Shiro Nakamura, the designer of the R35 Nissan GT-R, has an interesting story involving his new SN Design Platform company and the future of EVs.
Shiro Nakamura was the head of Nissan design in 2017 and was responsible for the R35-generation of the Nissan GT-R along with several other Nissan and Infiniti models. Since he left Nissan, he has been running his own design company called SN Design Platform. This could become the design house responsible for many of the future designs that we experience from various Japanese automakers, especially after the showing at recent auto shows.
Heading to the Paris Auto Show
The Paris Auto Show has come and gone, and most of the vehicles in attendance were expected models that presented the world with the next generation of popular vehicles. Of course, some of the booths housed new models that would become the foundation of future vehicles. One such booth is where SN Design Platform had its vehicles, including the THK LSR-05. This new car could be the future of some new technologies that will be a future-ready model.
This new LSR-05 is a four-door EV that can bring new tech from THK, a Japanese firm specializing in components that use linear motion with rolling contact.
This wasn’t the first show for the LSR-05
The Paris Auto Show is the most recent show for this new concept vehicle, but its not the firs time this car came across the stage at a show. It appeared at the 2023 Tokyo Auto show as well. The model that reached Paris this year is a more advanced prototype version, with several new technologies developed by THK. This means this car has improved and evolved to be a better than it was a year ago.
What added tech is included?
Some of the new items in the LSR-05 include a sliding rear seat that doesn’t require much installation space, an active suspension system with magnetic dampers, a contactless charging system, and a brake-by-wire system. These are pretty cool items, but this incredible new EV has something special that could truly change the electric vehicle market for the future.
This new tech that’s a real game-changer is the set of in-wheel electric motors developed entirely by THK and SN Design Platform to be the wave of the future. These motors are positioned in each of the rear wheels and are rated at 125 horsepower each. They work together with a conventional electric motor that drives the front axle. The motor on the front axle is rated at 295 horsepower. This could mean the entire powertrain is 545 horsepower, but that’s simply adding the horsepower ratings together, which isn’t how this calculation works.
It’s an amazing car
SN Desing Platform calls the LSR-05 a unique car that is a crossover with coupe-like proportions. The vehicle measures 196 inches long, which is good enough for it to be in the midsize segment. The vehicle drives and feels bigger than it is. This is due to the lack of a transmission tunnel and the unique packaging that opens up the space and enables the car to have a flat floor.
The newly-designed seats also make it more spacious and much closer to the size of a full-size vehicle. The rear seats offer passengers enough comfort and space that these seats come equipped with extendable leg rests.
THK and SN Design Platform have not talked of putting the LSR-05 into production. THK has mentioned they are working on a new and more advanced design model called the LSR-07.
This wasn’t the first design from SN Design Platform
The LSR-05 sounds like it’s the first model to come out of the new design house, but that’s not the case. The company presented another concept vehicle called the EV Sport 01 last year. This model was an EV concept that was developed with electric motors created by AIM, another Japanese technology company.
He didn’t sit back and wait
After leaving Nissan, Shiro Nakamura didn’t take his designs and energy and left the auto industry. Instead, he has been active, creative, and could be part of the future of electric vehicle development and design. His new company, SN Design Platform had a strong showing with the LSR-05, created in partnership with THK, that was presented at the Paris Motor Show.
This makes us wonder what Nakamura and SN Design Platform have in store for the market next year and when they will have their first production vehicle.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.