers actually wanted them as opposed to other types of more fuel-efficient cars.
Legislation is a primary driver. California's laws require carmakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent by 2020, and it's already sued six major carmakers over their products' emissions.
Meanwhile Japan is about to bring in the strictest fuel efficiency rules in the world. They mandate carmakers to cut consumption by 20 per cent from 2005 levels by 2016.
Demand for these things -- which are fuel-efficient only at the point of use, not when it comes to the supply and manufacturing chain, according to at least one report -- is coming from the USA, where fuel efficiency is all the rage.
And Nissan still has some catching up to do in this department. Let's hope it doesn't distract the company from building on some of the great sports cars it's made over the years.
I must say though that as an example of a fuel efficient vehicle, the podded thingy in the picture does appear to present some fundamental aerodynamic challenges, not to mention the power wasted when the occupants decide to face sideways or backwards.
Which is of course the entire folly of the "eco car". All cars pollute more during manufacture than they ever do during use, therefore a truly eco friendly car is an old one carefully maintained & refurbished as required. But don't expect to see that in Government policy as it doesn't put big bucks in the pockets of multi-national corporations. Want an eco-friendly sports car? by a restored E-type.
Some years ago (digging deep into memory here so I stand to be corrected) British Leyland - told you it was long ago - did a study & found they produced 250 tons of rubbish for every car they produced (didn't say if they included the 1 ton car in that - tee hee). I don't suppost it's a lot different today if you include all the coffee cups, printed memos, advetising blurb, packaging etc.
I must say though that as an example of a fuel efficient vehicle, the podded thingy in the picture does appear to present some fundamental aerodynamic challenges, not to mention the power wasted when the occupants decide to face sideways or backwards.
You could use the swivelling 'Occupant pod' for many different things. I'm just not sure what they are yet.
Any suggestions?
I must say though that as an example of a fuel efficient vehicle, the podded thingy in the picture does appear to present some fundamental aerodynamic challenges, not to mention the power wasted when the occupants decide to face sideways or backwards.
You could use the swivelling 'Occupant pod' for many different things. I'm just not sure what they are yet.
Any suggestions?
Admiring the well styled cars next to you at traffic lights, seconds prior to them blowing you into the weeds when the flag drops.
I must say though that as an example of a fuel efficient vehicle, the podded thingy in the picture does appear to present some fundamental aerodynamic challenges, not to mention the power wasted when the occupants decide to face sideways or backwards.
You could use the swivelling 'Occupant pod' for many different things. I'm just not sure what they are yet.
Any suggestions?
Admiring the well styled cars next to you at traffic lights, seconds prior to them blowing you into the weeds when the flag drops.
I can just see it:
Maybe these cars are robotic (being Japanese) and as the car makes its own way along, the pod thingy just revolves slowly around giving you a sort of panoramic view of the traffic jam you're in (have you seen the grid lock in Tokyo?)
Or am i just talking bollox?
www.gizmag.com/go/4683/
www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4032/gallery/
Bat-mobile anyone?
www.gizmag.co.uk/go/4032/gallery/
Bat-mobile anyone?
Have you been living under a rock for the past few years? How can you not have heard of the Maybach Excelero?
It's even in Jay Zs new music video for god sakes along with just about every car show and magazine since it was released.
I must say though that as an example of a fuel efficient vehicle, the podded thingy in the picture does appear to present some fundamental aerodynamic challenges, not to mention the power wasted when the occupants decide to face sideways or backwards.
You could use the swivelling 'Occupant pod' for many different things. I'm just not sure what they are yet.
Any suggestions?
Yeah How about..... Giant Tombola or Extra Large Bingo Balls Jiggler!!
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