Auto Trends

Nissan Land Glider Concept, all photos originally uploaded by AutoMotoPortal.HR

It’s hard to imagine there being much of a following for an ultra-compact two-seat Nissan Land Glider. There is not much room for groceries, toting a family, packaging luggage, or even stretching your arms to either direction.

But I have to admit this is pretty narrow minded thinking on my behalf. In a world where motorcycles are at least moderately popular, the Land Glider would actually provide a similar experience, equivalent fuel economy, improved safety, and more convenience.

Only a 47-inches Diameter, Two Seater
The Land Glider has caught quite a bit of attention at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show for it’s rather strange (some might call it, goofy) appearance, but Nissan is actually very serious about its possibilities. The vehicle sits sturdy on four wheels, yet is only 47 inches across in diameter. It won’t use a traditional steering wheel, but joystick-type handles instead.

There is fundamentally only one seat to this vehicle, although there is a second seat towards the rear for the occasional passenger. There is doubt as to whether or not the second seat will pass safety tests (without a proper seat harness), which is understandable considering the overall design, but silly when you consider the rear seat on a sport motorcycle is acceptable, yet practically an execution chair during an accident.

Ability to Lean in Corners
One of the neatest concept ideas of the Land Glider is its ability to lean into corners. Well, besides neat, it is also a fundamental must, considering its 47-inch wheel base would make it a veritable rolling chamber during tight cornering maneuvers at speeds above 50 mph.

Unlike a motorcycle, where the driver must learn the proper execution of the lean turn, the Glider does it all for the driver automatically. It features a series of sensors which detects the Gliders speed and level of force during a turn, and determines the exact angle of lean required to keep it stable and safe

Economically Powered
While a gas engine would make the Land Glider a serious contender at any stoplight, the concept behind its design is not speed and agility, as much as it is economy and portability. Details on its actual drivetrain are incredibly sketchy, but we can make at least a few decent assumptions.

The motor will be entirely electric, it will be conveniently rechargeable (somewhere around 3 to 5 hours per charge I’d imagine), have a maximum distance of 50+ miles (give or take) between charges, and it will probably be a real hoot to drive. Add in the fact that you can fit two per parking space, and this might actually give the Smart Fortwo a run for its money!

See it in action:

Source: U.S. News