Nissan's sprawling booth here in Tokyo saw the debut of its Pivo 3 concept car, a hilariously small EV that actually makes a lot of sense. Could this be the spiritual embodiment of the production small urban EV about which Nissan has said will be its fourth EV (following Leaf, Infiniti EV and NV200 EV)?
Its tiny dimensions and three-place seating position a la McLaren F1 joins in-hub electric motors to create something intended to excel in cramped urban environments. There was also talk of an autonomous valet system that locates available parking spaces and self-drives, but then Nissan could say this concept transforms into an eagle and suplexes goats and we'd have to take their word for it.
The four-wheel steering system really exploits the short wheelbase, giving it a turning circle of just 13 feet. Even better, the rear tires follow the fronts precisely on the same path. In other words if the front end can make it through a gap, you don't have to worry about scraping the rear. Just drive on.
That right there is what they call Ackerman, my friends. Even this concept car has it. Good thing, too, since the Pivo 3 was driven onto the stage and then in circles at full lock to demonstrate said turning circle.
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