Friday, February 11, 2011

Japan's Most Radical Sports Car at Geneva Motor Show

Radical Sports CarEsflow concept blends futuristic sports car styling with production-ready electric technology. Its streaky LED lights make it look like a sports car from Tron, but Nissan's new Esflow concept could be a pointer to an all-electric version of the company's famous GT-R supercar.

Nissan will use next month's Geneva motor show to display its new Esflow concept, a rear-wheel-drive two-seater that borrows drivetrain technologies from the production-ready Leaf electric hatchback.

The Japanese brand says the Esflow it its vision of a future zero-emissions sports car, blending driving thrills with environmental benefits. The Esflow's compact, 'fastback' shape has more in common with the company's smaller 370Z coupe, though the concept has been built on all-new, lightweight aluminium underpinnings.

The Esflow will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in less than five seconds and travel 240km on a single charge, according to the company.

It's futuristic shape of steeply raked windscreen, indented bonnet, and ultra-short front and rear overhangs are complemented by LED lights that are slashed across the bodywork - blue at the front, red at the rear.

Aerodynamics and noise refinement are aided by the omission of side mirrors - substituted with tiny rear-view cameras positioned at the base of the windscreen pillar.

The Esflow's recharge sockets are even less evident - hidden in the air intakes below the headlights. They flip out when the sports car's battery pack needs replenishing.

Nissan has yet to reveal interior pictures but says the Esflow's cabin features gold leather/suede seats, dark blue leather and suede door trim, and multi-function LCD displays.

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