As Japan continues to struggle to limit the environmental risk from its quake-damaged nuclear power plant at Fukushima, The Slicer is pleased to highlight a modest but significant, positive and creative contribution that country's industry has made in a field not normally associated with conservation. Nissan's Esflow concept car is a high performance sports car which was unveiled this month at the Geneva motor show. If it hits production, it will seemingly come in only one colour - green. We're speaking metaphorically, of course. The car is powered by batteries rather than by fossil fuels. Whilst its green credentials will be limited by the means used to generate the electricity to charge the batteries, it does at least boast zero emissions.
In characteristic style, BBC TV programme Top Gear reports:
"Using the same technology found in the Leaf hatchback (laminated lithium-ion batteries), Nissan reckons the Esflow hits 62mph in under five seconds and can travel more than 150 miles on a single charge. All while gently caressing the shell of the South American sea turtle."
Slicer can't help thinking that the shape of the car, and particularly its sweeping windscreen, bears an uncanny likeness to The Stig's helmet...
As you might expect, the author of this blog has a natural affinity for anyone whose first name is "The"....... In his dreams he might even be The Stig.
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