Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi have all unveiled exciting new concept vehicles at the Japan Mobility Show. For the trio of car makers, the direction is different, with a 1000kW GT-R inspired EV known as Hyper Force the standout.
Representing Nissan’s take on an EV high performance supercar, it features a high-output all-electric powertrain with an optimal-weight-balancing, and a solid-state battery that can produce insane level outputs, with precise and rapid acceleration.
Powerful downforce, an advanced form of e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology, and a lightweight body featuring high-strength carbon, promise enhanced cornering and exceptional handling on circuits and winding roads.
The exterior design, developed in partnership with NISMO, with its wide and planted proportions, is a blend of sleek curves merging seamlessly with bold geometry that reflects the performance underneath.
The concept features two driving modes, “R” (racing) and “GT” (grand touring). The graphical user interface changes colour and display according to the mode, and was developed in partnership with Polyphony Digital Inc. – the makers of Gran Turismo.
Elevating the Nissan Hyper Force’s appeal is an innovative augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experience that enables driving in both the real and virtual world seamlessly.
When the vehicle is stopped, the driver can use a special helmet with blind visors for VR that enables entering a gamified driving experience, complete with modes that enable racing against the clock or online racers.
By using skeleton visors for AR, the driver can complete against their own, friends’ or even professional drivers’ digital ghosts on a circuit, allowing users to safely push their driving skills on real-world tracks.
For Mazda, the Japan Mobility Show represents an opportunity to showcase the ICONIC SP, a compact sports car concept, designed to adapt to the new era and respond to the emotions of customers who “love cars” and “the joy of driving”.
Potentially the future MX-5, the powertrain features a unique two-rotor rotary EV system, which remains compact and thus offers a high degree of layout flexibility, enabling the concept model to have a low centre of gravity to enhance driving performance.
Batteries are charged by recyclable energy source and the two-rotor rotary engine, used for power generation, is powered by carbon-neutral fuel (like hydrogen). The vibrant red colour of Viola Red was created specifically for the concept car.
Mitsubishi created a D:X concept, a unique electric vehicle that’s designed to be the Delica of the future. A crossover MPV, it sports a spacious interior and a protective body to keep it safe. The sturdy over fenders and large-diameter tires also convey a sense of strength.
The front and rear skid plates and side step protectors provide excellent road performance that enables safe, secure ride even on rough road conditions. Projection laser lights are used for the distinctive T-shape lights, which extend to both ends.
The body colour is a luxurious glamping-inspired copper with a new semi-gloss texture that exudes a sense of quality. The spacious mono-box interior provides ample room for all occupants. Panoramic seats that rotate and move up and down feature.
The high eye position ensures forward visibility, making driving easier and creating a sense of openness. During breaks, the front seats can be rotated backward to create an interior space where all occupants can enjoy conversation.
The see-through hood, which extends from the front window glass to the bottom, displays a combination of information such as the road surface conditions ahead and the turn angle of the front tires.
A voice-interactive AI concierge provides information on routes to destinations, weather conditions and other information to help ensure a safe and stress-free driving experience. A new generation sound system also offers three-dimensional sound via numerous speakers.
Of the three, the ICONIC SP is probably closest to a production vehicle. Only time will tell though if any of those we’ve highlighted see the light of day as production cars. Worth remembering that concept vehicles are often used to envision individual components too.
