Nissan Bluebird resurrected as electric car
Electric ‘Newbird’ created to help Nissan celebrate 35 years of production in the UKNissan has lifted the covers off a very special one-of-one ‘Newbird’ in the UK, bringing the classic Nissan Bluebird back to life with the running gear of the Nissan LEAF electric car.
The resurrected Nissan Newbird comes as the Japanese brand celebrates 35 years of production at its Sunderland plant in the UK, ahead of a promised acceleration “towards an electrified future through Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term plan to empower mobility and beyond”.
Under Ambition 2030, Nissan says it aims to be carbon-neutral across the lifecycle of its products by fiscal year 2050.
To help get there, by the early 2030s every all-new Nissan model in key markets will be electrified.
A huge overhaul of the previously petrol-engined Bluebird, the full-electric Newbird draws from a 40kWh battery pack, with the battery modules split between the engine bay and boot for optimised weight distribution.
Power steering, braking and heating systems were also heavily upgraded, along with custom suspension to support the Newbird’s heavier EV running gear.
The design team also back-lit the Newbird’s Nissan badge up front, while the car’s original fuel filler cap is now functional as the EV charge port.
Nissan says the battery can be recharged at up to 6.6kW and quotes a theoretical driving range of 130 miles (209km), with the Bluebird’s original instrument cluster now displaying EV info including range.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h is tipped to take less than 15 seconds, meaning it’s not quite as quick as the LEAF small car, which covers the same distance in under 10 seconds.
As for the exterior, Nissan says the Newbird features a “graphic motif inspired by design cues of 1980s consumer technology, combined with a 21st century aesthetic”.
“The ‘Newbird’ represents all that is great about our plant – past present and future,” said Alan Johnson, vice-president of manufacturing at Nissan’s Sunderland factory.
“We have a rich heritage of building great cars, right from the original Bluebird model, and our fantastic team is now leading the way as drive towards an exciting electrified, carbon-neutral, future.”
The plant has officially been in operation since September 1986, with more than 10.5 million cars rolling off the production line since then.
Related: Nissan previews electric sports car and ute
Related: Nissan LEAF to become an SUV
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
