The 2010 Geneva Motor Show has been a showcase for the green cars of tomorrow – but few are as technically astounding as Nissan Infiniti’s new M35 Hybrid.

The vehicle uses an original parallel one motor/two clutch hybrid system along with a 3.5litre V6 engine, a 50kW electric motor and a seven-speed transmission.

According to Owen Thunes, the senior project engineer for Electric, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Vehicles at the Nissan Technical Centre, the vehicle will be able to deliver fuel economy similar to that of a compact car while also significantly improving fuel efficiency in highway mode when compared to conventional systems.

Nissan has opted for a design that sees the first clutch installed between the 3.5litre engine and the electric motor. It allows full decoupling of the V6 when the system is in either electric or power regeneration mode, and so reduces mechanical drag and boosts efficiency. According to Thunes, the system was chosen after a thorough modelling comparison on a range of hybrid systems while focusing on fuel consumption and acceleration. Nissan found that on a V8 5.6litre system the two variants of the parallel system – a 7AT one motor-two clutch and a 7AT two motor-two clutch – were able to outperform all the other systems. The study also found that the one motor parallel system had the most attractive cost structure.

However, to implement the system, Nissan had to develop an integrated control technology that could regulate the battery inverter, motor, clutches, engine and transmission at the same time. As such, a high output lithium-ion battery was employed that could switch between charging and discharging rapidly.

Thunes states that the ability to connect and disconnect the engine has numerous benefits – for example at high speed, the engine can be used in the efficient operating range by generating power with the motor and high final gear ratio.

The Nissan Infiniti M35 Hybrid will arrive in Western Europe in spring 2011 and will be the first Nissan hybrid offered in the US, European and Japanese markets.

Its not just alternatively-fuelled concepts that are catching the eye at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, soon-to-be-launched production cars are also boasting their eco-credentials too.

One such model is the new Micra. Nissan’s next generation of the supermini which last year celebrated its quarter century anniversary is set to cut under 100g/km of CO2 for the first time. The fourth generation of the model also boasts a much-improved exterior design after the third generation model’s look was less than warmly received by some car buyers.

The iconic city car, renowned for its durability has consistently won praise and success  in Europe, Japan and other markets, gaining a reputation as a reliable and accessible compact car.

“Combine 25 years’ experience of designing compact cars for city driving… with a totally new, versatile platform and Nissan production know-how… and the result is modern, simple and destined to be a serious competitor on the world stage,” said Carlos Ghosn,during the car’s reveal.

Developed and built on Nissan’s all-new V-platform, the new Micra was designed and tested in Japan to be built in at least four overseas locations, and fine-tuned to meet the differing tastes and needs of customers in 160 countries worldwide. Breaking with traditions that focused on launching production in established markets like Europe and Japan, Nissan will base production of the new Micra at overseas manufacturing sites such as Thailand, India, Mexico and China.

Design

Retaining its compact dimensions, the new car is slightly longer and marginally lower, while its longer wheelbase enables a ‘wheels-at-each-corner’ stance, the main reason behind the Micra’s roomier interior.  Aiming to create the same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a ‘connected cocoon’ design featuring a dashboard design which takes on a ‘twin bubble’ theme still displayed on the outside of the car. This refers to the circular instrumentation binnacle and the similarly shaped glovebox compartment on the passenger side.

All-new Engine and CVT

In Europe, a simple engine line-up sees just two engines options – both are variations on Nissan’s all-new naturally aspirated HR12 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Inheriting its DNA from the HR16 4-cylinder engine powering the Note and Qashqai, the new engine employs valve-timing control (VTC). Power is rated at 59kW (80ps, while torque output is 108Nm. At only 115g/km, CO₂emissions for this version are kept low.

In addition to the new normally aspirated engine, Nissan will also offer a supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection iteration with a start-stop system fitted as standard in Europe. These technological innovations – stop-start reduces CO₂ by six per cent – combine to offer spirited performance, with outputs of 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm of torque. Emissions will be just 95g/km, an exceptional achievement for a petrol engine and allowing the Micra to become road tax-free.

Both engine options in Europe are available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or the all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve the economy of a 1.0-litre as well as brisk acceleration.

Not satisfied merely improving performance levels, engineers excelled in developing ride and handling characteristics which combine agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan’s new signature V-platform, the suspension has been designed to be both compact, minimising intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at the expense of the car’s on-road dynamics.

Simon Thomas, Nissan’s European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, said: “The new Micra will continue to be the benchmark city car in Europe. Its appeal will be enhanced by its unique combination of compact exterior dimensions, with roomy interior, small and efficient engines, and user-friendly technology. Its continued icon status is destined to be be reinforced in its fourth generation.”

Sales will begin in Thailand in March, with European sales starting in the autumn.

Nissan has confirmed that order books for its all-electric Leaf model will open in selected European markets this summer, with the first batch of cars, all left-hand drive being delivered in late 2010.

The revelation came as Nissan released details of its planned display at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, of which the Leaf will form an important part.

The Leaf, a C-segment, medium sized hatchback is built on an all-new bespoke EV platform developed by the carmaker and sits on a generous 2700 mm wheelbase.

Dubbed the ‘world’s first affordable, zero-emission car’, the carmaker has released more details of what the it will be like. According to Nissan it will be 4445 mm long, 1770 mm wide and 1550 mm tall. With an in-house developed compact electric motor in the front of the car driving the front wheels, the AC motor develops 80 kW of power and 280 Nm of torque, enough for a maximum speed of more than 140 km/h (90 mph).

A full battery charge delivers a range of approximately 160km, which Nissan says will suffice for 80 per cent of customers who drive less than that on an average day.

The electric motor is ‘fuelled’ by a Nissan developed laminated lithium-ion battery with a power output of more than 90 kW. The 48 module battery is mounted under the seats and floor of LEAF. Regenerative energy reclaimed under braking and coasting is fed directly to the battery to ensure minimum waste of energy.

Using a DC 50kW quick charger, the battery can be charged to up to 80 per cent of its capacity in under 30 minutes. Until quick charging posts are commonplace, however, it is expected that most owners will charge their vehicles either at home or at work using a domestic 220~240V and 16 amp system. A full charge from 0 percent to 100 percent under these circumstances takes about eight hours. The recharging socket for normal charging and quick charging is conveniently placed on LEAF’s nose under a ‘fuel filler flap’ adorned with the Nissan logo.

Along with the new electric model, the carmaker will also showcase updated versions of its Qashqai, Navara and Pathfinder models as well as its new compact crossover, the Juke when the Geneva Motor Show opens to the public on March 4.

Boasting a brand new platform, a high-end V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, Nissan has launched the seventh-generation of its Patrol model that promises to be better than ever.

The flagship SUV will include a newly developed 5.6litre V8 engine with variable valve event and lift (VVEL) and direct injection gasoline technologies. It delivers 400hp and 560Nm of torque on the top specification version and with its new seven-speed automatic transmission has a wider range of gear ratios than its predecessor in an effort to deliver more power, faster.

The new Nissan Patrol also boasts Nissan’s first employment of a hydraulic body motion control system that keeps the car flatter with less body roll during lane changing and cornering. It helps to deliver more stability and a comfortable ride in city driving. To further boost the vehicle’s handling, a new suspension system employs four-wheel independent suspension which has been completely upgraded by the Japanese manufacturer.

In yet another advancement, the new Nissan Patrol also includes a newly developed 4×4 system that allows the driver to switch between four drive modes: sand, on-road, rock and snow. The vehicle also comes with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, the latter of which uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode.

As part of the introduction of the Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi, Renault-Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn also commented on the future of electric cars for the industry declaring: “I want electric car to mean Renault or Nissan, period.”

Car rental giant, Hertz has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nissan to help bring the carmaker’s electric Leaf model onto the road.

Hertz is now set to become the first firm to publicly rent out the all-electric four seater when the car goes on sale in late 2012.

Under the terms of the MOU, Hertz will develop a program for the roll-out of Leaf models at selected rental sites across the European and American markets.

The Renault-Nissan alliance intends to start mass global marketing of electric cars by 2012. As part of this, the alliance is working with a number of governments, public and private sector organisations across Japan, Europe and the US.

Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. commented: “Our partnership with Hertz is an important step towards our goal of promoting widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Together with our Alliance partner Renault, we aim to be the leader in zero-emission vehicles which we believe are one of the best solutions for sustaining the growing need for transport across the globe.”

In the future, Hertz and Nissan plan to expand Nissan LEAF electric vehicles into Hertz’s global car share service, ‘Connect by Hertz.’ By applying the same model to car sharing, this would allow the Renault-Nissan Alliance to scale up availability and acceptance of electric vehicles across a wide consumer base in some of the world’s most densely populated cities. 

The Leaf, a family-sized hatchback has a top speed of 87mph, a range of 100 miles and can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes with a quick charger.

Nissan continues to expand its electric car partnerships across the United States ahead of the launch of the eagerly anticipated Nissan LEAF.

Having already established partnerships with Orlando (see article) and Houston (see article) in recent weeks, now it is the turn of the State of Massachusetts to promote the development of an electric vehicle charging network.

As part of the agreement, Nissan and the state will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure that encourages public charging as well as home and workplace charging. They will also work together to establish policies to streamline charging infrastructure deployment, while Nissan has also agreed to make its electric vehicles available state-wide.

Nissan now has partnerships with: the states of Massachusetts, Tennessee and Oregon; Sonoma County, San Diego and San Francisco in California; Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona; Washington, DC; Seattle, Washington; Orlando and the Orlando Utilities Commission in Florida; Progress Energy in Raleigh, North Carolina; and the city of Houston and Reliant Energy in Texas.

In 2002, an all-new second generation Nissan Cube was introduced in the Japanese market.  More spacious inside, more glass outside, with more power and, more importantly, a few more angles and curved surface details added to its compact, slab-sided exterior. Quintessentially Japanese, this new Cube took Tokyo by storm.  A pocket-sized fun-and-function cocktail mixing the charm of Godzilla and the wit of Mothra, buyers were smitten.

The Nissan Cube soon found an audience outside of Japan – not in person, but through its exposure in fashion and automotive magazines, videos and on the Web.

Back to today, more than 10 years since its original appearance and the Nissan Cube is ready to go global next year in an all-new, dramatically rethought third generation design that is clever, quirky, witty, fun and uniquely functional.  And still totally square. 

More than just unique geometry, however, the new 2009 Nissan Cube is also conceived as a totally different take on an automobile – a car that doesn’t want to be defined as car.  “Combining unique design with true spaciousness and a warm personality, Cube will have a unique place on the market,” said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Nissan in Europe.  “Cube is a vehicle that people of all ages can fall in love with, even if they’re not normally interested in cars.”

Evocative yet rational
Though its uniquely styled, asymmetrical body makes a standout statement against the backdrop of today’s look-alike mainstream vehicles, Cube presents a range of strong rational arguments for purchase as well. 

“The new Nissan Cube will be bought by individuals who will see it as an extension of their personality and reflects their individuality,” said Thomas.  “Cube customers are not show-offs, but style-conscious and open-minded.”

A “bulldog in sunglasses”
The all-new 2009 Nissan Cube builds on the existing DNA characterised by its non-traditional design, with an improved stance and an added sense of dynamic movement.  With Cube’s long wheelbase relative to its overall length (a 2530mm wheelbase against a 3980mm overall length) and wide track, the wheels, in effect, are pushed out to each corner – providing exceptional space utilisation and a confident-looking stance that is described as a “bulldog in sunglasses.”

“The designers, engineers and planners’ effort and passion in creating the next generation Cube was unheard of – perhaps only exceeded in recent memory by that of the Nissan GT-R development team,” explains Pierre Loing, Nissan’s European Vice President for Product Planning.  “They were constantly drawing, cartooning, adding thoughts and ideas, which is how the image of the bulldog emerged and evolved.  This was not a traditional development process.”

Along with its stance, the “incognito canine” look is aided by the wide headlights and grille treatment, the small but substantial body proportions and the short “tail” section.  In the rear, the bar-type taillights reinforce the wide, anchored feel.  The Cube’s creators also sought to maintain a sense of “pure design,” reducing the number of character lines to give simplicity and freshness to the styling.

Another unique aspect of the Cube’s exterior is the greenhouse.  The A-pillars are positioned far outward and relatively upright, giving a wider range of forward visibility.  The front door windows utilize a “photo frame” design patterned after a personal photo frame, while the asymmetrical wraparound side/rear window creates enhanced rear diagonal visibility for lane changes and reverse parking. 

“This ‘geometric circle shape in the square’ rear window is Cube’s signature,” said Loing. “Though there are D-pillars on both sides of the Cube, the visual effect of the narrower passenger-side pillar is quite remarkable in the overall appearance, a look aided by the asymmetrical back door.”

Unlike typical top-hinged or clamshell-style utility rear doors, Cube features an easy-access refrigerator-style opening, which makes it possible to open or close it even if parked tight against other cars in parallel parking spaces or when backed in against a wall or other obstacle.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is available in several eye-catching colours, with evocative names like Witty Military, White Pearl, Sea Turquoise and Bitter Chocolate.

And that’s not all. Customers will be able to personalise their Cube, with designs available for the glass roof and also body stickers.

A “casual lounge” interior
“The centrepiece of the new Cube’s universal appeal is its surprisingly roomy interior that offers room for five in a lounge-like comfort.  It creates a highly changeable space – for interacting with friends.  It’s a space that is highly changeable and adaptable to owners’ evolving lives, with plenty of room for personalisation,” said Loing.

Cube’s clever, inspired and surprisingly open occupant space was conceived with a “Jacuzzi Curve” layout and “floating meter pod” driver’s area.  It combines “casual lounge”-style passenger seating with a relaxed driving experience.  The interactive interior is anchored by its curve-themed architecture, such as the subtle wavy shaping of the instrument panel, door panels, seat shapes, and the iconic “Water Drop” that can be seen in the cupholders and the climate control design. They are inspired by nature and the calming way that ripples move outward from a drop in water. 

The comfortable Cube seating includes individual driver’s and passenger seats, along with a “lounge sofa” style sliding rear bench seat.

The sliding rear seat can be adjusted to three positions and is positioned higher than the front seats, theatre style, enhancing rear passenger comfort and visibility.

“The new Cube’s interior leaves room for imagination and personalisation, yet also starts with a solid functional purpose,” explained Loing.

Stress-free driving, room for personalization
Cube’s stress-free driving experience is the result of a number of factors: a tall seating position made possible by the tall body height and an extremely short hood “invisible length” (the area of the hood panel that the driver is unable to see). Additionally, Cube drivers will enjoy good rear visibility for parking and reversing thanks to the asymmetrical design of the body at the rear. The pillar-mounted side opening rear door, giving access to the trunk, is mounted on the driver’s side, giving a clear view of the far corner of the car, ideal for judging reversing manouevres.

The Cube’s interior also benefits from its large sunroof, giving a light and airy atmosphere. As well as the traditional blind to prevent heat build up on sunny days, there is a shoji shade, inspired by traditional Japanese shades made of rice paper which can be drawn across the sunroof, allowing light to enter but minimising heat build up!

Other interior features include the “floating pod” instrument panel with asymmetrical light blue and white gauges, which are designed to make it easier to distinguish between the speedometer and the tachometer.  The gauge needles “sweep” when the engine is started to add a sense of flair, while the gradation effect gives a natural ambience similar to the glow of the white moon and the blue earth. 

Convenient storage spaces and cup/bottle holders are abundant throughout the Cube interior. There are also detachable multi-hooks for holding bags or hats, which can be moved from place to place – including the instrument panel and rear doors. 

The “shelf expression” concept features two “shelves” located on top centre and passenger side of the instrument panel. The shelves can be personalized with accessory wood-like trim or shag carpeting. Cube’s “Magic Rubber Bands,” another clever Cube accessory item, are colourful rubber straps (red, yellow, orange or silver) that slip into cutouts on the door armrests to secure items such as maps, nametags, photos, towels or small stuffed animals.

“The interior concept is really about the Cube conforming to the users’ needs, rather than the other way around – you can put your favourite items anywhere you want, not where the vehicle tells you to,” said Loing.  “The designers intended every aspect of the Cube interior be delightful as well as functional.”

The Cube interior is offered in two colour environments, Black and Beige.  Both trims come with a quilted suede-like fabric with special “natural wave” stitching designed to provide a combination of relaxation and genuine “driving enjoyment” attitude.

Petrol and diesel engines for Europe
In Europe, the Cube will be offered with a double engine offer, with both a 106PS DPF-equipped 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol, producing 110PS. While the diesel engine will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the petrol will be offered with five-speed manual and CVT options.

Smart simplicity
“Distinctive, enjoyable and adaptable, the Nissan Cube will offer an unmatched sense of ‘smart simplicity’.  It builds on a Cube DNA of individuality and non-automotive style, and adds an enhanced level of humanistic charm and clever design,” said Loing.  “We know there will be a community of car-buyers in Europe who will really identify with Cube and will fall for its practicality, as well as its personality.”

Cube will appeal to customers who perhaps aren’t passionate about cars, but are passionate about being individuals. Cube isn’t a fashion statement, it’s a mission statement: I’m serious about enjoying my life.

Deliveries Cube will begin 2010, offering car buyers something unique, distinctive, friendly and fun – a car as a true extension of its owners’ personality.

Last week it was Orlando (see article) and this week it is the turn of the city of Houston to enter into an agreement with Nissan to advance zero emission mobility.

An announcement was made at the Houston stop of the Nissan LEAF zero emissions tour as the build up continues towards the launch of the industry’s first all-electric, zero emission car designed for the mass market. Nissan has already established a partnership in the city thanks to its agreement with Reliant Energy, one of the most competitive electricity providers in Texas, and now it hopes to foster electric vehicle growth and development in the state.

Under the terms of the agreement, Nissan, the city of Houston and Reliant Energy will develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric cars that incorporates both public charging and at-home and workplace charging. Nissan has also agreed to supply electric vehicles to the city both in and around the metropolitan area.

The car manufacturer has now formed more than a dozen partnerships in the United States with those on board including the states of Oregon and Tennessee; Sonoma County, San Diego and San Francisco in California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Washington, DC; Seattle, Washington; and the city of Orlando and the Orlando Utilities Commission in Florida.

Meanwhile, Houston is one of 14 cities that have joined the Clinton Climate Initiative C40 to make the city more electric vehicle friendly.

Having already established numerous partnerships with governments and municipalities around the world, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has added another high profile city to its list of partners.

This time it is the turn of Orlando and the Orlando Utilities Commission which have agreed to join the Alliance in promoting the development of an electric vehicle charging network, as well as policies to support the adoption of electric cars.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company will help develop plans to promote a charging infrastructure for electric cars that is meant to encourage both home and workplace charging as well as public charging infrastructure. The partners will also attempt to co-ordinate policies and help streamline charging infrastructure deployment.

Nissan will make a supply of electric vehicles available to the city, as well as in and around the metropolitan area of Orange County, Florida. Meanwhile, the Orlando Utilities Commission has agreed to buy up to 10 Nissan LEAF vehicles for its fleet to be used for both service calls and educational purposes.

Nissan, along with Renault, remains the only major car manufacturer committed to making electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale with plans to release the Nissan LEAF later this year.

If electric cars are to move beyond being a niche product and become mainstream it’s paramount to develop electric car charging infrastructure – something that Renault-Nissan is taking the lead on.

Nissan Motor Company Ltd has now signed a memorandum of understanding with All Japan Ryokan Association to develop charging infrastructure in hotels affiliated with the association as well as initiating a study in creating new demand in the hotel industry with the promotion of electric vehicles.

The partnership will focus on developing charging infrastructure; planning, development and sales of new travel packages focused on zero emissions and electric vehicles; and provide information on charging stations, vacancies in hotels and an instant reservation service. 

According to Nobuyuki Sato, the president of the All Japan Ryokan Association, the charging facilities – which will be installed in around 18,000 hotels – will greatly contribute to tourists who want the opportunity to charge their electric vehicle during their stay. He believes it will give tourists an added sense of confidence.