Auto Trends

Autowereld.com: Mitsubishi PX-MiEV, originally uploaded by iflavour

Continuing on with the Tokyo Motor Show, which opened to the public on October 21, 2009. Mitsubishi had a rather interesting plug-in hybrid concept to show, which got people thinking. What does my current vehicle smell like? Do those fragrance pine trees really do all that much good? Who thinks up this stuff anyway?

The Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is an electric hybrid vehicle that has taken some of its focus from performance and exterior appeal, and placed it on its smell. The entire interior package (called the “cocochi”) of the concept MiEV is dedicated to making the drivers experience in their vehicle, as pleasurable to the olfactory senses as possible.

Unlike the typical fragrance aids you can purchase for your vehicle, such as those pine trees, the MiEV does not try to cover over the chemical smell of your vehicle, but rather cancel it out from its source. To begin with, the interior is lined with a double layer of fabric, which serves two purposes:

Layer #1- An anti-allergy coating prevents the offensive odor and effects of pollens, organic compounds, and even those little bugs that live in our carpets and beds.

Layer #2- A second layer is designed to resist fragrant smells (chemicals) from being released into the cabin. The seats will also each feature internal air conditioning, which will help circulate the stagnant air around the passengers.

There are a lot of candle companies that claim they can change ones mood, simply by smelling a certain fragrance. The PX-MiEV is banking on this fact, as it introduces its new detection software, which is able to decipher the smell a driver most needs to remain comfortable, relaxed, and alert.

On a normal day, when the driver is detected as energetic and controlling the vehicle well, the MiEV will concentrate a very faint perfume and negative-ion oxygen, in order to keep them relaxed, while also helping to reduce any fatigue.

On a rough day, where the drivers concentration is off (wandering on the road), the MiEV will produce a slightly different fragrance meant to heighten driver alertness. For those really bad days, where the driver is actually nodding at the wheel, the MiEV will alert the driver with a series of visual, vibration, and audio warnings. Yes, having a back-up just in case the fragrance isn’t enough to do the job, is always a good thing!

To top it off, the glass will feature UV radiation blocking layers, to keep the dangerous rays of the sun off the skin during those really long days in rush hour. This vehicle is practically a mobile health-spa if you ask me, only without the masseuse.

But less we forget the true purpose of the PV-MiEV, which is to get its passengers from A to B. It also features a high tech, hybrid electric motor system, worth 118 miles to the gallon. Okay, now all that is left is a really good slogan:

At last, an automotive improvement that doesn’t stink!

Something smell a little fishy? Well it’s certainly ain’t your PV-MiEV!

Well, you get the idea…

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

MSN Autos released some interesting statistic recently, looking at the most popular vehicles driven in various areas. Let’s breakdown these findings, and try to deduce what made these vehicles so popular.

Scarsdale, New York Covets their BMW 328xi Sports Wagon
Interestingly, Scarsdale resident are almost exclusive leasers (85 percent) which means they are not necessarily committed to the 328xi, but rather have deemed it as the most practical and functional for the next three years. The wagon allows the typical family to trudge the daily grind in relative comfort, convenience, and fuel economy (25 mph highway), while also having decent cargo availability, and reasonable winter capability to boot (all-wheel drive).

Grand Blanc, Michigan Cruises the empty Boulevards in a Chevrolet Impala
Michigan has been hit hard by the poor economy. In the relatively small town (9,000 souls) of Grand Blanc, approximately 200 locals are out of work these days due to the layoffs that hit earlier this year. There are a couple of factors which have made the Chevrolet Impala the choice vehicle for 2009. For one, it is affordable ($24,000 and up); two, economical (29 mpg); and three, well, it is made by General Motors. Grand Blanc is home to General Motors’ Weld Tool Center, so they probably figure they might as well support the home team!

West Palm Beach, Florida Sets their Standards at the Lexus RX 350
The luxury oriented Lexus RX350 is the old stand-by in West Palm Beach. The crowd is hip, professional, and well endowed with a beefy yearly income. In the lush concrete jungles of Florida’s West Beach, there is really not much necessity for 4-wheel Drive, yet residents seem quite fond of them. There is a lot of single professionals in the median age of 36.7, which means there is more calling for status vehicles than affordable and practical minivans and family sedans. Not that a Lexus isn’t practical, but with its $40,000 base price, there are lot more practical options out there.

Deluth, Georgia Holds Favors the Honda Civic
The folks of Deluth, prefer Honda Civic’s more than any other vehicle. This finding was a bit surprising considering these suburbs are typically known for their upscale nature. Most folks around here, however, appear more concerned with stretching their dollar than gaining materialistic status. As a former railroad town, Deluth has few options for public transportation, so their vehicles have to be safe, reliable, dependable, and economical. The Honda Civic represents all of these, and for those with a particularly long daily trek, the Civic Hybrid offers up to 45 mpg on the highway.

Source: MSN Autos

[Photos via david.tormey, autodetailer, F1Photography.net, and resedabear]