New Nissan Sylphy debuts at Auto Shanghai 2019

Nissan today unveiled all-new Sylphy sedan at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show, equipped with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology.

The company says the new Sylphy comes with a new and more fuel-efficient powertrain, a wider stance, a lower centre of gravity, improved aerodynamics and a roomy, luxurious interior, which delivers better performance and enhanced driving experience. The car features seamless connectivity features and a full suite of active safety technologies provide support for drivers.

“The all-new Nissan Sylphy represents the full landing of Nissan Intelligent Mobility in China. With an even more stylish design and advanced connectivity and safety technologies, the all-new Nissan Sylphy gives customers a whole new level of confidence and excitement, befitting of a leading family sedan,” said Daniele Schillaci, executive vice-president of Nissan Motor.

_{The Nissan IMs concept is making its China debut at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show}

According to Nissan, the all-new Sylphy is characterised by its stance, which reflects the design concepts of 'vigor' and 'confidence'. The lower profile and streamlined exterior contribute to decreased wind resistance, with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 – equal to that of the Nissan GT-R. And features Nissan's signature black grille with a three-dimensional V-motion design, which gives it a strong visual impact. The sides are defined by lean, striking proportions that create a sense of motion even when the car is stationary.

The car is powered by the all-new Nissan HR16DE Gen3 intelligent drive engine with Xtronic transmission. The new powertrain technologies boost engine stability and fuel efficiency and provide a linear, smooth driving experience. The company says it has enhanced steering, suspension and body rigidity to offer improved handling and deliver a more solid driving feel.

The wide stance and long wheelbase allow for a spacious cabin where up to five people can ride comfortably in soft, 3D multilayer ergonomic seats. The interior comes in sporty black, light gray or tan. The tan version features a diamond-cut quilting pattern on the seats that adds a modern, luxurious feel.

High-on-tech
On the interior front, Nissan says Sylphy is designed for increased comfort and convenience also include the three-outlet air conditioning system, which is controlled by a single integrated switch, that supplies air separately to the left and right front seats and to the back seats.

An 8-inch centre colour display and the 7-inch, high-definition thin-film transistor monitor, shows drive information and readings from the car’s sensors, and is arranged inside the meter assembly for a smart, highly functional design.

_{The Nissan IMQ concept crossover, featuring e-POWER technology}

Among the many Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies in the all-new Sylphy are seamless smartphone connectivity and intelligent voice command. The Integrated Dynamic Control Module uses targeted brake applications after the vehicle encounters a bump or undulation to immediately improve the level of the body, enhancing ride quality. In addition the car comes with technologies to assist the driver which include Intelligent Trace Control, Intelligent Ride Control and Emergency Brake for Pedal Misapplication.

In terms of safety the vehicle comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Driving Alert, which support the driver in anticipating and avoiding hazardous situations.

Nissan IMs and IMQ make China debut
Also making their China debut at the Shanghai show are the IMs and IMQ electrified concept cars.

First unveiled in January at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, the 100 percent electric IMs defines a new vehicle segment – the elevated sports sedan. With an extended wheelbase and the battery located under the body, the concept car is characterised by its elevated, spacious cabin. In autonomous mode, the IMs offers completely hands-free operation. In manual mode, it delivers the high-performance drive.

The IMQ crossover is equipped with Nissan’s e-POWER technology combines an electric drivetrain with a gasoline engine that generates electricity. Because the wheels are driven solely by the vehicle’s electric motors, the IMQ delivers the same powerful and agile performance as a 100 percent electric car.

Interview: Shinichiro Irie, program design director, Nissan

What are the most notable features of the new Sylphy’s design?
We designed the new Sylphy to communicate the ideas of 'vigor and confidence' and 'lean and dynamic.' We expressed these through larger-diameter tyres and a low centre of gravity, along with a wide, firm stance. We also use common Nissan design language extensively. The new grille, which made its China debut on the Nissan Altima at the 2018 Guangzhou Motor Show, presents a more dynamic and robust V-motion by connecting the line from the bottom of the bumper to the hood.

This vehicle also has signature boomerang-shaped lamps in the front and back, which distinguish it as a Nissan car at first glance. The familiar 'floating' roof is expressed as well.

What are some key characteristics of the interior design?
Customers who choose the Sylphy will want a comfortable, functional and modern interior design. We sought to realise this by combining the concepts 'elaborate yet intuitive,' referring to the car’s intuitive functionality, and 'lean yet comfortable,' which refers to the comfortable and efficient use of space.

Doesn’t the reduction in overall height sacrifice cabin space?
The new Sylphy features an expressive, wide, low, stylish exterior design. It goes even further in terms of cabin roominess and comfort, which was already a key strength of past models. For example, knee space and head clearance are the same, or better, than in the previous Sylphy. Also, the car has a wide interior with excellent visibility for the driver and passengers. All riders are aided by the 'gliding wing' instrument panel design that makes the vehicle feel more spacious – a signature interior characteristic for Nissan.

Why does the air conditioner have three air outlets? Does it represent something?
This was a unique opportunity for Nissan to express sporty, premium functionality in an area that can be easily overlooked. Rather than aiming for a certain motif or image, the vent design expresses sporty, premium functionality. The three simple vents supply air separately to the left and right seats, and to the back seats. The integrated switch for the vents is an example of the 'smart structure' that characterises our interior design.

What’s the significance of the Sylphy in terms of overall Nissan design?
The Sylphy is important to Nissan’s brand identity and helps define the future direction of our design. This new model continues to play these roles, as the Sylphy has done with each prior model change.

Does the new design incorporate any Nissan Intelligent Mobility features?
The new Sylphy features advanced safety technologies that embody Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Among these, a 7-inch, high-definition thin-film transistor monitor, which conveys the operation status of various sensors as well as drive information, is arranged inside the meter assembly for a smart, highly functional design.