The famous Yellow taxi cab is famous around the world and synonymous with the hustle and bustle of New York City. However, this familiar icon is about to get a massive scientific make-over.
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) have selected the Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi of New York City after running a competition and rigorous selection process.
A number of key areas have been addressed by scientists from the winning team at Nissan to improve the New York Taxi for drivers, passengers and the environment.
The appearance of the new taxi is the most obvious change. The NV200 will be a much larger and a brighter yellow than the existing cabs. But the science behind the cab is equally startling.
It will be powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder power-train, designed to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Electric powered taxis may also be introduced with trials involving the new Nissan Leaf vehicle starting soon. Nissan hope to offer a fully electric version of the NV200 in 2017.
And it’s not just fuel pollution that this vehicle tackles. The Nissan NV200 will address noise pollution as well. A low-annoyance horn with flashing exterior lights will help draw attention without significantly adding to local noise levels.
The interior of the cab will have caught up with the rest of our everyday technological
needs. A mobile charging station for passengers will include a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs. Drivers are not left out either, as they will benefit from new navigation and telematics systems.
Driver posture and comfort issues have been addressed by incorporating a six-way adjustable driver’s seat that has both recline and lumbar adjustments that can be used even with a partition installed.
A new seat fabric will be used that, whilst looking like leather, will be made from a breathable and easy to clean material. Additionally, the new seat coverings will have antimicrobial properties which will help to reduce odors and harmful bacteria. Independently controlled rear air conditioning with grape phenol-coated air filters will improve cabin air quality too.
The transparent roof panel will offer passengers incredible views of the city as they enjoy the ride to their destination. But if sight-seeing is not your thing, then the overhead reading lights may prove more useful. Floor lighting will also be installed in the new taxis to locate luggage or dropped items.
Safety has been an obvious area of concern and the improvements will include the following:
- Both driver and passengers will be well protected in the new taxi, with front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags including seat-mounted airbags for the front row.
- Lights will alert other road users when passenger doors are about to open
- Sliding doors will reduce the risk of pedestrians being hurt by taxi doors suddenly opening.
- Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) will help to provide a smoother and safer ride
The current fleet of over 13,000 yellow New York taxis carry 600,000+ people per day and travel a cumulative 500 million miles per year. These taxis will be gradually replaced from 2013 and it’s hoped that the last of the fleet will have been replaced by 2018.
If you could influence the design team at Nissan, what other features would you like to see built into the new fleet of New York Taxis?
hey, I really like your article, but I can't see the pics, is it a problem with my browser ? (I'm using firefox)
Thanks,
Bye bye,
Julie
Posted by: comparateur mutuelles | May 03, 2012 at 10:58 AM