Photos by Ulysses Ang and Nissan Press

Autonomous driving is the name of the game for manufacturers at the Tokyo Motor Show. Over at Nissan, they presented their vision of automated driving along with zero emissions in the form of the IDS Concept.

The Nissan IDS Concept (Intelligent Driving) Concept is aimed at improving a driver’s ability to see, think, and react. It compensates for human error which accounts for over 90 percent of automobile-related accidents. Unlike other autonomous driving concepts, where the experience is akin to driving on virtual conveyor belts, the IDS Concept promises a very different experience. Even when the driver selects ‘Piloted Drive’, it imitates the driver’s personal style and preference in terms of accelerating, braking, and cornering.



Though it can be driven manually, the IDS Concept continues to provide assistance using sensors that monitors conditions and assistance. In the event of imminent danger, the car will assist the driver in taking evasive action.

The interior of the IDS Concept changes depending on which mode is engaged. When in Piloted Mode, the seats rotate slightly inward for easier communication similar to a living room arrangement. In Manual Mode, all seats face forward putting the driver in control. Regardless of modes, the IDS Concept features a long wheelbase ensuring a roomy experience for four occupants.


Outside, the IDS Concept can signal its intentions to cyclists and pedestrians via an LED-based Intention Indicator. It can flash messages allowing for a natural, more harmonious communication between different road users.

Ensuring high-performance and range, it has a highly aerodynamic shape with a low co-efficient of drag. The full height of the carbon fiber body is limited to 1,380 millimeters while thin 175-sized tires minimize air and roll resistance. Tractive power is provided by a 60-kilowatt hour battery.


Beside the IDS Concept, Nissan also showed off the Gripz Concept, a modern day reinterpretation of the Safari-winning 240Z. The Gripz Concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and makes its Japanese appearance for the first time.

Finally, tucked at the NISMO corner is the Nissan 2020 Vision Gran Turismo Concept. Though the concept car itself isn’t new as it was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2014, it does get a new striking exterior color for the Tokyo Motor Show: Fire Knight Red. As always, the Vision Gran Turismo Concept is said to preview the all-new Nissan GT-R.