The Nissan TeRRA SUV concept,
unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show combines two outstanding Nissan
strengths – SUVs and EVs – in a vehicle that is equally in its element
off-road in the wild or gliding silently through a sophisticated urban
setting. With an innovative 4x4 fuel-cell electric powertrain and an
athletic exterior that projects an unforgettable presence beyond its
compact dimensions, TeRRA takes sustainable motoring into exciting new
territory.
Envisioned as "the one and only
Zero Emission SUV," TeRRA builds on Nissan's success with urban-relevant
SUVs and crossovers like Murano and Qashqai and asserts that its
zero-emission expertise extends all the way to fuel cells. Designed as a
functional and flexible choice for tomorrow's youthful, "always on"
consumers, TeRRA answers their aspiration for eco-friendliness along
with a secure driving feel under any road conditions.
"Our challenge was to take
Nissan's strength in SUVs and crossovers forward into the zero-emissions
era, fuel cells being our new frontier in zero emission mobility" said
Francois Bancon, Nissan's devision general manager of product strategy
and planning. "Not big and tough for the desert, the aim was a new
approach to SUVs that's relevant to urban life. The unique diagonal
seating layout that offers an exciting driving experience thanks to
exceptional visibility that creates a sense of being in control under
any conditions."
Tough on the outside, warm and welcoming within
"We took our inspiration from the lifestyles of youthful customers in
Northern Europe," said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior vice president and
chief creative officer. "We heard their aspiration for sustainable
mobility that can take them anywhere they want to go."
"Exploring our imagination of
that natural space with the exterior, we have redefined the power of the
SUV heritage in a much more athletic way, one that expresses our vision
of the zero emissions future," Nakamura said.
"You have the big tires, high
belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows of the SUV vocabulary.
But with a slender waist between pronounced fenders above the wheel
arches, and a sculptured hood, we've created an ‘Implied Structure' of
musculature under the skin. Sharp corners, short overhangs and
sculptured lamps contribute to a clean, confident stance
An aerodynamically flat body pan
in an eye-catching color, protecting the full length of the underside,
completes the image of what we call ‘Modern Toughness.'"
Open the door and exterior
toughness gives way to a surprisingly warm and welcoming interior. The
door panel is a sculpted fusion of blond wood trim and colored acrylic,
layered in an intriguing pattern. Ringing the cabin at shoulder height
is a metal frame that gives TeRRA's occupants a feeling of security.
The wood/metal contrast
continues across the dashboard, a beechwood-acrylic fusion that exudes a
soft warmth. On the driver's side, the steering and instrument console
gently tapers out toward the driver, barely interrupting the clean lines
of the dash.
Seamless digital space
Facing the driver is a unique instrument cluster. It's an electronic
tablet – just like today's popular portable devices – that serves as an
"intelligent key." The driver docks it when entering the car and removes
it when leaving. When docked in TeRRA, the tablet's default view
displays speed and other key performance indicators. But the driver can
easily toggle to entertainment, communications, navigation and other
views.
Outside the car it provides all
the functions we expect from a tablet, plus it stays continually in
touch with the vehicle.The idea is seamless information and
communication, on the road and everywhere else.
The seats themselves express a
hexagonal motif that is carried through various aspects of the design.
Fold the three passenger seats down and you notice that TeRRA's cabin
deck is completely flat, presenting no obstacles to carrying bikes,
kayaks or assemble-yourself furniture from Scandinavia. This flat
surface is a function of the remarkably compact powertrain package that
creates the possibility of this zero-emission concept.
Power, four-by-four; emissions, zero
Although TeRRA is presented as a design concept, not a technical
exhibit, its proposed 4x4 fuel cell electric powertrain is far from
imaginary.
Under the hood is ample space
for Nissan's proprietary hydrogen fuel cell stack: a flat, highly
compact unit that features world-leading power density of 2.5kW/L. The
latest in a series of Nissan fuel cells since 1996, the stack costs just
one-sixth of its 2005 predecessor as the need for expensive precious
metals has been slashed to one-quarter of the previous level.
TeRRA is purely a concept car,
but it signals that Nissan is ready to mass-produce fuel cell electric
vehicles whenever hydrogen becomes widely available.
