Is This Concept the Next-generation Nissan Leaf?

Mark Stevenson
by Mark Stevenson

“The future vision of car intelligence and electrification.”

That was the entire press release provided by Nissan along with the above photo. That’s it. That’s all.

So, let the wild speculation begin. Is this the next-generation Nissan Leaf? Or is it a life orb that will ship us off to fight to the death in some futuristic panopticon? Who knows?!?! It could be at least one of those things.

The current-generation Nissan Leaf debuted in 2010 for the 2011 model year. Since then, Nissan has been stretching its range almost yearly. The EPA estimates the Leaf to be capable of 107 miles for model year 2016. For 2011, that figure was 73 miles.

Reading into the 8-word press release, we can expect the concept to have some sort of autonomous driving technology and electric drivetrain, while the photo shows the concept will feature Nissan’s corporate V-motion grille and boomerang headlight treatment.

The concept will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.

Here it is blown out.

Mark Stevenson
Mark Stevenson

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  • Compaq Deskpro Compaq Deskpro on Oct 24, 2015

    Meh, looks like a concept car version of the current Nissan Murano.

  • Nickoo Nickoo on Oct 24, 2015

    Nissan is already claiming big things for their next generation leaf batteries. I think we may see a real game changer on our hands, however, they claimed that with their previous version too, and it didn't live up to expectations. I think Tesla is going to be in a world of hurt with their giga-factory, unless they have a surprise up their sleeve, they are about to get caught hands down building the model T when the competition has already moved onto the model A.

  • Lorenzo Are they calling it a K4? That's a mountain in the Himalayas! Stick with names!
  • MaintenanceCosts It's going to have to go downmarket a bit not to step on the Land Cruiser's toes.
  • Lorenzo Since EVs don't come in for oil changes, their owners don't have their tires rotated regularly, something the dealers would have done. That's the biggest reason they need to buy a new set of tires sooner, not that EVs wear out tires appreciably faster.
  • THX1136 Always liked the Mustang though I've never owned one. I remember my 13 yo self grabbing some Ford literature that Oct which included the brochure for the Mustang. Using my youthful imagination I traced the 'centerfold' photo of the car AND extending the roof line back to turn it into a small wagon version. At the time I thought it would be a cool variant to offer. What was I thinking?!
  • GregLocock That's a bodge, not a solution. Your diff now has bits of broken off metal floating around in it.
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