In recent years, you would be reading a lot about electrification and how motorists in Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles. The shift has yet to start in Malaysia but for 23-year old Haqiem Rusli, it has started. The young and talented singer, composer and actor from Selangor, took delivery of a new Nissan LEAF EV as the Grand Prize winner of the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 (ABPBH).
The all-electric LEAF was presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for the event in collaboration with Berita Harian. Haqiem Rusli was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular when he received 22,332,676 votes. He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with the song titled ‘Lembah Kesepian’.
Haqiem Rusli being told about his new electric car by an ETCM representative.
During the presentation ceremony, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan said: “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We would like to congratulate Haqiem Rusli on his win and driving home the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. He now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future.”
Global topseller in EV category
The LEAF, with a price from RM181,263 is in its second generation and has been the most widely sold electric vehicle in the world since the model line started in 2010. The latest generation has many advances which enable it to go further, with a range of up to 311 kms range on a full charge. And with 320 Nm of torque, it has strong acceleration as maximum torque is available from almost standstill, a characteristic of electric motors.
Like many of the latest Nissan models, the LEAF also has Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. These advanced driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera).
The LEAF is available for viewing and testing at selected authorised Nissan showrooms around the country. To find out where they are, visit www.nissan.com.my.
Tan Chong, one of the longest business partners of Nissan Motor (since the 1950s), has built up the brand to what it is today by ensuring that aftersales services have always been good. The company has invested heavily over the decades in developing a nationwide aftersales network to look after the increasing number of Nissan vehicles.
It has been recognized for its efforts on many occasions in the past and in fact, since 2017, it has been picked 3 times as the best achieving Nissan dealer for aftersales services within Asia and Pacific region. The most recent was being the Winner in the Global Nissan Aftersales Award 2020 (GNAA) by Tan Chong’s Aftersales Division. The Global Nissan Aftersales Award is one of the most prestigious honours by Nissan Motor. It is aimed at motivating and improving aftersales operational excellence, and enhance customer service experiences across the globe.
Award for meeting high standards
The award is given to the best performing Nissan dealer according to a set of standards covering parts and service performance, customer service and satisfaction, and quality of business management.
“We are proud to be recognized as the best amongst Nissan Aftersales dealers from across the region. To win 3 times since 2017 is a testament to our focused customer approach, dedication in service performance and teamwork. We will continue to improve and consistently provide our customers with highest service support to improve customer satisfaction,” said Michael Yao Tsu-Wei, Head of Aftersales, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS).
“The award sets a new milestone for the company. The teams, especially aftersales, have consistently challenged and go beyond their best efforts to provide excellent services to our customers. I would like to thank the teams for their continuous support and hard work,” added Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM).
Warranties remain valid
On a related matter, Mr. Yao said that all authorised Nissan service centres are operating as usual in the Phase 1 and 2 of National Recovery Plan (NRP) period. The exceptions are those within the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) affected areas.
Nissan owners should note that services will be available only via appointment which can be made beforehand via DriveOn mobile app. Owners can also schedule an appointment by visiting www.tceas.com, calling the Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800-88-3838, or directly contact the preferred service centre.
Owners need not be concerned about their vehicle warranties. TCEAS says they will remain valid even if the preventive maintenance service could not be carried out during the Phase 1 and 2 of NRP period. However, the vehicle should be sent to the service centre as soon as it is possible to do so.
A new entry in the European light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is the Nissan Townstar, with a future-proofed powertrain that is electrified but also having a petrol engine option. Said to be Nissan most technologically comprehensive LCV to date, it has over 20+ technologies for efficiency, safety and functionality.
The main target of the new compact van is the electrified segment of the LCV market, where the Nissan e-NV200 was a pioneer and leader. “With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & Corporate Sales Director, Nissan Europe.
Van and combi versions
Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, it is developed for optimum efficiency and versatility in urban environments, the Townstar is offered in van and combi (passenger) versions, the latter offering comfortable accommodation for families on the go. Connectivity features such as E-Call, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are available.
The van version is designed for the operations of small and medium businesses, especially in the city. Various configurations are available with up to 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space. The cargo area integrates large sliding doors on the side, with the possibility to have 60/40 French doors with 180-degree opening or a tailgate at the rear.
The LCV can transport two Euro pallets and up to 800 kgs of cargo. It also includes smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.
285 kms, 42-minute recharging to 80%
The fully electric version has an enhanced 44 kWh battery with advanced EV technology and intelligent energy management. In comparison to the e-NV200, the Townstar powertrain has an output of 90 kW/245 Nm and the range is said to be up to 285 kms on a single charge. With DC charging, an empty battery pack can be recharged to 80% within 42 minutes, it is claimed.
Those who do not want the electric version can still get the Townstar with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. This 130 ps/240 Nm engine is fully compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Full emission regulations.
ProPILOT system in EV version
There’s a broad range of Nissan safety technologies and advanced driver assistance features, including Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assist. Automatic emergency braking is standard as well as Hands-Free Parking and Intelligent Cruise Control, while the Around View Monitor (AVM) is being offer for the first time in the compact van segment.
Nissan also provides drivers of the electric Townstar with the ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system. The system will automatically slow the vehicle to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane – even around a gentle curve.
The Townstar is first European model to carry the new Nissan brand logo, and the latest model to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. It comes with an industry-leading, pan-European 5-year/160,000 km warranty, plus a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty covering the battery pack.
It was 2007 when Nissan unveiled the GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show, which makes it 14 years now that it has been in production. In comparison, the last Nissan Z was in production for 11 years and a new one was revealed last month for sale in 2022. However, the appeal of the GT-R has not diminished all these years, kept glowing by successes on the racetrack.
Over the years, Nissan has introduced special editions to keep interest high and also as evolutionary updates. Typically, performance has been improved in various areas, usually with work done by NISMO.
Unveiling of the Nissan GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.
JDM only
The latest edition unveiled today is for the Japanese market only, although some units might appear overseas eventually. This new version comes in two grades – GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and GT-R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO T-spec.
The two editions are equipped with exclusive carbon ceramic brakes, a carbonfibre rear spoiler and an exclusive engine cover. Customers will be able to choose from two new body colours, Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade, as part of the T-spec options.
‘Trend’ and ‘Traction’
‘T-spec’ refers to ‘trend and traction’, the former relating to the GT-R as being ahead of the times, and the latter to the robust grip which the engineers have always worked hard on. Developed with a focus on enhanced driving performance, the GT-R Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-spec is specially equipped with an exclusive carbonfibre roof and bootlid as well.
Also fitted as Rays forged alloy wheels (bronze), and suspension that takes advantage of weight reductions below the springs. An expanded wheel-rim width has increased tire rigidity, enabling smooth and sensitive handling.
Same 3.8-litre powertrain
Under the bonnet, the Japanese-spec powertrain is used, which is a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine (VR38DETT) and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with all 4 wheels powered. In NISMO tune, the output can be up to 600 ps/637 Nm.
The production run will be limited to only 100 units and as orders are expected to exceed that number when sales start in the second half of October, Nissan will select purchasers by lottery.
‘Kei’ cars are vehicles in a category that was created in 1949 in Japan. The regulations limit their dimensions to a very small size, suited for the narrow roads of the country’s cities but also permitted for use on highways. They are very small – no more than 3.4 metres in length, 1.48 metres in width, and 2 metres in height – and even their engine sizes are limited to 660 cc (in Japan).
Having small engines, kei cars have obviously been very economical and as a segment, the amount of pollution from such vehicles would be lower than the other segments too. Due to the fuel efficiency of kei cars, the need to electrify them has not been as urgent as for larger cars but electrification is necessary in coming years.
To prepare for this new era, Nissan Motor has been having a joint project with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) through an existing 50/50 joint venture known as NMKV Co., Ltd. It’s not known what ‘NMKV’ stands for though it could be ‘Nissan Mitsubishi Kei Vehicles’. The company handles product planning and project management for minivehicles sold in the Japan market.
The NMKV Model
NMKV uses its unique ‘NMKV Model’ to create highly competitive products while dispersing risks of development costs. The source of the NMKV Model is the value-creation abilities through organically combining the resources, technology, and expertise of the two parent companies.
The NMKV model
Expertise in electric vehicles and kei cars
Nissan Motor and MMC each have their own strategies for kei cars. One aims to display a significant presence as an automobile company in the segment while the other wants to fully utilize the high level of development capability of such vehicles that it has built up to this point. With NMKV, corporate lines can be crossed to share the automobile development expertise that has accumulated inside each company.
MMC, for example, has built up expertise in electric kei cars, having introduced the first one in Japan in 2009. This was the i-MiEV and it was also the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Nissan too has a long history of making electric cars, with its corporate history including an electric model known as the TAMA which was produced way back in 1947.
Although the LEAF, introduced 10 years ago, put Nissan in a very prominent position in the EV segment, its corporate history includes an electric vehicle called the TAMA which was produced in 1947.Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Some units were also available in Malaysia during the period when the government exempted EVs and hybrids from all import taxes.
“We are a highly unique company of a type never before seen in Japan. We inherit the genes of both companies, and fuse together the experience and knowledge that both have cultivated. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for both companies to make ‘1 + 1 = 3’, or even ’1 + 1 = 5’, and accomplish things that were not possible for the companies to accomplish individually in the past,” said Junichi Endo, President & CEO of NMKV.
New electric minivehicle in 2022
NMKV is developing a new electric minivehicle to be launched by Nissan in the second quarter of 2022 which is said to redefine the popular car category in Japan (it accounts for about 30% of new vehicle sales). With a nominal battery capacity of 20 kWh, it will have strong acceleration with smooth driving and cabin quietness that are key characteristics of electric vehicles. It will be available with a variety of advanced technologies, including driver assistance technologies.
Nissan iMK concept shown at the Tokyo Motorshow in 2019 could provide ideas for the new electric minivehicle.
The range will be sufficient to cover daily usage in Japan and in any case, the charging network in the country is already quite extensive. In addition to its mobility uses, the vehicle will be able to provide electricity from its battery to a home and, in emergencies, act as a mobile power source.
At 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, and 1655 mm high, the minivehicle would qualify for kei car incentives and the purchase prices are forecast to start at approximately 2 million yen (about RM76,400).
To locate a showroom to view or purchase the latest Nissan LEAF EV in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.
With the digitization of car interiors and the continuing addition of more and more electronic systems, the way a driver interacts with the systems and operates or adjusts them has been changing. For decades, mechanical systems used mechanically-actuated knobs and levers or pushbutton and rocker switches and generations of drivers have used them.
No more knobs and levers
With the new generation of cars, those knobs and switches have been disappearing, typically replaced by icons on touchscreens. No longer does a driver have to turn a knob to make the temperature higher or lower – it can be done by touching a display screen, just like on a smartphone. Or physical interaction might not even be necessary as many cars now have intelligent voice command systems.
The dashboard in today’s Nissan Ariya has digital and graphic displays with touchscreens, a big difference from the one in the Nissan Grand Livina of 2011 which had knobs, levers and rotary dials (below).
When developing the latest Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover, its designers and engineers didn’t just consider the ergonomics involved in reaching toward the dashboard. They were determined to create a new look and feel for controls that drivers generally take for granted. This required a rethink of cabin space, touch and positioning.
Controls beneath the surfaces
Taking advantage of an all-electric powertrain layout, the Ariya’s interior was crafted to be open, and spacious, a cabin with a sense of calm and serenity. Part of that design is a dashboard free of traditional buttons. The wood-grained trim bisecting the dashboard comes to life upon starting the Ariya, illuminating a set of environmental controls that reside just beneath the dashboard’s surface.
Haptic feedback, like a smartphone
Utilizing a new generation of haptic feedback controls, these subtly integrated buttons open a world of possibilities in the relationship between function and design. In the same way that we interact with a smartphone display to navigate and engage with apps, haptic feedback buttons in the Ariya react to touch, communicating through fingertip vibrations. When adjusting the Ariya’s climate controls and drive modes, for example, the driver will interact with a familiar set of icons. Yet, because the points of interaction are felt and heard, they can remain focused on the road.
The design team’s decision to integrate haptic feedback into the Ariya follows the car’s underlying design concept of ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, which takes a distinctive Japanese approach to design, conveying a simple yet powerfully modern impression.
“We created a clean space by blending the haptic controls with the grain of the interior’s woodgrain finish. We did this in a way that didn’t affect the performance of the controls, allowing us to achieve both functionality and an attractive appearance,” said a Senior Designer at Nissan, Hideki Tago.
“By applying a woodgrain pattern to the plastic panels with a hydro-printing process, we gave them a very realistic wood-like feeling. At the same time, this allowed transparent icons to come to life when illuminated,” he explained.
Integrating technology into design
With the Ariya design team’s final goal laid out, it was the engineering team’s responsibility to make this sci-fi concept a reality. The process began with an exhaustive breakdown of the technology itself. Haptic feedback buttons are grouped into two specific areas in the Ariya — on the main dashboard and on the adjustable centre armrest. The goal was to not only integrate the technology into the cabin design as a means of wowing passengers, but also to give the technology a natural and responsive feel for a wide variety of drivers.
Following extensive testing, the team settled on electrostatic buttons that are not only bigger than traditional haptic controls, but also more broadly spaced. This allows for a realistic and intuitive feeling for users, and also generates a kind of air pressure ‘kick’. This amplifies the tactile feedback with the click sensation of a traditional mechanical button, despite no traditional physical button being involved.
Then came the fine-tuning of the vibrations and sounds. That’s right — sounds. “Vibration and sound are inseparable,” explained Tomotaka Igarashi, the engineer in charge of the Ariya’s interior HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development. “It may seem obvious, but this challenged our team to develop a unique sound that would match the expectations of the driver while also designing it to be as pleasant as possible.”
Such attention to detail in an all-electric crossover is a necessity as the minimal sound emitted by the electric powertrain means that the sounds developed by the team will be clearly heard while driving. The development of the haptic controls required that every possible scenario be tested repeatedly to ensure easy use for a wide range of drivers, especially since the Ariya will sell in different regions of the world. That meant extensive testing by people with different size fingers and fingernail lengths, and with different button-pressure strengths and engagement angles. Gloved hands were also tested to ensure button activation.
Over at Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), opening of all its authorised Nissan showrooms will take place progressively from tomorrow (Friday, August 20). With the exception of a few outlets, all showrooms (branches and dealers) in Perlis, Penang, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan will open from tomorrow. Those that do not will do so by August 23. However, in Kedah, Melaka and Johor, the showrooms will still remain closed until further notice.
Peace-of-mind experience for customers
“ETCM adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOP) ensuring the safety of its employees and a peace-of-mind experience for customers at all times. Only vaccinated employees including post-vaccine incubation period are allowed to resume work in Nissan showrooms. All employees will be wearing face mask, undergo frequent body temperature check, and regular disinfecting will be carried out at the showrooms including display and test drive vehicles, the company said in a statement today.
Customers are also advised to comply with SOPs when entering the premises; ensure full vaccination including post-vaccine incubation period, provide proof of digital certificate on MySejahtera, have a body temperature below 37.5°C and wear a face mask. Other SOPs set by the Government remain active.
Customers requiring more information can visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.
The original Datsun 240Z was one of the first Japanese models to show that Japan could also make sportscars and not just econocars. It certainly added another side to the Datsun brand (Nissan was not used as a brand name then) and drew enthusiasts to it. 50 years later, the seventh generation has now been revealed and retains the authenticity of a pure sportscar like the original.
The all-new Nissan Z – no more numbers that relate to engine size – was presented to the world online from New York, the same city where the 240Z made its world debut in October 1969. “When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, Representative Executive Officer and COO of Nissan.
Design shows lineage
As with the previous six generations, the new Z retains the same long-nose/short rear deck profile that was inspired by the classic British sportscars and also housed an in-line six. With the design theme for the exterior being ‘tradition with modern technology’, the designers looked to past generations to develop the fresh, sleek exterior design with an appearance that communicates respect to its lineage. “Ultimately, we created a Z that travels between the decades while being completely modern,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Global Head of Design at Nissan.
1971 Datsun 240Z
While maintaining the silhouette that pays homage to the first generation, the designers utilized the latest technologies to streamline the design, and incorporated LED lighting to give dimension without unnecessary elements. The LED headlights have two half-circles that take their inspiration from the Japan market-only 240ZG of the 1970s. Incidentally, for the original 240Z sold in America, the plastic covers for the headlights were not permitted due to regulations at that time.
The link to the original Z is most striking when viewing the new Z from the side. The roofline flows from the nose to the squared-off rear to create the distinctive familiar profile , whose rear edge was slightly lower than the front fender height giving the Z its unique posture. The signature transition from the rear quarter glass to the low-slung position of the rear tail adds to the effect.
The door handles are a flush-mounted design, and the rear hatch design is ultra-thin, yet with increased rigidity over the previous 370Z design. In the rear, the blister fenders smoothly direct flow air past the horizontal rear panel. The rear combination lamps incorporate modern technology into the design reminiscent of the Z32 300ZX (sold between 1990 and 1996), including new 3D signature LED taillights. The Z Performance grade also comes with a rear spoiler.
Only one engine choice
The early Z cars had straight six engines but V6 engines were used from 1984 when the 300ZX was launched, and the model has continued to use such engines to this day. The new Z gets the latest version of the V6 twin turbo engine (VR30DDT) but now with a 3-litre displacement instead of the 3.7 litres of the generation it replaces. There is, however, a significant boost in power output over the previous engine as this one produced up to 405 ps at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,600 rpm.
To increase output and to deliver sharp response, small-diameter turbochargers are used, as well as a turbo speed sensor to ensure the capabilities of the turbos are fully utilized (maximum spooling speed). The twin turbos balance power output and response time, while the use of an electronic variable valve timing (e-VVT) intake valve system ensures optimum response, constantly adjusting the intake valve timing to achieve excellent response and fuel efficiency in a variety of driving scenes.
6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
Many of those who bought a 280ZX, introduced in the late 1970s, probably got it with a 5-speed manual transmission. For those who were lazy to shift, Nissan offered a 3-speed automatic transmission (yes… 3 speeds!). Transmission technologies have advanced over 4 decades and with the new Z, the driver gets a standard, 6-speed manual transmission. The close-ratio transmission includes an EXEDY high-performance clutch. In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, Z Performance versions equipped with a manual transmission include an advanced launch assist control system that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position. There is also a carbonfibre composite driveshaft, with SynchroRev Match added to Performance versions.
You can also get an automatic transmission and this also has the launch control system. It’s a 9-speeder with a wide spread of gear ratios. Aluminium paddle shifters are standard, with unique paddle shifters, the same design as found on the GT-R (for Performance versions).
The engineering team tuned the chassis, cooling, suspension and steering to give the driver predictable and responsive handling. This required a multi-prong approach, especially for high-speed driving and cornering. Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel, and wider front tyres help increase maximum cornering g-forces up to 13%. The dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the 370Z, resulting in an approximately 20% reduction in damping force to help minimize impact shock over uneven surfaces, enhance road-following performance and improve handling stability.
The front double-wishbone aluminium suspension features new geometry, including increased caster angle, improving straight line stability. A 2-point front strut tower brace is standard and the rear independent multi-link aluminium suspension has also been reconfigured with new settings.
Needless to say, disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and all have ventilated rotors. Larger sport brakes with red-painted calipers are standard on Performance versions, while the Z Sport version rides on dark-painted 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport high performance tyres. The Z Performance version has 19-inch RAYS super lightweight forged aluminium alloy wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres.
Modern tech with a vintage touch
Sportscars like the Z have always had cabins designed to fit the occupants like a glove. The new Z will be no exception, and seamlessly blends modern technology with vintage Z touches. The centre stack takes inspiration from other generations before it, with three analogue pod gauges over the middle section to give that classic appearance. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen audio display to function as a command centre with numerous functions and interfacing with smartphones.
Ideal sportscar cabin
The interior design team also sought advice from professional motorsports racers to give the Z an ideal sportscar cabin. This can be seen in the instrumentation, with all vital information found in the 12.3-inch customizable digital meter display and arranged to help the driver grasp it at a glance. One example: the redline shift point is set at the 12 o’clock position.
The meter display is customizable in three modes. NORMAL mode offers a sporty feel with the centre area for navigation, audio and vehicle information. ENHANCED mode positions the tachometer and speedometer at the edges of the display, giving more space in the centre for a larger navigation map and information to be displayed. SPORT mode prioritizes the tachometer in the centre with a shift-up light at the top in the driver’s field of view. This mode also shows a boost gauge or g- meter, depending on what the driver prefers.
The design of the seats utilizes know-how from the GT-R’s development to enhance body support and grip. An expanded use of suede on the seatback suppresses initial lateral shake on the body, creating more comfortable drives, as well as reducing body movement when the vehicle is being cornered with ‘great enthusiasm’.
The early Z cars were pretty bare by today’s standards but then again, drivers probably didn’t care much about convenience features too. For today’s Z, times have changed and a wide range of convenience features comes as standard equipment. These include a Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, intelligent cruise control, automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rearview Monitor, 12V power sockets, USB points (Type-C as well) and front and rear sonar sensors for parking guidance. Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement enhances listening pleasure from the audio system.
Proto Spec special edition
Nissan will offer a special edition which celebrates the distinctive Z Proto introduced in 2020. To be known as the Proto Spec, this will be limited to 240 units in the USA. It will have yellow-coloured brake calipers with the Z logo, bronze-coloured 19-inch RAYS wheels, exclusive shift lever knob (manual transmission only), exclusive Proto Spec leather-covered seats with yellow accents, exclusive Proto Spec suede + cloth door trim with yellow stitching and special Proto Spec interior stitching.
Pricing for the new sportscar is not announced yet but is expected to be around US$40,000 (about RM170,000) and the first units will be delivered to customers during the first quarter of 2022. You can expect that NISMO is already hard at work preparing high-performance versions.
In everyday driving, the brain has to be quick enough to analyse and get a driver to act correctly in any situation – millions of times on a journey. And that’s at a moderate speed too. For racing drivers, the demands are even greater as they travel at far higher speeds so they need quicker reactions and faster abilities to assess situations.
To help its Sebastien Buemi and Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s racing drivers in the all-electric Formula E series, the carmaker has developed an innovative program focused on brain function and anatomy research, training and development in the motorsport field.
Nissan Brain to Performance, as the program is called, uses advanced brain imaging and analysis to determine the anatomical specifics of high performance, professional drivers. The program aims to develop bespoke, optimized training to enhance the brain functions and anatomy related to driving and racing.
“At Nissan, we dare to do what others don’t. With this groundbreaking program, we aim to understand our racing drivers’ brain functions like never before and push the boundaries of on-track performance in Formula E,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s Global Motorsports Director. “What if, through advanced brain function analysis and training, we could help make our drivers perform better? Every tenth of a second counts in Formula E, so we’re excited to see how our cutting-edge Nissan research team can enhance the drivers’ already high-performing brain functionality.”
Better connection between people and vehicles
The program will be coordinated by Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, a leader in the field of brain analysis and training, and a driving force behind Nissan’s forward-looking research on how to better build the connection between people and Nissan vehicles. The immediate priority of the program is to enhance the performance of Nissan’s Formula E racers.
“Our brains are incredibly powerful. Without us realizing it, they perform a multitude of critical functions every second we drive our cars. Our highly trained and experienced Nissan Formula E drivers perform these functions under intense pressure and at great speed as they constantly search for faster lap times. Our new Nissan Brain to Performance program seeks to understand what it is about their brains’ electrical activity that enables them to do what they do,” said Dr. Gheorghe.
“If we can, we’d like to help them further improve their performance through bespoke brain training. In the future, could our cutting-edge research help improve the driving skills of the average driver, and inform the development of our road-going EVs? We hope so,” he explained.
The first stage of the new program will involve detailed analysis and testing of the Formula E racers’ brain functions, compared against a control group of ‘average’, non- racing drivers. All drivers will perform a range of tasks on state-of-the-art driving simulators while their brain activity is monitored and recorded. Based on the results, a bespoke driver training program involving electrical brain stimulation will be developed with the aim of improving driver performance.
Key research areas
To understanding how a Nissan Formula E drivers’ brain functions and anatomy differ in comparison to average drivers, the program establishes a spectrum of driver brain activity first. Attempts will be made to see if, through the use of electrical brain stimulation, a professional driver’s brain be enhanced to improve on-track performance.
The longer-term goal is related to future Nissan EV product development, with a focus on achieving the highest level of driver excitement and focus. An increased understanding of bio-electricity will further enhance the driving experience and intuitive nature of future EV operation.
The auto industry is accelerating towards electrification of products, ultimately leaving behind the combustion engine that has been blamed for causing pollution of the environment and bringing on climate change. However, unlike previous transitions, this one is a radical one that calls for a change in the ecosystem of the industry. The existing ecosystem has evolved over 100 years around the combustion engine and now, with electrification, manufacturing processes and supply chains need to be changed.
Different carmakers are taking different approaches and Nissan will make a total investment of £1 billion (about RM5.82 billion) in establishing a flagship Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem. To be known as Nissan EV36Zero, the core of this hub will be at its 35-year old manufacturing complex at Sunderland in the United Kingdom.
The transformational project has Envision AESC, a global player in world-leading battery technology, and the Sunderland City Council as partners. Made up of three interconnected initiatives, Nissan EV36Zero brings together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production, setting a blueprint for the future of the automotive industry.
“This project comes as part of Nissan’s pioneering efforts to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire lifecycle of our products. Our comprehensive approach includes not only the development and production of EVs, but also the use of on-board batteries as energy storage and their reuse for secondary purposes,” said Nissan President & CEO, Makoto Uchida. “The experience and know-how gained through the project will be shared globally, enhancing Nissan’s global competitiveness.”
Building on Nissan’s historic presence in Sunderland, the projects represent 6,200 jobs at Nissan and its UK suppliers, including more than 900 new Nissan jobs and 750 new Envision AESC jobs at its new smart, low-carbon battery plant. Longer-term, the transformational project modernises and expands Nissan’s EV production capability in the UK.
Envision AESC will deploy integrated AIoT smart technology to monitor and optimize energy consumption, manufacturing and maintenance at its new gigafactory, enabling it to rapidly increase production and provide batteries to power up to 100,000 Nissan electric vehicles a year.
New-generation electric crossover
As part of the investment, Nissan will invest up to £423 million to produce a new-generation EV in the UK. Utilising the Alliance CMF-EV platform, it will be designed for global markets with forecasted production capacity of up to 100,000 units to be installed.
Next-generation EV batteries
Envision AESC already owns and operates Europe’s first battery plant in Sunderland, established in 2012 for the localisation of Nissan LEAF battery production. The factory’s UK team therefore has 9 years’ expertise of supplying batteries to the Nissan LEAF and eNV200, having produced enough cells, modules and packs to power over 180,000 electric vehicles in 44 countries, meeting global benchmark levels of quality, performance, safety, reliability and cost.
Supporting this new model allocation, Envision AESC will invest £450 million (about RM2.62 billion) to build the UK’s first gigafactory on the International Advanced Manufacturing Park, adjacent to the Nissan plant, powered by renewable energy and pioneering next-generation battery technology. This new plant will increase the cost-competitiveness of EV batteries produced in the UK, including through a new Gen5 battery cell with 30% more energy density which improves range and efficiency. It will also make batteries cheaper and EVs more accessible to a growing number of customers in the future.
Nissan LEAF battery pack.
Used battery packs have second life
There are also plans for a 1MW battery storage system using second-life Nissan EV/Envision AESC batteries, which will also allow for excess energy generated during daylight hours to be captured and used at another time, helping to balance demand on the grid.
