Land Glider: the shape of things to come

Here's something that could have ACC levy-setters stumped if it goes into production and comes here. It's a bike; no, it's a car - well, it's a bit of both and it's called the Land Glider.

Other motorists will probably crash into it just trying to get a look.

It's one of Nissan's glimpses of the future on show at the just-opened Tokyo motor show.

The company's not giving out much information about the ultra-compact, narrow-bodied concept, which it calls "a new proposal for urban mobility that can be achieved by a zero-emission car".

Land Glider, which was designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote effective use of parking space, has the ability to lean into corners motorcycle-style, in a similar way to previous four-wheeled BMW concepts.

It's also reminiscent of the petrol-powered Carver tilting three-wheeled vehicle built in the Netherlands before its manufacturer went out of business.

Nissan claims the Land Glider's ability to shift its centre of gravity by tilting its two-seat cabin "provides a new, exciting sense of driving and a powerful, crisp ride".

The company says the unusual electric vehicle, which is just 3100mm long, 1100mm wide, 1415mm high and rides on a 2180mm wheelbase, is not merely for show. "This leaning machine gives a clear direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities ... a clue of what Nissan means by new era of mobility," a spokesman said.

Apart from having a light cocoon-like body inspired by the canopy of a glider, the ability of the Land Glider's chassis and tyres to lean by up to 17 degrees is made possible by sensors that measure vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate. A computer then calculates the level of lean required to negotiate a corner.

Australia's GoAuto website says the Land Glider is designed to appeal to both car drivers and motorcycle riders. It has an electric drive system based on the Nissan Leaf, comprising a lithium-ion battery beneath the floor, driving two rear electric motors.

"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armour," said Nissan's project design director Takashi Nakajima. "And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive."

In addition to the Land Glider, Nissan's ground-breaking Leaf electric vehicle (EV), Qazana compact crossover, flagship Fuga sedan and Roox city car will also be shown at Tokyo.