NISSAN_TECHNICAL_REVIEW_89 (2023)

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“Tough Gear”and “High Quality”for New X-TRAIL - 1. Evolution of genuine SUVs: New X-TRAIL e-4ORCE4. “e-4ORCE”: Changing the concept of 4WD3.2 VC-TURBO engine for e-POWER3.3 Evolution of e-Pedal StepFig. 7 VC-TURBO engine for e-POWER5. High-stiffness body/chassis that supports the powerful driving performanceFig. 8 e-4ORCEIn the conventional e-POWER system, a high engine speed is required to obtain high power from the engine. Compared with the conventional system, the VC-TURBO engine lowers the engine speed while significantly increasing torque and power. In scenarios where low fuel consumption is required, the compression ratio is increased to generate electricity with high efficiency. In scenarios where high power is required, the compression ratio is lowered and the boost pressure is raised during electricity generation (Fig. 7). Consequently, low fuel consumption, high power, and a high level of quietness are achieved at a high level, thereby allowing a buffer when supplying electricity to the high-power motor.The e-Pedal Step, which enables the driver to control the vehicle speed using only the accelerator pedal, employs regenerative brake/hydraulic brake integrated control for the first time in an e-POWER-incorporated vehicle to realize a stable deceleration of up to 0.2 G. The hydraulic brake is activated automatically depending on the scenario, thus enabling the driver to drive the vehicle with a sense of security and comfort in various scenarios such as urban areas (where acceleration and deceleration are repeated), long downhill roads, and snowy road surfaces.The electric drive four-wheel control technology “e-4ORCE” that integrates Nissanʼs electrification technology, 4WD control technology, and chassis control technology was mounted as a new feature. The driving force of each wheel is optimized by performing integrated control of the high-power motors (one each mounted at the front and rear) and left/right brakes. This optimization provides an exciting driving experience and a comfortable riding experience to all vehicle occupants when the vehicle is driven in various scenarios and under different road surface conditions (e.g., exerting drivability on snowy road surfaces and mountain roads and driving the vehicle for daily use in urban areas).7•Easy path following as per driverʼs expectations: Cornering, as intended by the driver, is realized with the minimum number of steering operations by judging the road surface and vehicle conditions instantaneously and by fully utilizing the friction force of the tires by controlling the brakes and driving force of the front/rear motors precisely.•Confidence anywhere: Smooth starting and driving experiences are realized by avoiding slipping and stuck tires and by helping to secure optimal traction, even in off-road situations and on snowy road surfaces.•Comfortable ride for all: The oscillation of the occupantʼs head in the front-rear direction is mitigated when decelerating while driving in an urban area by stabilizing the vehicle body behavior via adjustments to the amount of regenerative braking applied by the front and rear motors.•Powerful and smooth driving: A feeling of strong, sustained acceleration is realized by having high-power motors respond quickly when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal. This feature enables smooth merging with expressway traffic.In the new X-TRAIL, the platform is modified completely to achieve a high level of handling stability, ride comfort, and quietness. For the body, the usage ratio of high-tensile-strength steel sheet is increased to 42%, and a cross-frame structure that has no center tunnel or splitting portion (Fig. 9) is adopted, which increases the body torsional stiffness by 44% while suppressing the increase in mass. These new measures significantly improve the safety and dynamic performances (e.g., handling stability, ride comfort, and quietness) of the X-TRAIL.