Nissan Imq 2020
We got our first look at the new Nissan Qashqai on the Geneva Motor Show floor while also getting a glimpse at Nissan's future design with the IMQ concept.
Nissan had a few models worth checking out at its Geneva Motor Show stand including the 2020 Nissan Qashqai and the futuristic Nissan IMQ Concept. The Qashqai was first unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show last month and the IMQ Concept is very far from being production-ready, but they are still worth a look.
Nissan IMQ Concept
Concepts are a major part of the automotive industry. Often times, they are a preview of future design cues or technologies that will reach production models some time down the road.
They also usually come with an incredibly detailed press release with over a thousand words explaining everything there is to know about every body panel, interior trim, and line on the roof. These press releases are fascinating. Here's an example:
"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, it's integrated into a new slim line interpretation of Nissan's "boomerang" lamp cluster. The single-piece tailgate tucks under the rear fenders, echoing the design of the hood".
Here's another one:
"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."
There is no way we can compete with that. So we'll just say that the IMQ Concept looks pretty good. It has an agressive overall style that is certainly different from current Nissan models. There is some ressemblance with the current Lexus design language, but it's not major enough to say there was some copying going on.
The Nissan IMQ Concept features 22-inch wheels wrapped with Bridgestone Connect wheels that can communicate data to the driver such as pressure, temperature, grip level, and wear and tear.
Powering the IMQ Concept is an e-POWER 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that serves to power two electric motors along with a small battery. The IMQ is therefore an electric vehicle with an engine serving as a generator.
Nissan's e-Power is already on sale in Japan and doing very well. It will come to Europe by 2022 and then likely North America.
2020 Nissan Qashqai
Launched at the last Chicago Auto Show, the new 2020 Qashqai sports a new design featuring a V-Motion grille, a more rounded overall look, and more safety technology.
The 2020 Qashqai adds the Nissan Safety Shield 360 which includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and high beam assist. It also gets ProPILOT Assist and keeps the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 141 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
The goal of the refresh according to Nissan was to help better separate the Qashqai visually from the Nissan Rogue. The new Qashqai is expected in Nissan dealerships this fall.
Nissan 2019 Geneva Motor Show Images
Nissan Images Gallery 2019 Geneva Motor Show
Source: https://motorillustrated.com/2020-nissan-qashqai-imq-concept-highlight-seen-at-2019-geneva-motor-show/22062/
