TECH INSIDER | NISSAN IMK
surrounding acceleration and performance.
This new, hi-tech electric powertrain will
address this,” he adds.
Currently, there is no word on the amount
of motors involved or the sort of range and
performance figures we can expect from the
IMk, but Japanese legislation states that
maximum power output must be limited to
47kW (63hp), with current internal combustion
engine models boasting a maximum
displacement of just 660cc.
“This has been one of the key reasons why
this segment of vehicle has failed to take off
in Europe,” Fukuda explains. “The 47kW
output hasn’t been satisfactory, but I think
with the breakthroughs we are making with
battery technology we will see much greater
performance and potential access to new
markets,” he adds.
Built to withstand the rigors of everyday
use, the boxy IMk concept makes the most of
the flat floor provided by the upcoming electric
vehicle platform. With the wheels pushed to the
outer limits of each corner, it feels more like the
lounge of a café or lounge inside.
“The IMk is a car for people who have never
before considered buying a vehicle of this
size,” says Nissan executive design director
Satoru Tai. “The electrification of this urban
commuter, and the EV platform, elevate the
14 // January 2020 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
genre to a completely new level. It will capture
a new market, such as luxury-car owners in
Tokyo who want stylish exclusivity and great
performance, yet still want to be able to find
a place to park. The level of sophistication and
chic textures is unmatched in the segment.”
For the interior, there is liberal use of lightly
colored fabrics, a bench seat at the rear and
a deep-pile copper carpet that lines the floor.
“The surfaces are treated with anti-soiling
agents to prevent stains and fingerprints,”
explains Tai. “The lighter color, which isn’t
traditional for a car in this class, is very trendy
in home interiors and cafés. We wanted to
create that light and airy environment in the
IMk, while keeping it durable.”
Perhaps most importantly, a typical
infotainment system is replaced with a
prismatic instrument and display unit that
runs across the width of the front dash.
The IMk shared a stage with a second
concept vehicle, the Ariya, which is said to be
a very close representation of Nissan’s soonto
be-released all-electric SUV. Its interior is far
closer to something customers would expect
from a production car today, but the two show
cars both shared plenty of technology.
“Both the IMk and Ariya Concept have Pro
Pilot 2.0, which will allow users to enjoy handsoff
autonomous driving for the first time,” says
Fukuda. “This sort of technology is a huge
improvement over the safety systems currently
found in today’s Kei cars. It has potential to
move the game on.”
It seems highly likely that we will see a
production version of the Ariya before the
compact IMk hits the market, but Nissan is
furiously pushing ahead with its EV technology.
As the Tokyo Motor Show wrapped up for
another year, the Japanese marque revealed
it was already experimenting with an electricdrive
all-wheel-control system that would “take
the performance of Nissan’s electric cars to a
new level”.
Does that mean we will see an upcoming
sports car to add to the funky future line-up?
Only time will tell.
1. While the IMk concept’s
powertrain details have not
been revealed, Nissan
announced it is working
on an electric-drive,
all-wheel-control system
2. The cabin interior design
aims to replicate a lounge
or café and promote a
sense of calm, with hidden
lighting and soft carpeting
3. The car’s dash and
instrument panel is made
from light upholstery and is
void of physical controls
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