Set to debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan Land Glider Concept features steering-by-wire and a lean capability when cornering - like a motorcycle - that enables the vehicle and its tires to lean by up to 17 degrees.

The onboard system instantly calculates the level of lean required to negotiate a corner, thanks to the sensors for vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate.

All the driver must do is turn and the cabin will lean accordingly.

The Land glider is powered by two electric motors in the rear coupled with lithium-ion batteries mounted beneath the floor.

The car also features a non-contact charging system that can be charged whilst shopping at a supermarket or stopping at a motorway service station. This system enables vehicles to be charged cable-less at locations where the infrastructure exists.

The car-robotics style crash avoidance system integrate sensors mounted in the body that detect other vehicles in the same way as fish swim in schools without colliding. This system directs the vehicle's path away from any obstacles.

The Land Glider "gives a direction to how a future small car from Nissan could look in congested cities."

Design

With more than 50% of the world's population living in big cities in the near future, designers latched onto motorcycles as a credible base to start the design process.

By enabling the car to lean, designers have succeeded in minimizing vehicle width and tire tread width, thus achieving a sleek, futuristic look.

The vehicle's two-seater tandem layout is enveloped in what seems like the canopy of a glider, while its unique `tilt' setup employs a special leaning function that holds occupants firmly in place even when the vehicle is cornering at angles.

"The exterior incorporates a soft, sleek-looking body that appears to be protected by a special armor," explains Takashi Nakajima, Nissan's Project Design Director.

"And while it is very mechanical in its nature, the four-wheeler boasts a dynamic body design that almost seems alive. As part of Nissan's expanding zero emission family, the Nissan Land Glider Concept exudes a clean, friendly attitude."

"With four-wheel stability and a sense of safety that originates from a tilting cabin, the Nissan Land Glider Concept will appeal to both two- and four-wheel driving enthusiasts."

Nissan Land Glider Concept - Technical Specifications

• Overall Length: 3,100 mm
• Overall Width: 1,100 mm
• Overall Height: 1,415 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,180 mm
• Seating Capacity: 2

(Source: Nissan)