Automotive lovers must know about the classic Nissan Bluebird sedan that existed in the 80s. What would happen if this classic car was converted into a pure electric car with a Nissan Leaf drivetrain?
Nissan United Kingdom responded with a project called the ‘Newbird’. This is a project to commemorate Nissan’s 35th anniversary of producing vehicles at the Sunderland plant. They embed the battery and electric motor from the Nissan Leaf behind the sturdy body of the 80s Nissan Bluebird.
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“Nissan has commissioned a 100% electric conversion of the Nissan Bluebird, the first car from the production line (Nissan Sunderland plant) in 1986,” wrote Nissan United Kingdom on Twitter content they posted on Thursday (12/06/21).
“This project is called ‘Newbird’. This (Nissan Bluebird) car is powered by LEAF electric drive,” continued Nissan UK.
Reporting from Top Gear, they carried out this electric car conversion project with Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, which is experienced in converting and implanting batteries in old cars. They embed a 40kWh battery in the base of this old Nissan Bluebird.
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Interestingly, the charging hole in the electric Bluebird is located on the same gas tank lid as the original. So that the feeling of driving is still sentimental like using a gasoline car.
Nissan also gave a touch to the instrument cluster area. Where the gasoline indicator has now changed to a battery indicator. In addition, all devices in this car were electrocuted, such as braking, power steering, heating features, to suspension.
Nissan claims this convertible Bluebird can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 15 seconds. Then for matters of mileage, with a full 40 kWh battery, this car can go up to 209 km away.
“Converting old vehicles to electric, not only allows you to use this iconic vintage car for everyday use, but is also fun to drive, more reliable, and most importantly does not produce harmful emissions while driving,” said Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, a member of Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, George Kinghorn.
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