Nissan has unveiled an in-house electromod based on the Bluebird model (a.k.a. Altima) from the 1980s. The unique project completed in the UK celebrates 35 years since the Bluebird entered production at the factory in Sunderland.
The five-door hatchback runs on the same internals as the Leaf EV, namely an electric motor, an inverter and a battery pack. All of the above necessitated making in-depth modifications such as reinforcing the suspension to support the weight of the power cells. These are now concealed in the floor between the engine bay and the trunk. The fuel tank lid opens to reveal a charger port. The restoration team even persuaded the fuel meter on the dashboard to display the remaining charge instead.
The one-off electromod is officially called Newbird, sprints 0-100 km/h (0-97 mph) in 15 seconds, and covers slightly more than 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. Unfortunately, it cannot be made road-legal for some reason.
The restorer emphasizes that the electric conversion has had no impact on the appearance of the car, aside from a single illuminated Nissan logo.