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Nissan unveils its Denki Cube electric concept at the 2008 New York Auto Show.
Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.
The Nissan Denki Cube concept has an electric motor and under-floor-positioned lithium-ion batteries. The alt-energy setup adds 9.4 inches to the concept's wheelbase over the standard Cube.
Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.
The aptly named Cube, in its gasoline-powered form, will go on sale in the U.S. in 2009.
Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.
Sunny yellow interior and white exterior are intended to give a "minimalist" and "humble" appearance to the concept.
Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.
Nissan Denki Cube concept signals the automaker's small-car plans for North America.
Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.


2008 New York Auto Show: Nissan Reveals Denki Cube — and Small-Car Strategy for U.S.

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NEW YORK — Nissan used the platform of the 2008 New York Auto Show to confirm rampant speculation that the boxy Cube is headed for North America in 2009. It also took the wraps off an electrified version of the vehicle, the Denki Cube concept.

Nissan says Denki is Japanese for "electric." The concept, with its wild interior and echoes of the bright orange Scion Hako concept that also was unveiled here, is most noteworthy for its strategy implications for the automaker. It "serves as a preview of Nissan's future small-car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009," the company said in a statement.

The Denki Cube concept's biggest alteration versus the production model is the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline-4 gas engine with an electric motor and "laminated" lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. "The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries," Nissan said. The wheelbase of the concept is also stretched 9.4 inches versus the production model to fit the lithium-ion battery cells.

Nissan designers characterize the looks of the Cube as "minimalist" and "humble," calling it "the antithesis of traditional automotive style." The Denki Cube concept gets an "electric-themed" front grille design with an AC power charging port, "lightning" headlight design and new bumpers. The concept features a full fixed glass panel roof as well as special white pearl paint and graphics.

In the cabin, the concept gets two rows of seating instead of three, a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new trim.

What this means to you: It's still hip to be square, Nissan thinks, as it preps the Cube to get it into your hands. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent