Nissan today unveiled the all-new IMQ concept vehicle at the Geneva International Motor Show. Its advanced technology and design signals the direction of the next generation of crossovers. The IMQ seamlessly blends Japanese heritage with state-of-the-art, human-centric technology. Also, it incorporates the latest innovations that bring to life Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the brand’s vision for the future of automotive transportation. Its styling reflects Nissan’s role as a pioneer and leader in crossovers, with a striking look that pushes the boundaries of what a European crossover can be.
At the heart of the IMQ is the next generation of e-POWER, a 100 per cent electric motor drive system that delivers instant, linear acceleration. Nissan has developed this technology from the e-POWER technology available in its Note and Serena models in Japan. In the IMQ, it delivers a total output of 250 kilowatts and 700 Nm of torque.
The e-power technology channels the high power output through a new multi-motor all wheel drive system. This delivering precise and independent control of each wheel. Next, the combination of e-POWER and AWD is ideal for low-grip conditions, such as the snowy alpine roads outside Geneva. The IMQ offers additional insights into Nissan’s technology vision. Nissan has equipped the IMQ with an advanced prototype version of Nissan’s ProPILOT driving assistance system. This system also offers an enhanced autonomous driving capability. Finally, the model features Nissan’s Invisible-to-Visible technology. This technology was unveiled in January 2019 at the CES trade show.
The IMQ’s dimensions place it at the center of the European C crossover segment. It demonstrates a clean and effortless design, with the exterior and interior merging as one. Nissan has designed the greenhouse to give the impression of a single continuous surface.
The IMQ marks a bold new direction in Nissan’s design language. Firstly, it builds on the Nissan badge, integrated into the V-motion grille, which has been given a deliberately more subtle execution. Next, the grille blends vertically into the hood and horizontally with the front bumper to create strong corners at the outer edges. Lastly, the hood also features striking chrome-edged cuts as the fender rises from the wheel arches and tucks under the central section.
At the rear, a vertical character line drops from the light cluster to separate air as it passes down the side, aiding aerodynamic performance. At its upper end, Nissan has integrated it into a new slim line interpretation of the brand’s “boomerang” lamp cluster. Lastly, the single piece tailgate tucks under the rear fenders, echoing the design of the hood.
Closer inspection reveals extensive use of three-dimensional ridges on the darkened lower sections of the exterior. These detailed layers – known as lamellas – are evocative of Japanese traditional design and extend all around the car.
Twenty-two-inch alloy wheels with bespoke Bridgestone Connect tires complete the exterior. These “smart” tires communicate information to the driver via the graphical user interface. Data transmitted includes tire load, pressure, temperature, grip level, wear and tire health. This helps the IMQ automatically calibrate its in-car control systems to work optimally.
The Japanese design themes, blended with contemporary technology, continue inside. The IMQ’s doors are hinged at their outer edges and open to reveal a futuristic, spacious interior. It features four individual seats that rise seamlessly from the lamella-covered floor, which provides a visual link to the exterior.
Nissan’s familiar “gliding wing” instrument panel dominates the front of the cabin, with a center console emerging from beneath and stretching back between the front seats into the rear.
Nissan has finished each sculpted seat in a two-tone 3D technical fabric. Designers have laser-cut the fabric in a geometric pattern inspired by Japanese kumiko woodwork. Next, designers have replicated the pattern on the instrument panel, door trim and parcel shelf, as well as the rich metallic finish of the seat back. Nissan has also integrated lamellas into the door trim and seat back uppers as headrest supports.
Everything about the IMQ’s interior is focused on the driver. Chief among them is the graphical user interface, dominated by an 840-millimeter screen embedded in the instrument panel, demonstrates this. It’s completely black – like a smartphone – when powered down, but when powered up, it comes to life to provide e-POWER status and other vehicle information. Further use of the black lamellas is always visible behind the screen.
Next, a smaller, secondary screen above the center console hosts the IMQ’s Virtual Personal Assistant. It enhances the driving experience by controlling vehicle functions, such as navigation, in response to input from the driver.
Finally, Nissan has shaped the steering wheel ergonomically. It also maximises visibility of the instrument panel. Further, engineers have built advanced, “soft-touch” paddle shift-style functionality into the back of the wheel.
The IMQ showcases Nissan’s Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) technology, a 3-D interface where the “real world” converges with the virtual world. Developed by Nissan, I2V helps occupants see what may otherwise be invisible. This also adds confidence and excitement to their driving experience.
Nissan’s Omni-Sensing technology gives occupants the opportunity to “see the invisible” as it connects the IMQ to real world sensing information inside and outside the vehicle’s cabin, combined with information from the virtual world, displayed before the driver and passenger for a rich mixed-reality experience.
The technology can help drivers see around corners, visualise precise information about traffic jams – including causes – and determine alternative routes for a stress-free journey. In fact, drivers may even enjoy the company of a virtual passenger, in the form of a 3D augmented-reality avatar inside the car.
The IMQ reflects Nissan’s commitment to an autonomous future, as laid out in the brand’s Intelligent Mobility vision. The car has an advanced prototype ProPILOT driver assistance system. This system assists drivers on urban streets and suburban highways. This is possible due to an array of advanced sensors, radars, and cameras located throughout the car. These sensors interpret road, traffic and information signals for a smooth and confident ride.
“The IMQ’s design combines traditional and modern Japanese influences. This shows what’s possible when future crossovers are powered by Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” said Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president for design at Nissan. “With the IMQ, the interior and exterior are seamlessly blended together, signaling what our design direction may be for Nissan’s third generation of crossovers in Europe.”
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