2007 Nissan Mixim Concept

Nissan's new Mixim concept shows what a future electric-powered city car might look and act like, the Japanese automaker said as it previewed its concept prior to a Frankfurt auto show introduction. The Mixim is powered by a "Super Motor" electric powertrain, which Nissan promises will give the concept "unusually rapid performance" and a "usefully extended range." Since one motor powers the front wheels and one, the rears, the Mixim is all-wheel driven. The use of lithium-ion batteries will likely be the hot topic at the Nissan press conference in Frankfurt. Both GM and Toyota are experimenting with the high-capacity batteries, but neither has approved them for production - and reports have indicated Toyota would not delay its next-generation Prius hybrid in expectation of using lithium-ion batteries in it. In terms of its packaging and shape, Nissan says the coupe shape applied to the Mixim will make it appealing to a young driver and two passengers, each sitting on either side of the driver seat. A fourth seat is tucked in beneath the hatchback. From the outside, the Mixim is said to resemble the visor of a crash helmet, with its staggered roofline and choppy rear end. Diamond shapes are found all around the exterior, from the air intakes to the rear door shape to the LED driving lights. Inside, the steering wheel and controls are patterned after video games. The Mixim rides on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, is 145.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, and 55.1 inches high. More compact than Nissan's Micra, it weighs about 2100 pounds.

 

Citroen Hypnos Hybrid concept

With the 2008 Paris Motor Show quickly approaching, Citroen has released renderings of a new crossover set to grace its stage at the Paris show. Dubbed the Hypnos Hybrid concept, the coupe-like concept will follow the design pattern first laid out by Infiniti's FX range but will add in a serious bit of green credentials. The Hypnos' design is definitely striking and follows the recent styling trend toward four-door coupes. Like the FX, the Hypnos features a long hood and a dramatic rear drop off. Underhood, the Hypnos uses a 200 horsepower internal combustion engine, paired to an unnamed hybrid powertrain. Although total output remains a mystery, Citroen claims that the sleek 'ute can return better than 52 mpg. Other details remain unknown, but check back for more details and live shots after the Hypnos' Paris unveiling next month.