Autoblog UK

Organisers of the Los Angeles Auto Show invited design studios based in Southern California to set out their vision for Mobile Teens in 2030 (Youthmobile 2030). Studies were drawn up by design studios at General Motors, Audi, Honda, Nissan, Mazda and Toyota. 2009 is the sixth year that this Design Challenge has been held. The winner will be announced on Press Day at the Los Angeles Auto Show, 2nd and 3rd December 2009.

Car Hero by General Motors can drive itself and is steered by mobile phone (that's if they are still around in 2030). Audi designers submitted two very bold design studies, the eSpira and the eOra, that are guided to their destination by hand movements (not a good idea for those of us who are not at our best in the mornings but nevertheless need to get to work). Nissan's V2G is an eco-friendly electrically powered car. This e-car has an aerodynamic egg shape and six wheels. In Mazda's Souga, the car's two occupants sit diagonally behind one another. According to its designers, buyers of the Souga will configure the car to suit their needs. Both Nissan and Toyota designers believe that, in 2030, vehicles travelling in the rush hour will often be joined together in groups of two or more. The Toyota's appearance can be digitally altered and tyre friction converted back into energy.

The new generation of Nissan's Micra is set to conquer the planet and is therefore required to have a uniform appearance for all markets. Thailand has been chosen for the Micra's initial launch in March 2010. After that, it will be rolled out in 150 further countries. It will be interesting to see whether the Micra looks as sporty in real-life traffic as it does on the drawing board.

At the Tokyo Motor Show (24th October - 4th November), Nissan will be showing off an unusual prototype that combines elements of a mini with those of a motorbike. According to Nissan, the model on display is just a design study. Having said that, though, future small cars from the manufacturer may be heading in this general direction. The dimensions and technology of the tandem could be the answer to some of the problems in congested urban environments. By seating the single passenger directly behind the driver, the designers have ensured that the Land Glider has a very narrow body. Special technology is used to enable the Land Glider to tilt at an angle of up to 17 degrees on corners. The roof is reminiscent of the cockpit on an aeroplane. The vehicle is powered by an electric motor located next to the rear axle and fed from lithium ion batteries.

On the outside, this electric prototype from Nissan looks fairly conventional. The surprises come when you enter the cabin of the Leaf. The basic concept was to bring an e-model onto the market that would suit the average budget. They haven't named their price yet, but it should be on a par with the cost of a standard compact car – minus battery. A pack with the requisite capacity will cost a prospective purchaser an additional five-figure sum. For this reason, the Japanese carmaker is hopeful of government subsidies in target markets.

There is no external clue to suggest that the Nissan Leaf is one of the first ever cars to have been designed specifically as electrically powered. This five-door vehicle looks just like any other in the compact class. According to the manufacturer's own research, the Leaf's 100-mile range is adequate for the needs of around 70 percent of all drivers on the planet. The initial plan is to construct the new model in Japan and the USA, with an option to expand production to Europe. Rollout for the Leaf is scheduled for the end of 2010.

From nought to 62mph in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 193mph (310km/h) – that's not the whole story. But 7mins 26.7secs to negotiate the Nürburgring Nordschleife? Now that's a new record. This thing weighs around 1.8 tonnes but still goes like a rocket. And that's not good for Porsche. The GT-R is not exactly beauty personified, but who cares, when its angular rear end, incorporating four back lights and fancy exhaust can cock a snook at most Porsches? In the 24-hour endurance race at Spa-Francorchamps, they'll be testing the reliability of the Nissan GT-R under the toughest conditions. And in the process they'll probably blow away a few Porsches.

Nissan will be celebrating the premiere of their 370Z Roadster at the New York International Auto Show from the 10th to the 19th of April, 2009. Hardly had the Z370 been presented when the Japanese already arrived with their open-top version. The 370Z Roadster has a classic fabric roof which retracts fully automatically in 20 seconds into a colour-matched compartment at the push of a button. The body of the Roadster has been reinforced by more solid windscreen side pillars and side sills, and a glass draught stop mounted between the roll-over bars reduces interior air turbulence when driving with the roof down. The 370Z Roadster shares its drive train, axles and vehicle platform - as well as many other components - with the Z Coupe that has already been presented. The power pack is also the 3.7 litre V6, delivering 331bhp in the European version.

The Nissan Pixo is a car for the low budget, and at less than 8,000 euros you could say that it is a snip. It is running off the same production line in India as the Suzuki Alto. and the only difference between the two vehicles is a different front and slightly modified rear end in the case of the Pixo. The Nissan has a better visual appearance and costs 10% less. it is powered by three cylinder petrol engine with 1 litre of cubic capacity

This economy package only reaches 60mph in 14 seconds, but that should not be a problem for an urban car. On motorways, you can take your foot off the accelerator when you reach 96mph. In terms of fuel consumption, you can look forward to over 64mpg.

Now Nissan are nailing their colours to the eco mast with the latest concept bearing their prestigious Infiniti badge. The Essence is a luxury coupé powered by a hybrid drive and is intended to show the way ahead for all future Nissan models. The characteristic radiator grille with prominent Infiniti logo immediately catches the eye. Further external features are the mighty aluminium wheels, the curvaceous contours and side windows that practically meet the roofline. The windscreen blends almost seamlessly into a glass roof that slopes gently down towards the boot. Instead of door handles, the Essence has push-buttons recessed into the bodywork and mini cameras to replace the external mirrors on the A-pillars.

At the heart of the concept is, of course, the hybrid powertrain. This is a combined petrol engine and electric motor generating a total output of 600bhp. The Essence additionally incorporates new safety systems devised by the manufacturer. As the boot has been designed to be particularly luggage-friendly, Infiniti are supplying a special free gift with each car: a customised set of cases from French luxury label Louis Vuitton.

From July 2009, Japanese carmaker Nissan will be offering the new 370Z in Europe at a price tag of under 40,000 euros. The 331bhp car will be launched onto the market in two versions. At the heart of the 370Z is the revamped 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine from its predecessor.

It is claimed that the car can automatically 'repair itself' in the case of minor bumps and scrapes. There are six metallic and mineral-effect basecoats to choose from, together with the amazing Scratch Shield clearcoat. This innovative coating contains high-elastic artificial resins that have been designed to protect the paint job. If the bodywork suffers minor abrasions, then depending on depth and ambient temperature, the Scratch Shield coat will restore the original surface finish within a matter of days.